Neurological Function:

Sample Solution

          Neurological Function: H.M. is a 67-year-old female, who recently retired from being a school teacher for the last 40 years. Her husband died 2 years ago due to complications of a CVA. Past medical history: hypertension controlled with Olmesartan 20 mg by mouth once a day. Family history is not contributory. Last annual visits with PCP with normal results. She lives by herself but her children live close to her and usually visit her two or three times a week. Her daughter started noticing that her mother is having problems focusing when talking to her, she is not keeping things at home as she used to, often repeating and asking the same question several times and yesterday she had issues remembering her way back home from the grocery store. Case Study Questions Name the most common risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease Name and describe the similarities and differences between Alzheimer’s disease, Vascular Dementia, Dementia with Lewy bodies, and Frontotemporal dementia. Define and describe explicit and implicit memory. Describe the diagnosis criteria developed for the Alzheimer’s disease by the National Institute of Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association What would be the best therapeutic approach for C.J. Your initial post should be at least 500 words per case study, formatted and cited in the current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources. Your initial post is worth 8 points.

Full Answer Section

         

• Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD): Affects the frontal and temporal lobes, leading to personality changes, difficulty with language, and problems with judgment and social behavior. Memory problems may be less prominent compared to AD and VaD.

Similarities: All types of dementia can cause progressive cognitive decline, impacting memory, thinking, and reasoning.

Differences: Each type has a distinct underlying cause, affecting different brain areas and producing a unique pattern of symptoms. The rate of progression and specific cognitive functions affected can also vary.

Explicit vs. Implicit Memory

Memory can be categorized into two main types (Schacter, 2007):

• Explicit Memory: Refers to the conscious recollection of past experiences and factual information. Examples include remembering your childhood home or recalling historical events.
• Implicit Memory: Refers to unconscious memories that influence behavior without conscious recollection. Examples include learning to ride a bike or recognizing a familiar face without remembering where you met them.

Diagnosis Criteria for Alzheimer's Disease

The National Institute on Aging and Alzheimer's Association (NIA-AA) established diagnostic criteria for AD based on a combination of factors (National Institute on Aging, 2011):

1. Cognitive Decline: Evidence of a decline in one or more cognitive domains, such as memory, language, or executive function.
2. Biomarkers: While not definitive, positive results from brain scans (amyloid PET) or cerebrospinal fluid analysis can support an AD diagnosis.
3. Functional Decline: Difficulty performing daily activities independently is another key indicator.

Therapeutic Approach for H.M.

Given H.M.'s symptoms, a thorough evaluation by a neurologist is crucial. While a conclusive diagnosis can only be made through further testing, including cognitive assessments and brain scans, the initial steps would likely involve:

• Ruling Out Other Causes: Other conditions like depression, medication side effects, or vitamin deficiencies can mimic dementia symptoms. Addressing these can improve cognitive function.
• Managing Underlying Conditions: Controlling H.M.'s hypertension is essential to maintain overall brain health.
• Cognitive Rehabilitation: Therapy can help H.M. develop strategies to learn new ways to manage tasks affected by memory decline.
• Medications: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) are the primary class of medications used for AD to improve cognitive function. However, the effectiveness may vary.
• Social Support: Encouraging H.M.'s social interaction and engagement with family and friends can help maintain cognitive function and emotional well-being.

Conclusion

H.M.'s case highlights the importance of early evaluation for potential cognitive decline. While the information provided doesn't confirm AD, a comprehensive medical workup is necessary. Addressing underlying conditions, managing risk factors, and exploring treatment options can improve H.M.'s quality of life and well-being.

References

• Alzheimer's Association. (2023, January 11). Alzheimer's disease facts and figures. https://www.alz.org/
• National Institute on Aging. (2011, November). Alzheimer's Disease: Changing the Conversation.