2008 - Communication Across the Curriculum (CAC)

B i o l o g y
or pernicious anemia, which each mimic the characteristics of
dementia but are treatable and reversible. Most patients will
also usually undergo a single brain imaging by way of a CT scan
or an MRI in order to differentiate dementia from Alzheimer’s
disease (Beers 360-363).
Psychiatric evaluations are used for initial diagnosis as well
as determining progression of the disease. In order for positive
senile dementia diagnosis a patient must exhibit multiple
cognitive deficits including memory impairment and at least
one of the following disorders: language disturbance, inability to
control motor functions, failure to identify objects and inability to
execute mental functions (Weitzel 143).
Dementia is caused by loss of cells in the cerebral cortex of
the brain. The death of the cells leads to cognitive impairment
that present as dementia. Some causes are treatable and
reversible such as hydrocephalus, brain tumors, infections and
metabolic causes. However, most causes are associated with
Alzheimer’s disease; they are progressive, degenerative and
irreversible (American Academy of Family Physicians). The
occurrence of dementia increases dramatically with age. It is
estimated that it affects only 1% of Americans under 64 and 30-
50% of the population over 85 years old. There are about 4-
5 million people in the U.S. affected; it is the leading cause of
institionalization among the elderly and approximately 60-80%
of all nursing home residents suffer from dementia (Beers 369).
Patients suffering from dementia generally experience a
steady unexplainable decline in mental function over a 2-10 year
period of time. Symptoms of early dementia include diminished
short term memory, personality changes, emotional lability
and poor judgment. As the disease progresses the ability to
perform basic daily activities becomes impaired. Patients are
unable to learn new information; poor sociability, disorientation,
and confusion occur resulting in patients becoming lost easily.
Those with severe dementia are unable to perform daily activities
and rely on others for all functions, including toileting, feeding
and moving. They suffer complete memory loss and become
susceptible to infections and seizures (Beers 357-359).
Treatment of the Initial Diagnosis:
After being admitted to hospital, Pop’s doctor performed
a very thorough examination. He underwent all of the testing
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