The Mini Mental State Examination

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a group of diseases that may cause the brain to fail. The most common one is Alzheimer’s followed closely behind by Parkinson’s. Alzheimer’s was discovered in 1906 by Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who discovered changes in the brain of a woman who died of an unusual mental. Her symptoms included memory loss, language problems, and unpredictable behavior. Doctor’s now look at brain scans to see abnormal changes in the brain. Doctors may ask questions both to the patient and a family member of the patient, such as, over-all health, past medical problems, ability to carry out daily activities, and changes in behavior and personality. They also might conduct tests of memory, problem solving, attention, counting, and language

Prior to diagnosis the individual may show signs of forgetfulness due to an incline in memory functions. They may even show signs of a decline in reasoning and communication

Alzheimer’s disease is incurable, but there are many stages, warning signs, and risk factors that can serve as detection devices for those who have older adults in their lives. One of the most common early signs of this form of dementia is memory loss. While it is normal for people to occasionally forget things, such as appointments and names, people with Alzheimer’s tend to forget these things more often and are not able to recall them even after a period of time. Other signs that signify a possible case of Alzheimer’s is difficulty performing familiar tasks (cooking, brushing teeth), problems with language (using odd words, failing to remember correct words), disorientation (forgetting where one lives, not knowing how he got to a certain place), problems with abstract thinking (forgetting what numbers represent), misplacing items (putting a hair brush in the freezer), moodiness, personality changes (confusion, suspicion, fearfulness), and loss of initiative

8. List the nursing implications and education needs for each of the following categories of medication related to heart failure: See Attached

Certain qualities are consistently observed in the Alzheimer’s victim. These dysfunction’s, though, are not exclusive to Alzheimer’s disease. Consequently, declaring Alzheimer’s by these parameters is a matter of degree rather than an absolute. Characteristic dysfunction’s have been noted in Alzheimer’s victims, but the degree and severity of these varies from patient to patient. Thus, evaluation of the patient’s mental status must be made based on the sum, rather than a single characteristic. Memory is one of the first noticed deficiencies, beginning typically with the recent and short term memory, and progressing from there as the disease grows more severe. In addition, deterioration in language skills, attention span, praxis (performance of an action), and visuospatial skills are commonly seen. Also observed are changes in the actions and personality of the Alzheimer’s victim. These include changes in mood, motor activities, activities of daily living, socialization skills, psychotic disturbances, vegetative symptomology, and rise in anxiety levels. Again, the

Dementia can be defined as a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life (alz.org). More than often, individuals affected by dementia are over the age of 65. In the United States, there are more than three million cases of dementia each year. According to World Health Organization, the number of people living with dementia is currently estimated at 47.5 million worldwide and is expected to increase to 75.6 million by 2030 (World Health Organization 2015). Dementia is caused by physical modifications in the brain and is known for loss of memory and mental abilities. It’s a progressive disease which means it gets worse over time. If diagnosed early on, the quality of life for people with dementia as well as their family members can be significantly improved. There are many different types of dementias although some are far more reciprocal than others. One of the most common types of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Other few types of dementias are “Vascular dementia, Mixed dementia, Parkinson 's disease and Frontotemporal dementia (Krishnan, D. S)”. All of the various forms of dementia tend to have similar symptoms which consequently makes it hard to determine the type of dementia a patient may be suffering from.

155). There are many types of tests and approaches to cognitive assessments depending on the age of the person and symptoms currently experienced (Cordell et al. 147). These assessments are combined to ensure that there is a clear reason for concern, however, in the film, simply memory testing is done. During sessions with a neurologist, it is important if an informant, someone who has witnessed the change in cognition, is present during the diagnostic process (Cordell et al. 147). After informing Alice of this, she, alongside her husband, is tested through the repetition of sentences and ability to memorize a name and address. Alice’s neurologist merely tests her memory, while excluding other important examinable areas. If the cognitive assessments cause further concerns, a full dementia evaluation is conducted (Cordell et al. 147).

An estimated 47.5 million people suffer from dementia. Every 4 seconds one new case of dementia is diagnosed. Dementia is a term that describes certain symptoms such as impairment to memory, communication and thinking. It is a group of symptoms and not just one illness. Even though one‘s chance of getting dementia increase with age, it is not a part of aging. Dementia is usually diagnosed after a series of assessments that includes a physical evaluation, memory tests, imaging studies and blood work. It affects three aspects of one’s mental function, cognitive dysfunction (Problems with memory, language, thinking and problem solving), psychiatric behavior (changes in personality, emotional control, social behavior and delusions) and difficulties with daily living activities (driving, shopping, eating and dressing). “The median survival time in women is 4.6 years and in men 4.1 years” (Warren, 2016).

The main purpose of the ensuing evaluation is to determine if Ms. Tyler is competent to stand trial for accused crimes, and needs to be evaluated for criminal responsibility. She exhibits signs of mental illness; further investigation via a mental status assessment is required.

Ms.D. is independent and lives alone in her home, however, she reports difficulty remembering to carry out or terminate activities. She reports that she has forgotten to turn off the sink twice this year and flooded her apartment both times. The Functional Activities Questionnaire was chosen to inquire about her safety and the other activities in her life. Next, the Berg Balance Scale was used to highlight Ms. D.’s risk of falling noted by her “furniture-walking”, foot drop, and failed hip replacement. She carries a cane with her but often walks in the senior center without using it. Also, Ms. D. reports difficulty walking in the community and states that she needs a break every five steps due to fatigue. Lastly, the Modified Mini-Mental State Exam was chosen to determine Ms. D.’s cognitive impairment level, if any, and to rule-out Alzheimer’s Disease. As her chief complaint, Ms. D. reports often forgetting the names of people, places, and things. As mentioned before, she has forgotten to turn off her sink and flooded her apartment

The most common tendency in assessing patients who display signs of dementia is to evaluate them for Alzheimer’s Disease. This means that Vascular Dementia, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, and Parkinson’s Disease Dementia are conversely overlooked as possible diagnoses. Special attention to clinical presentation and the use of diagnostic tests (such as the MRI) and assessment scales (like the Mini Mental State Exam) aid in distinguishing between these diseases, and therefore better the evaluation process. There are other telltale markers that aid in assessing these diseases, as well. Alzheimer’s Disease often presents with a slow decline in memory, while Vascular Dementia patients experiences sharp declines in cognition. Patients suffering from Parkinson’s Disease Dementia and Dementia with Lewy bodies often present with symptoms of psychoses and hallucinations as well as cognitive impairments, and they differ in the onset time of dementia. The early detection of cognitive decline is important not only for the treatment but also for improving the caregiver burden of these patients. Management of these disorders is focused on symptomatic relief, but it is also important to minimize life style risk factors for all dementias.

With Alzheimer’s there are 3 stages in which a person will go through. First, there is the early stage. You may observe mild memory loss, and as the disease worsens so do the symptoms. In the moderate stage you may notice a difficulty of managing personal finances, household tasks, personal care, sleep routine and many more. As you progress to the severe stage you may experience forgetfulness of family members, communication, lack of control over bladder or bowel, and the need for help of activities of daily living. Symptoms of dementia can vary greatly. In order to be diagnosed with dementia at least two things will need to be present within the following: memory, communication, the ability to focus, reasoning, and vision perception. The symptoms of dementia start off slowly then gradually increase, this is known as a progressive

Dementia is a progressive disease that damages brain cells, wipes out memories, and changes the way a human being understands and functions in the world(Colistoga Press, 2013). When someone is diagnosed with Dementia or Alzheimers, it will change their entire life and their family. When diagnosed early, the patient can help plan their care while they have the ability to do so. The family also has time to plan care for their loved one and research the best option of care for them as they progress in their disease. Although there is not a single test that diagnosis dementia, your healthcare physician can make the diagnosis according to several exams, tests, and review of symptoms. Each person with dementia is different and it affects them differently, and they need to be treated so. It is important to study from the perspective of the family and person who is struggling with dementia." There is no 'one size fits all ' when you are dealing with a person who has dementia" (Rubinstein, N., 2011). They are unique, and the person you are dealing with is one of a kind, and their relationship with their family is one of a kind, so each person diagnosed with dementia will respond differently to treatment and care.

Dementia is characterized as a condition where the mental processes of cognition and memory start to deteriorate. It is described as a syndrome that hinders the daily lives of those who have it and is characterized by memory and thinking impairment. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease and the second most common is vascular dementia. Dementia is a syndrome occurring usually, but not limited, to people over the age of 40 and is due to brain damage caused by natural deteriorating, stroke or can be brought on by factors such as excessive drinking or drug abuse. Dementia is best cared for in its early stages and, therefore, an early diagnosis is essential. Recognizing the symptoms by both the dementia patient and the

One of the most common forms of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder which impacts activities of daily living through cognitive changes and memory loss. This is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease which is characterized by language deterioration, poor judgment, confusion, restlessness, mood swings, memory loss, and the inability to mentally manipulate visual information. The onset of Alzheimer’s disease generally begins around the mid-60s, but early signs may occur as early as in the early 40s. Some initial symptoms appear as memory decline, but as the illness progresses it starts to destroy cognition, personality, and the individual’s ability to function, along with restlessness and confusion. The severity, type, sequence,