Dementia

• What is dementia?

  Range of neurodegenerative disorders

  Characterised by progressive cognitive decline that impairs daily functioning
• What mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score suggests dementia?

  24 or less

  20 - 24 = mild

  13 - 20 = moderate

  < 12 = severe
• What is the most prevalent form of dementia?

  Alzheimer's disease
• When does vascular dementia often occur?

  Often secondary to cerebrovascular accidents of chronic ischaemia

  Stepwise deterioration -> due to infarcts compromising brain function
• How does Lewy body dementia present?

  Visual hallucinations

  Fluctuating condition

  Parkinsonism
• What does frontotemporal dementia involve?

  Atrophy in frontal & temporal lobes -> personality changes & language difficulties
• Types of dementia

  Alzheimer's (60-80%)

  Vascular (15-20%)

  Lewy bodies (10-15%)

  Frontotemporal (2%)