2: Memory problems - assessment Flashcards Preview

Psychiatry Week 4 2018/19 > 2: Memory problems - assessment > Flashcards

Flashcards in 2: Memory problems - assessment Deck (26)
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1
Q

What is memory?

A

The ability to store and retrieve information

2
Q

Memory allows us to ___ from past experience.

A

learn

3
Q

What are the three broad types of memory?

How long does each last for?

A

Sensory memory (< 1 sec)

Short-term memory (< 1 min)

Long-term memory (> 30 mins, up to a lifetime)

4
Q

What are the two subtypes of long-term memory?

A

Explicit (i.e your conscious memory)

Implicit (i.e your unconscious memory)

5
Q

What is contained within your explicit long-term memory?

A

Facts

Events and experiences

6
Q

What is contained within your implicit long-term memory?

A

Routines

Unconscious skills

7
Q

Unconscious behaviours and routines are contained within your ___ memory.

Facts and experiences are contained within your ___ memory.

A

implicit

explicit

8
Q

What do you need to do in order to learn new information?

A

Pay attention

Concentrate

9
Q

If you’re concentrating on learning something new, it is then ___ in your memory.

A

encoded

as words, sound, feelings etc.

10
Q

What do you need to do to bring information back into your short-term / working memory?

A

Retrieve it

11
Q

What is amnesia?

A

Memory loss

12
Q

What are the two types of amnesia?

Describe the memory loss experienced in each,

A

Anterograde (loss of memories after a disease or illness starts)

Retrograde (loss of memories preceding the onset of a disease or illness)

13
Q

What are some presenting complaints of patients with a memory problem?

A

Forgetting names

Frequently losing things

Getting lost

Forgetting to do important tasks

Losing track of conversations

14
Q

Memory loss occurs with ___ and is normal.

A

age

15
Q

What is the term used to describe memory loss somewhere between age-related forgetfulness and dementia?

A

Mild cognitive impairment

16
Q

In the elderly, it is important to differentiate dementia from which mood disorders?

A

Anxiety

Depression

which are very common and cause a “pseudodementia” which is treatable

17
Q

Dementia is a chronic, progressive decline in cortical function.

Which aspects of cortical function are affected?

A

Memory

Decision making

Judgement

Orientation

Comprehension

Language

18
Q

What is the most common cause of dementia?

A

Alzheimer’s disease

19
Q

What is the second most common cause of dementia?

A

Cerebrovascular disease

20
Q

How would you describe the onset of

a) delirium
b) depression
c) dementia?

A

a) Acute

b) Gradual

c) Insidious

21
Q

To assess a patient’s current cognitive state, you need to know what their ____ cognition was like.

A

premorbid

22
Q

Which scoring system is used to assess patients for delirium?

A

4AT

23
Q

What is a

a) normal
b) abnormal MMSE score?

A

a) > 27/30

b) < 24/30

24
Q

Which scoring systems can be used for

a) brief
b) in-depth screening for dementia?

A

a) MMSE, MOCA

b) ACE-III, GPCOG

25
Q

If a patient is screened and their cognitive score is normal, can they have dementia?

A

Yes

Some types present with other symptoms before cognitive impairment e.g frontotemporal dementia, which presents as personality / behavioural change initially

26
Q

If a cognitive examination is inconclusive or you have doubts about the results, what can you refer a patient for?

A

Neuropsychological assessment