nursing
Mr. Grey age 70, is accompanied by his wife who stated that for the past 10-12 months she has noticed that her husband has been experiencing forgetfulness, personality changes; and some memory loss, for example, inability to recognize familiar faces, places, or objects. Further, she stated that he continuously repeats the same stories, having forgotten that he has already told them.
1. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A probable diagnosis could be dementia base on patient’s history such as forgetfulness, personality changes, and memory loss.
2. How would you define this condition?
- Dementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain brain diseases or injury. It affects memory, personality changes, and impaired judgment.
3. (a) How is a definitive diagnosis made?
Medical history: an interview or questionnaire to identify past medical problems.
Physical examination: might include blood and urine tests designed to help eliminate other possible conditions. These will measure things like blood count, thyroid and liver function, and levels of glucose and other blood-based indicators of illness. A depression screening should also be conducted.
Neuropsychological testing: The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) is the most commonly used test for complaints of memory problems or when a diagnosis of dementia is being considered. The MMSE is a series of questions and tests, each of which scores points if answered correctly. If every answer is correct, a maximum score of 30 points is possible. The MMSE tests a number of different mental abilities, including a person's memory, attention and language. In general, scores of 27 or above (out of 30) are considered normal. However, getting a score below this does not always mean that a person has dementia - their mental abilities might be impaired for another reason or they may have a physical problem such as difficulty hearing, which makes it harder for them to take
1. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A probable diagnosis could be dementia base on patient’s history such as forgetfulness, personality changes, and memory loss.
2. How would you define this condition?
- Dementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain brain diseases or injury. It affects memory, personality changes, and impaired judgment.
3. (a) How is a definitive diagnosis made?
Medical history: an interview or questionnaire to identify past medical problems.
Physical examination: might include blood and urine tests designed to help eliminate other possible conditions. These will measure things like blood count, thyroid and liver function, and levels of glucose and other blood-based indicators of illness. A depression screening should also be conducted.
Neuropsychological testing: The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) is the most commonly used test for complaints of memory problems or when a diagnosis of dementia is being considered. The MMSE is a series of questions and tests, each of which scores points if answered correctly. If every answer is correct, a maximum score of 30 points is possible. The MMSE tests a number of different mental abilities, including a person's memory, attention and language. In general, scores of 27 or above (out of 30) are considered normal. However, getting a score below this does not always mean that a person has dementia - their mental abilities might be impaired for another reason or they may have a physical problem such as difficulty hearing, which makes it harder for them to take