Articles: dementia.
-
Vascular dementia is a common cause of dementia, and cerebrovascular disease is related to a higher risk of dementia. The frequency of dementia associated with ischemic stroke and the effects of different definitions of dementia in the diagnosis are still incompletely known. We evaluated the frequency of cognitive decline and dementia 3 months after ischemic stroke in a large stroke cohort. ⋯ Cognitive decline and dementia were frequent in the cohort of ischemic stroke patients, and the frequency increased with increasing age. Different definitions gave different frequency estimates, and overlap in the cases was observed. Our findings question the validity of current criteria for dementia in the setting of cerebrovascular disease and emphasize the need for further debate and studies to refine the categories of cognitive impairment related to cerebrovascular disease.
-
To determine the frequency of unrecognized dementia in a group of men found to have dementia by population survey, and to identify factors associated with the failure of a family informant to recognize significant memory impairment. ⋯ Unrecognized dementia was common in our population, especially among mild cases. Cognitive screening programs for the elderly and public education policies designed to increase awareness of early signs of dementia are needed if interventions for individuals with potentially treatable dementias are to be implemented.
-
Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Mar 1997
Comparative StudyThe experience of dying with dementia: a retrospective study.
To describe the last year of life of people with dementia, their symptoms, care needs, use of and satisfaction with health services and the bereavement state of the respondent. ⋯ Patients dying from dementia have symptoms and health care needs comparable with cancer patients. Greater attention should be given to these needs.
-
Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Mar 1997
Education and decline in cognitive performance: compensatory but not protective.
The association between education and cognitive change was investigated in a large community sample of elderly people followed up after 3.6 years. Lower education was predictive of decline on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and on tests of language and knowledge, but not on tests of cognitive speed, memory or reaction time. ⋯ The findings suggest that education slows the rate of decline on crystallized intelligence, but not other cognitive abilities. Education may compensate for neurodegenerative changes rather than protect against them.
-
Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Mar 1997
Orthostatic hypotension and low blood pressure in organic dementia: a study of prevalence and related clinical characteristics.
To determine the prevalence of orthostatic hypotension (OH), low blood pressure and dizziness, falls and fractures in patients with organic dementia. ⋯ The results support our clinical impressions that OH and low blood pressure is common and an important factor in organic dementia.