DEMENTIA AND SHORT TERM MEMORY WHAT IS DEMENTIA

DEMENTIA AND SHORT TERM MEMORY

WHAT IS DEMENTIA? v Dementia is a decline of reasoning, memory, and other mental abilities such as, language, attention, and problem solving. v It is most common with elderly people but can affect adults of any age. v Dementia is not a disease itself, but rather a group of symptoms that might accompany certain diseases or conditions v It’s symptoms are progressive and will only get worse with time.

CAUSES OF DEMENTIA There are many causes of dementia. Some of them include neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease; vascular disorders, inherited disorders like as Huntington's disease, and infections such as HIV.

EARLY DEMENTIA v Has difficulty finding words. v Forgets names easily, along with whether or not a task has been completed v Has difficulty performing familiar tasks like driving or cooking. v Poor judgment v Experiences confusion and disorientation when in unfamiliar surroundings.

INTERMEDIATE DEMENTIA v A person will experience worsened symptoms from early dementia with less ability to compensate. v Cannot perform every day living tasks(i. e. bathing, feeding, grooming, using the toilet) without assistance. v Experiences confusion and disorientation even in familiar surrounding v Unable to learn new information.

SEVERE DEMENTIA v Worsening of symptoms from early and intermediate stages. v Total dependency on others to perform daily tasks. v Complete loss of short and long term memory.

TWO MAIN CATEGORIES OF DEMENTIA Cortical Dementia Subcortical Dementia This is where the cerebral cortex (the outer layer of the brain) is affected. Alzheimer's disease is a form of cortical dementia. This is where a part of the brain beneath the cortex is affected or damaged. Language and memory aren’t usually affected. These people usually experience changes in personality, slowed thinking, and shortened attention span.

SHORT TERM MEMORY v The place in which sensory information is kept for a few seconds or less. v Short term memory is also where long term memory goes when you recall it.

SHORT TERM MEMORY TEST-PICTURES Observe the following picture for 15 seconds, then write down all the items you remember.

WORKS CITED v http: //www. emedicinehealth. com/dementia_overview/articl e_em. htm v http: //www. emedicinehealth. com/dementia_overview/page 3_em. htm v http: //www. medicalnewstoday. com/articles/142214. php v http: //www. clevelandclinic. org/healthinfo/docs/2300/2340. asp? index=9170