Notes for Abnormal Psychology-November 11th

Dementia, at this juncture, is incurable. There are a variety of confounding variables, as it

is known to fluctuate on a day-to-day basis.
Another pattern symptomatic of Alzheimer's and dementia is poverty of content. They
employ many pronouns, verbs, and vague sense of subject. "That's her, over there! She's
doing it."
Recall, too, the moment when the man fails to even remember what or where the
bathroom is. The caregiver, when trying to remind the patient of rudimentary functions,
may be subject to aggression and frustration. However, this can be remedied by giving
enough bandwidth to the patient to foster independence. Take, for example, simply laying
out a patient's clothes in the morning, and establishing a routine as to how to adequately
cater to their needs. This is to ensure that they do not get overwhelmed by the many
options available.
The genetics of Alzheimer's disease is a dizzying topic. One which saw you completely
spacing out.
Of individuals ages 65 and older, 11% of them have Alzheimer's-this is a staggering 1 out
of ten.
Alzheimer's is more prevalent in women (67%). However, this is attributed to the greater
longevity for the female sex.
Ethnicity is an additional variable, as those of African American or Hispanic descent is at
a higher risk than others.
Other factors to consider are head trauma, family history, genetic factors, etc.
Smoking, unsurprisingly, also adds to a greater susceptibility of dementia. This may be
due to the fact that the habit is also detrimental to-never mind.
Protective Factors:
Means of ameliorating risk may be achieved through anti-inflammatory drugs
(ibuprofen).
Cholesterol-reducing statin drugs. While statin does not directly reduce the risk of
Alzheimer's, rather, it helps to improve one's heart health, which in turn lowers the risk of
the disease.

High levels of cognitive ability. This is illustrative of the "cognitive resource" model, in
which an individual relies upon their cognitive reserve. With dementia, this reserve is
gradually depleted.
High levels of cognitive activity. This entails consistent cognitive stimulation. This may
be through visiting museums, contributing to conversations, keeping aware of world
events, etc.
A word of caution: companies are marketing software and other things as a means of
stimulating cognition. There is a profound lack of data in support of their levels of
effectiveness.
High levels of physical activity (daily exercise). This is attributed, albeit uncertainly, to
the correlation between heart health and protection against Alzheimer's.
Researchers were interested in examining the lives of Roman Catholic monks and nuns.
This is primarily due to the homogeneity of their lifestyles, and thus, susceptibility could
be gauged.
The more syntactically and thematically risk a nun's autobiographies were at 22 years old,
the lower density of ideas at age 22.
Wilson et al., studied 40 different Catholic groups across the United States. For every one
unit increase-never mind. This is so far beyond me.
Treatment-AD
Acetylcholine agonists (increase levels), also called cholinesterase inhibitors.
Namenda serves as a fitting remedy to guard neurons against residue glutamate.
Early identification to prevent symptoms only-can't halt progressive course.
Regrettably, the loss of cognitive functioning in Alzheimer's is virtually irrevocable.
The earlier Alzheimer's is identified, however, the better. As one may plan one's life
accordingly, as well as their residential space.
In addition to early psychopharmacological treatment, one must consider psychological
treatment. Given how irreversible most symptoms are, one of the most vital components
is to provide support for the caregivers. Whoever is intended to be caregivers and such
yeah.
Therapeutic support is imperative in the advent of Alzheimer's. This is primarily due to
the vulnerability the subject may feel to depression.

Additionally, pragmatic, compensatory strategies intended to accommodate the functional

shortcomings of the individual can be laid out.
Behavioral interventions may also be necessitated. Individuals with Alzheimer's suffer
from insomnia, and, consequently, may be likely to depart on excursions at times when
other individuals are not awake.
In the vain of therapeutic support, treatment for depression.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI
Open Head Injury:
-Laceration: This is whenever an individual has a cut, and an open wound provides a
point of entry for invasive bacteria.
-More distinct symptoms, less loss of consciousness
Closed Head Injury:
-Concussion, contusion
-Coup and contracoup
When the skull is fractured, then there is no means of tissue compression for the brain
itself. When an individual's body and head move forward with thrust, then the car comes
to a sudden stop.
Cerebrovascular Incident (Stroke)
3rd Labeling Cause of Death in the United States
Major Cause of Vascular Dementia
2 Types:
Ischemic (Blockage)
LEARN THE SIGNS OF A STROKE, IT WILL BE ON THE EXAM!
1. A sudden numbness or weakness of the face (particularly if it is concentrated on one
side of the body).
2. A sudden sense of confusion, or a difficulty of understanding or speaking.
3. Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes.
DO NOT PUT ANYTHING IN THE PERSON'S MOUTH WHEN THEY'RE HAVING
A SEIZURE. THIS WILL BE ON THE EXAM. AGAIN, DO NOT PUT ANYTHING IN
A PERSON'S TONGUE WHILE THEY ARE HAVING A STROKE.