Question

1- Write a paragraph or make a table where you compare and contrast Delirium and Dementia.

2-Write a paragraph describing clinical manifestation and objective data collected in a Parkinson's disease patient .

Answer 1

1) Delirium (sometimes called acute confusional state) and dementia are the most common causes of cognitive impairment, although affective disorders (eg, depression) can also disrupt cognition. Delirium and dementia are separate disorders but are sometimes difficult to distinguish. In both, cognition is disordered; however, the following helps distinguish them:

Delirium affects mainly attention.

Dementia affects mainly memory.

Delirium is typically caused by acute illness or drug toxicity (sometimes life threatening) and is often reversible.

Dementia is typically caused by anatomic changes in the brain, has slower onset, and is generally irreversible.

Delirium often develops in patients with dementia. Mistaking delirium for dementia in an older patient—a common clinical error—must be avoided, particularly when delirium is superimposed on chronic dementia. No laboratory test can definitively establish the cause of cognitive impairment; a thorough history and physical examination as well as knowledge of baseline function are essential.

2) The classic manifestations of Parkinson's disease (PD) often include tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia. In the beginning stages, only a mildtremor, a slight limp, or a decreased arm swing may be evident.
“Parkinson’s is a neurological illness caused by degeneration or breaking down of cells in the nervous system,” explained Dr. Shprecher. “The nature of Parkinson’s Disease is progressive, meaning that it gets worse over time.” To comprehend the natural progression of the disease, we should understand its five stages, as explaine

Stage One

Individuals experience mild symptoms that generally do not interfere with daily activities. Tremor and other movement symptoms occur on one side of the body only. They may also experience changes in posture, walking and facial expressions.

Stage Two

Symptoms worsen, including tremor, rigidity and other movement symptoms on both sides of the body. The person is still able to live alone, but daily tasks are more difficult and lengthier.

Stage Three

This is considered mid-stage. Individuals experience loss of balance and slowness of movements. While still fully independent, these symptoms significantly impair activities such as dressing and eating. Falls are also more common by stage three.

Stage Four

Symptoms are severe and limiting. Individuals may stand without help, but movement likely requires a walker. People in stage four require help with daily activities and are unable to live alone.

Stage Five

Stiffness in the legs may make it impossible to stand or walk. The person requires a wheelchair or is bedridden. Around-the-clock nursing care is needed for all activities. The person may experience hallucinations and delusions.
When patients reach stage five – the final stageof Parkinson's disease – they will have severe posture issues in their back, neck, and hips. They will require a wheelchair and may be bedridden. In end-stage of Parkinson's disease, patients will also often experience non-motor symptoms.