The Dementias
dementia: condition of gradual, insidious, and relentless loss of cognition, as well as deterioration of social capabilities.
Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type:(DAT) marked by significant memory impairments. Gradual onset and continuous cognitive decline.
Vascular Dementia:(multi-infarct dementia) arises from many small cortical and subcortical infarcts. Abrupt onset.
Pick's Disease: personality and social behavior alterations are seen first, then cognitive impairments.
Lewy Body Dementia: senile plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and presence of LEWY BODIES. Exhibit cognitive deterioration and body rigidity.
Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type (DAT)
-shrinkage of frontal and temporal gyri and ventricle enlargement.
-classic pathological symptoms:
-affects cholinergic pathways.
-Etiology: not known, but a few causes have been suggested: