PSYC31H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Gliosis, Basal Ganglia, Hypertonia
14 Oct 2016
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Objectively measuring strengths and weaknesses by administering tests. Degenerative disorders: differential diagnosis of dementia, gradual deterioration of intellectual abilities, step wise vs. slowly progressive. Patient will function at a level then dramatically worse, stay at that level for a while then gradually worse (step wise). Challenge to measure someone who is declining in a stepwise manner. Challenging because even high functioning individuals can have cognitive impairments. In order to be diagnosed with dementia, the impairment should cause disability in social and cognitive functioning. Asks whether the person can live independently: each dementia syndrome has a unique neuropsychological signature. Helps the clinician come up with a differential diagnosis. If strengths and weaknesses are identified this can inform the clinician of basic care that needs to be implemented. Informs clinicians and researchers in developing treatment: a diagnosis of dementia is clinical. There is nothing definitive of the diagnosis.
