Cognitive Responses and Organic Mental Disorders Chapter 23 Cognitive Responses and Organic Mental Disorders

Figure 23-1(1) Behavioral and biological correlates of learning and memory. (Modified from Nolte J: The human brain: an introduction to its functional anatomy, ed 4, St Louis, 2000, Mosby.)

Figure 23-1(2) Behavioral and biological correlates of learning and memory. (Modified from Nolte J: The human brain: an introduction to its functional anatomy, ed 4, St Louis, 2000, Mosby.)

Behaviors Noted in Alzheimer’s Disease Aphasia—Difficulty finding the right word Apraxia—An inability to perform familiar skilled activities Agnosia—Difficulty recognizing well-known objects, including people Amnesia—Significant memory impairment in the absence of clouded consciousness or other cognitive symptoms

Figure 23-5 The Stuart Stress Adaptation Model as related to cognitive responses.

Primary Nursing Diagnoses Related to Maladaptive Cognitive Responses Acute confusion Chronic confusion Disturbed thought processes

Primary Medical Diagnoses Related to Maladaptive Cognitive Responses Delirium Dementia Amnestic disorders

Pharmacological Treatment Options in Alzheimer’s Disease Category Target Symptoms Cholinesterase inhibitors Apathy, psychosis (delusions, hallucinations), agitation, anxiety, nighttime behavior; positive effects have been shown on cognition, activities of daily living, and global functioning Antipsychotics Psychosis (delusions, hallucinations), hostility, aggression, agitation, violent behavior Antidepressants Depressive symptoms, anxiety disorders β-Blockers Agitation Benzodiazepines Anxiety, agitation Estrogen Anticonvulsants Agitation, aggression, mood swings Serotonergic agents Psychosis, agitation