Neurologic System Topic: Vascular Dementia
Neurologic System Topic: Vascular Dementia
No Plegarism Please Will Be Checked With Turnitinwill Need minimum O
No Plegarism please, will be checked with Turnitin. Will need minimum of 300 words, APA Style, double spaced, times new roman, font 12, and and Include: 3 references with intext citations. Neurologic System Topic: Vascular Dementia For your assigned topic, you are to discuss the: Incidence and prevalence of the disorder pathophysiology from an advanced practice perspective physical assessment and examination evidence-based treatment plan and patient education, as well as follow up and evaluation to assess the efficacy and outcomes of the evidence-based treatment plan for management of an episodic, acute, and chronic case involving the pathology(s).
Paper For Above instruction
Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease, characterized by a decline in cognitive function resulting from cerebrovascular pathology. Its incidence increases with age, and it is estimated that approximately 10-15% of all dementia cases are due to vascular causes (O'Brien & Thomas, 2015). The prevalence varies worldwide, influenced by the prevalence of cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, and other vascular risk factors. For instance, in the United States, the prevalence among those aged over 65 is estimated to be around 1-4%, with variations depending on comorbidities (Kalaria et al., 2016). The pathophysiology of VaD involves ischemic or hemorrhagic damage to brain tissue, leading to neuron death and disruption of blood flow. It often results from small vessel disease, large vessel infarcts, or a combination, causing focal neurological deficits that influence cognitive decline.
From an advanced practice perspective, understanding the pathophysiology is crucial for comprehensive assessment and management. Physical examination may reveal signs such as hypertension, carotid bruits, gait disturbances, or motor deficits, which indicate underlying vascular pathology. Cognitive assessment tools, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), assist in evaluating the severity of decline, while neuroimaging—including MRI and CT scans—are vital for identifying infarcts, white matter lesions, or hemorrhage (Gorelick et al., 2017).
Evidence-based treatment primarily involves managing vascular risk factors to halt or slow disease progression. This includes antihypertensive therapy, lipid management, antiplatelet agents, and lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation, exercise, and dietary changes (Smith et al., 2018). Patient education emphasizes adherence to medication regimens, recognition of symptoms indicative of stroke or worsening cognitive status, and the importance of regular follow-up. Additionally, cognitive rehabilitation and supportive therapies are employed to improve quality of life.
Follow-up and evaluation focus on monitoring vascular risk control, cognitive status, and functional abilities. Regular assessments allow early detection of episodic events such as strokes and progression to chronic dementia. Outcomes are assessed through neuropsychological testing, functional status scales, and neuroimaging. Continuous management aims to reduce the risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events and support the patient's independence and daily functioning.
In conclusion, vascular dementia presents significant challenges due to its complex pathophysiology and impact on cognition. An advanced practice approach employs thorough physical assessment, imaging modalities, and evidence-based interventions to mitigate risks, manage symptoms, and improve patient outcomes across episodic, acute, and chronic stages.
References
- Gorelick, P. B., et al. (2017). Vascular cognitive impairment and dementia: diagnosis, management, and prevention. The Lancet Neurology, 16(9), 674-684.
- Kalaria, R. N., et al. (2016). The pathology and pathogenesis of vascular dementia. Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology, 42(2), 113-124.
- O'Brien, J. T., & Thomas, A. (2015). Vascular dementia. The Lancet, 386(10004), 168-170.
- Smith, E. E., et al. (2018). Vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia. The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 128(4), 1538-1549.