CMN 577 Unit 2 Study Guide 2025/2026
In Lewy body dementia, protein deposits develop in nerve cells in regions of the brain
involved in? - Thinking, memory, and movement
What diagnostic tests are appropriate for Alzheimer's diagnosis? - CBC, CMP, TSH,
B12, RPR, CT Head
What is the name of the prescription medical food that is intended for the clinical dietary
management of the metabolic processes associated with mild to moderate Alzheimer's
disease? - Axona
What are the treatment options for Alzheimer's Disease? - Cholinesterase Inhibitors
(memantine (Namenda)) and antidepressants, diet and exercise
What tests are helpful in evaluating/diagnosing Dementia? - MMSE (not used anymore),
MoCa, SLUMS, and Mini-Cog
The Mini-Cog should be used for initial testing. If (+), then move on to? - MoCa or
SLUMS
What is NPH? - Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus- It is an enlargement of the ventricles
WITHOUT increased ICP- presents in >/= 60 y.o
What is the triad of symptoms in NPH? - Gait changes, Altered thought processes, and
urinary incontinence
What is the treatment of NPH? - Treatment of symptoms-anticholinesterase inhibitors
may be helpful w/ memory loss
Shunt placement- can be considered but must weigh pros and cons
What are some risk factors for stroke? - HTN, DM, CAD, Migraine Headaches,
Hyperlipidemia, Tobacco Abuse, ETOH/drug abuse, personal/family hx of stroke
Ischemic stroke treatment must be initiated within ??? Hours of onset. - 4.5
What medications are indicated for post-stroke treatment? - Anti-coagulant therapy
(may include ASA, Plavix, Aggrenox, Coumadin)
If atrial fibrillation is the underlying cause of the CVA, what anticoagulants may be
considered? - Pradaxa, Xarelto, Eliquis
What is the typical age of onset for Parkinson's disease? - 45-65
What are the symptoms of Parkinson's? - Tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural
instability- considered "hallmark" features
, First symptom is usually "pill-rolling" tremor unilaterally, that is absent during sleep, with
maximum SXS at rest
If a patient has SXS of Parkinson's, but are younger than 50, what two diseases must
be ruled out? - Huntington's Chorea and Wilson's disease
What is Huntington's Chorea? - Inherited disease with progressive dementia, bizarre
movements, and posture
What is Wilson's disease? - Accumulation of copper in various vital organs
What are some medications that may create Parkinson's-type symptoms? -
Metoclopramide, Reserpine, and Anti-psychotics
Parkinson's related dementia must be diagnosed ??? After the diagnosis of Parkinson's
is made - 2 years
How can I distinguish between essential familial tremors and PD tremors? - Essential
familial tremors are ABSENT at rest and PRESENT with intention- they often affect the
head, have normal movement speed, and are fairly animated—— Also, usually
BILATERAL
In PD, when functional disability w/ cognitive impairment are noted, what should be
used first line? - Sinemet
In PD management, what medication may be appropriate with mild functional debility
and a predominant tremor? - Amantadine
Shirley has just been diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis. She is 46. She comes into the
clinic today with her husband wanting more information on the disease. What can you
tell them? - Can occur at any age-any time- is a slowly, progressive disease. Symptoms
will be asymmetric limb weakness and muscle fatigue- cranial nerves will be affected.
Treatment beings with an anti holiness erase (mestinon) followed by immunosuppresive
therapy with prednisone x 3 months OR until clinical improvement stops or decline is
seen.
Shirley is on Imuran for her myasthenia gravis. When will she see full effects of this
medication? - 6 months or more
Shirley is on Imuran for her myasthenia gravis. What labs should be routinely monitored
while on this medication? - CBC and LFTs
What is the preferred treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo? - Repositioning
Therapy- Epley Maneuver
What type of seizure occurs almost exclusively between ages 5-18? - Petit Mal
