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

2. 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.)

3. 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.)

4. 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

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

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

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

8. 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