S. Y. is a 90-year-old woman who is a resident of a long-term care facility. She was alert and mentally quite capable until about a year ago when she began to manifest signs and symptoms of dementia. A review of her medical records failed to document a thorough analysis of her dementia, but a diagnosis of "probable Alzheimer disease" was recorded.
Discussion Questions
1. What are the manifestations of dementia?
2. What other potentially treatable factors might have led to S. Y.’s deteriorating mental function?
3. What are the organic brain alterations that are typical of Alzheimer disease?