Capacity & Confusion:
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| DISEASE | CAUSE | SYMPTOMS |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer’s | Lack of chemical in brain causing “neurofibrillary tangles” | Onset age: 60 – 80 Slow and steady progression of dementia |
| Vascular or multi-infarct dementia | Multiple infarctions (strokes) from rupture of small vessels; linked to hypertension | Onset age: 55 – 70 Step-wise progression of dementia |
| Parkinson’s | Deficiency of dopamine (chemical in brain) | Onset age: 55 – 65 Mild dementia along with tremor; rigidity; abnormal body movements |
| Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus | Increase in fluid in lateral ventricles | Dementia along with incontinence and gait disturbance |
| Wernicke-Korsakoff | Thiamine deficiency from alcoholism and poor nutrition | Psychosis; disorientation; hallucinations; ataxia |
| Creutzfeldt-Jakob | Non-inflammatory virus; changes in brain | Onset age: 50 – 60; rapidly progressive |
| Pick’s Disease | Neurological disease involving frontal and temporal regions of cortex | Often confused with Alzheimer’s Disease; memory disturbance; apathy; poor personal hygiene; decreased attention span |
| Lewy-Bodies Disease | Neurological | Resembles Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease; dementia and abnormal body movements |
The Elder Justice Resource Guide includes information about elder abuse, accessible courtrooms for older adults, capacity and confusion, effective communication, and available resources for older adults experiencing abuse. The Guide also includes a comprehensive directory of national, state, and local services available to older adults.
