Defined by the ICD-10

Dementia is defined by the ICD-10 as a syndrome of brain dysfunction characterized by a progressive and chronic impairment of multiple higher cortical functions. These impairments are commonly accompanied by an onset of deterioration in emotional control and social behaviour and sometimes precede them. Regardless of the underlying cause, dementia is a diagnosis that implies a global intellectual decline. Although the symptoms of dementia may be a combination of several conditions, a functional impairment is essential for a diagnosis of dementia.

SIDAM assessment of dementia

The Structured Interview for Dementia of the Alzheimer Type (SIDAM) is a comprehensive, multi-factor battery of cognitive tests. The SIDAM-Score allows for detailed assessment of cognitive deficits and quantitative severity grading of cognitive dysfunction. The SIDAM battery is used by researchers to diagnose dementia and other forms of dementia. The SIDAM test can be used in both clinical and research settings.

The SIDAM is the most commonly used questionnaire for the diagnosis of dementia. It consists of a brief structured clinical interview and a battery of cognitive tests. The batteries use algorithms from the DSM-III-R and ICD-10. The instruments are highly reliable and remarkably short. They have high test-retest reliability and reliably separate those with dementia from those without the disease. The SIDAM has been used for over twenty years and has been shown to separate patients with mild to moderate dementia from those without the disease.

The ICD-10 checklists are semistructured instruments developed for clinician assessment of mental disorders. The checklists are part of a larger package of ICD-10 checklists, including the ICD-10 Symptom Checklist, the International Diagnostic Checklists for Dementia, and the ICD-10 Manual. These instruments are developed by the World Health Organization and are endorsed by the American Geriatric Association.

While the number of cases diagnosed by different guidelines was similar, the analysis of cognitive deficits uncovered distinct groups. The majority of cases that met one or more of the three criteria for dementia were classified as mild. The low level of agreement between the three diagnostic guidelines may be due to borderline cases. However, the differences between the groups were not so large. However, this study has highlighted some limitations. There are still areas of uncertainty in the SIDAM assessment of dementia.

SIDAM assessment of multi-infarct dementia

The Structured Interview for Dementia of the Alzheimer Type includes the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and a series of additional items. These items allow the physician to make a diagnosis based on the ICD-10 or DSM-III-R criteria for multi-infarct dementia. The SIDAM authors have proposed several syndrome scores based on the data collected during the study. These scores, however, have not yet been empirically validated. In order to assess the validity and reliability of SIDAM, researchers analyzed the data collected from 456 elderly subjects recruited as part of a family study.

The results of this study were quite encouraging. The majority of patients had a diagnosis of dementia and were no longer in remission. The mean Rankin score was 0.3 and the Barthel index was 5.4+/-15.9. Similarly, the median Mini Mental State score was 16.8 and the mean SIDAM score was 2.1+/6.4. Overall, the study found a high concordance rate (K>0.87) between the SIDAM and the MMSE. Moreover, SIDAM was more accurate than other methods of assessment in terms of identifying dementia in older people.

The SIDAM-blind score was not significantly different between people with normal vision and those with visual impairment. However, the number of easy items was reduced after item deletion. As a result, the blind score was over-estimated and the clinical range was underestimated. The study also found that SIDAM-blind scores overestimated the full SIDAM score. This is a clear indication that SIDAM-blind scores have low sensitivity and high specificity for multi-infarct dementia.

The SIDAM is a structured interview for the diagnosis of dementia. It includes short-term memory, long-term memory, abstract thinking, judgment, and higher cortical functions, such as visuospatial abilities, calculation, and constructional abilities. The maximum score for each of these cognitive functions was 100%. The SIDAM can help the physician diagnose patients with dementia, even if the patient does not show symptoms of it.

SIDAM assessment of Lewy body dementia

Identifying early signs of Lewy body dementia is often challenging. Early symptoms may mimic other brain diseases or psychiatric disorders. In addition to its pronounced cognitive and behavioral symptoms, the disease can occur alone or in combination with other conditions. Although this disease usually progresses gradually, it can also take up to 20 years to reach its final stage. The speed of the disease’s progression varies greatly depending on the person’s overall health and the intensity of the symptoms.

The diagnosis of Lewy body dementia is often accompanied by other symptoms, including autonomic dysfunction and poor regulation of body temperature. Other symptoms may include sensitivity to first-generation antipsychotic drugs. A short form of the SIDAM assessment of Lewy body dementia can be done in just 10 minutes. While it may not be definitive enough to identify the disease, the results will provide important clues to doctors as to whether a person is experiencing cognitive impairment.

SIDAM’s revised criteria are based on consensus criteria developed by the Dementia with Lewy Bodies Consortium. The criteria include clinical features and diagnostic biomarkers, and offer guidance on optimal methods of establishing and interpreting them. The revised criteria include substantial new information on previously reported aspects of DLB. Additional diagnostic weights are assigned to REM sleep behavior disorder and MIBG myocardial scintigraphy, and other neuroimaging investigations.

SIDAM-based imaging of dopamine transporter distributions reveals abnormalities in the striatum of the brain in dementia with Lewy bodies. Dopamine transporter imaging of the brain shows normal levels in the striatum in AD patients, while decreased levels are observed in the putamen in DLB subjects, indicating nigrostriatal degeneration. Moreover, cerebral blood flow imaging shows decreased perfusion in AD subjects. Likewise, SPECT results demonstrate perfusion deficits in the occipital and posterior regions of DLB patients.

The DLB Consortium meeting was sponsored by Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Axovant Sciences, Banner Health, the Lewy Body Society, and the National Institute on Neurologic Disease and Stroke. Administrative support was provided by Julie Reed and Kathy Fuqua, respectively. I.G.M. receives support from the UK NIHR Biomedical Research Centre and Newcastle University. He also receives grants from the Department of Neurology/Neuropathology.

During sleep, the person experiences REM (rapid eye movement) sleep behavior disorder, in which they act out their dreams. These include acting out dreams, violent movements, and falling out of bed. REM sleep behavior disorder is sometimes the earliest symptom of Lewy body dementia. It may manifest several years before the other symptoms. The symptoms of early LBD may be mild, and patients may require more assistance due to problems with movement and thought.

——————————————————————————————————————————————-

This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.

If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you're experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.

——————————————————————————————————————————————