PYC4813 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE 7 AUGUST 2026
Question 1
Discuss which form of dementia Sharon is suffering from by comparing
Alzheimer’s Dementia (AD) and Parkinson’s Disease Dementia (PDD). Show
clear justification for your choice. Discuss the following in a structured
argument:
1. Diagnosis with Justification Using Core Symptoms
Sharon's clinical presentation clearly indicates that she is suffering from Alzheimer's
Disease (AD) rather than Parkinson's Disease Dementia (PDD). A systematic
comparison of her symptoms with the diagnostic criteria for both disorders provides
compelling evidence for this conclusion.
Alzheimer's Disease: Core Symptoms and Characteristics
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of severe memory loss, characterised
by progressive cognitive decline that typically begins with episodic memory impairment
(Kalat, 2023). Patients with AD experience gradual deterioration of memory, language,
executive function, and behaviour. The hallmark feature is the progressive loss of
episodic memories—the ability to recall personal events and experiences. As Kalat
(2023, p. 390) notes, patients with Alzheimer's often "learn procedural skills better than
facts" and may "surprise themselves with their skilled performance because they don't
remember doing it before." This reflects the differential impact on various memory
systems.
,Other characteristic symptoms include confusion, depression, apathy, hallucinations,
delusions, sleeplessness, and loss of appetite. Memory impairment typically appears
first, followed by progressive deterioration in other cognitive domains.
Parkinson's Disease Dementia: Core Symptoms and Characteristics
Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) represents a distinct clinical entity that develops
approximately 10 years after the onset of motor symptoms. Kalat (2023, p. 249)
describes Parkinson's disease as resulting from "the gradual loss of dopamine-releasing
axons going from the substantia nigra to the striatum." The cardinal motor symptoms
include rigidity, muscle tremors, slow movements, and difficulty initiating voluntary
activity.
Cognitive changes in PDD typically include executive dysfunction, attention problems,
and visuospatial impairments, with memory deficits often developing later in the disease
course. Visual hallucinations are common, occurring in 15-38% of patients with PDD.
Justification for Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis
Sharon's symptom profile aligns definitively with Alzheimer's disease for several critical
reasons:
, 1. Episodic Memory Loss as Primary Feature:
Sharon experiences "loss of episodic memories, frequently forgetting who her daughter
and grandchildren are." This profound episodic memory impairment is the hallmark of
Alzheimer's disease, which "is marked by progressive loss of brain cells" and typically
"begins with impaired memory and attention" (Kalat, 2023, p. 390). In contrast, while
PDD does involve memory difficulties, these typically emerge later and are often
preceded by executive dysfunction.
2. Absence of Motor Symptoms:
Sharon's "motor function is intact with no tremors or rigidity." This is a crucial
distinguishing factor—PDD is defined by the presence of parkinsonian motor symptoms
that develop years before cognitive decline. Kalat (2023, p. 249) emphasises that
Parkinson's disease "symptoms include rigidity, muscle tremors, slow movements, and
difficulty initiating voluntary activity." Sharon's complete absence of any motor
impairment effectively rules out PDD.
3. Lack of Hallucinations:
Sharon "does not experience any visual or auditory hallucinations." Hallucinations
particularly visual hallucinations are common in PDD but are not a primary feature of
Alzheimer's disease. Their absence in Sharon's presentation further supports an AD
diagnosis.
DUE 7 AUGUST 2026
Question 1
Discuss which form of dementia Sharon is suffering from by comparing
Alzheimer’s Dementia (AD) and Parkinson’s Disease Dementia (PDD). Show
clear justification for your choice. Discuss the following in a structured
argument:
1. Diagnosis with Justification Using Core Symptoms
Sharon's clinical presentation clearly indicates that she is suffering from Alzheimer's
Disease (AD) rather than Parkinson's Disease Dementia (PDD). A systematic
comparison of her symptoms with the diagnostic criteria for both disorders provides
compelling evidence for this conclusion.
Alzheimer's Disease: Core Symptoms and Characteristics
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of severe memory loss, characterised
by progressive cognitive decline that typically begins with episodic memory impairment
(Kalat, 2023). Patients with AD experience gradual deterioration of memory, language,
executive function, and behaviour. The hallmark feature is the progressive loss of
episodic memories—the ability to recall personal events and experiences. As Kalat
(2023, p. 390) notes, patients with Alzheimer's often "learn procedural skills better than
facts" and may "surprise themselves with their skilled performance because they don't
remember doing it before." This reflects the differential impact on various memory
systems.
,Other characteristic symptoms include confusion, depression, apathy, hallucinations,
delusions, sleeplessness, and loss of appetite. Memory impairment typically appears
first, followed by progressive deterioration in other cognitive domains.
Parkinson's Disease Dementia: Core Symptoms and Characteristics
Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) represents a distinct clinical entity that develops
approximately 10 years after the onset of motor symptoms. Kalat (2023, p. 249)
describes Parkinson's disease as resulting from "the gradual loss of dopamine-releasing
axons going from the substantia nigra to the striatum." The cardinal motor symptoms
include rigidity, muscle tremors, slow movements, and difficulty initiating voluntary
activity.
Cognitive changes in PDD typically include executive dysfunction, attention problems,
and visuospatial impairments, with memory deficits often developing later in the disease
course. Visual hallucinations are common, occurring in 15-38% of patients with PDD.
Justification for Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis
Sharon's symptom profile aligns definitively with Alzheimer's disease for several critical
reasons:
, 1. Episodic Memory Loss as Primary Feature:
Sharon experiences "loss of episodic memories, frequently forgetting who her daughter
and grandchildren are." This profound episodic memory impairment is the hallmark of
Alzheimer's disease, which "is marked by progressive loss of brain cells" and typically
"begins with impaired memory and attention" (Kalat, 2023, p. 390). In contrast, while
PDD does involve memory difficulties, these typically emerge later and are often
preceded by executive dysfunction.
2. Absence of Motor Symptoms:
Sharon's "motor function is intact with no tremors or rigidity." This is a crucial
distinguishing factor—PDD is defined by the presence of parkinsonian motor symptoms
that develop years before cognitive decline. Kalat (2023, p. 249) emphasises that
Parkinson's disease "symptoms include rigidity, muscle tremors, slow movements, and
difficulty initiating voluntary activity." Sharon's complete absence of any motor
impairment effectively rules out PDD.
3. Lack of Hallucinations:
Sharon "does not experience any visual or auditory hallucinations." Hallucinations
particularly visual hallucinations are common in PDD but are not a primary feature of
Alzheimer's disease. Their absence in Sharon's presentation further supports an AD
diagnosis.
