An older woman is transported to the hospital on Thanksgiving Day. While visiting with family for the holiday, the woman fell out of her chair and was unresponsive to her family. Upon arrival to the emergency department, the family reports that the woman lives independently. Before her current state, she recognized family members and was speaking normally. She begins to arouse, and her family notes that she seems unaware of her surroundings and does not respond to questions. Required:
a. What disease process is the women experiencing?
b. What is the name of her specific symptom? What area of the brain is affected?
c. Will the women’s speech ever return to normal? Why or why not? If yes, then what are the factors involved in ensuring that she does?
d. Name five risk factors for her diagnosis? Which of those do you believe is the biggest cause?