Alzheimer's

Question 1

Define dementia

Answer 1

A disease that exhibits impaired short- and long-term memory as its most prominent feature.

Question 2

Alzheimer disease

Answer 2

A slowly progressive disease of the brain that is characterized by impairment of memory and eventually by disturbances in reasoning, planning, language, and perception.

Question 3

Main risk of Alzheimer

Answer 3

Age

Question 4

Early stage symptoms

Answer 4

▫ Repeating statements
▫ Misplacing items
▫ Having trouble finding names for familiar objects
▫ Getting lost on familiar routes
▫ Losing interest in things previously enjoyed

Question 5

Acetylcholine inhibitors

Answer 5

• Major neurotransmitter within
the hippocampus (area of the brain
responsible for learning and memory).
• Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors act by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, intensifying the effect of acetylcholine at the cholinergic receptor.
• This can slow memory loss and other progressive symptoms of dementia.
•E.g. Rivastigmine
• Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Question 6

Symptoms of Alzheimer

Answer 6

-Memory loss
-cognitive deficits
-Problems with recognition
-Problems with spatial awareness
-Problems with speaking, reading, or writing
-Personality / behavior changes

Question 7

Stages of Alzheimer

Answer 7

MILD
-develop memory problems and
cognitive difficulties
• taking longer than usual to perform daily tasks
• difficulty handling money or paying the bills
• wandering and getting lost

MODERATE
-parts of the brain responsible for language, senses, reasoning, and consciousness are damaged.
• greater memory loss and confusion
• difficulty recognizing friends or family
• an inability to learn new things

SEVERE
-plaques and tangles are present throughout the brain, causing the brain tissue to shrink substantially.

Question 8

Risk factors of Alzheimer

Answer 8

• aging
• having a family history of Alzheimer’s disease
• carrying certain genes
• severe or repeated traumatic brain injuries
• having exposure to some environmental contaminants

Question 9

Prevention

Answer 9

• getting regular exercise
• following a varied and healthful diet
• maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system
• managing the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and high
blood pressure
• keeping the brain active throughout life

Question 10

Diagnosis

Answer 10

• cognitive and memory tests to assess the person’s ability to think and remember
• neurological function tests, to test their balance, senses, and reflexes
• blood or urine tests
• a CT scan or MRI scan of the brain
• genetic testing

Question 11

Treatment (to cure symptoms and improve quality of life for the person and their family and caregivers.)

Answer 11

✓effective management of any conditions occurring alongside Alzheimer’s
✓ activities and daycare programs
✓ involvement of support groups and services

Question 12

Medication to treat these symptoms

Answer 12

✓ donepezil (Aricept) to treat all stages
✓ galantamine (Razadyne), to treat mild-to-moderate stages
✓ rivastigmine (Exelon), to treat mild-to-moderate stages
✓ Another drug, called memantine (Namenda), has approval to treat moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease. A combination of memantine and donepezil (Namzaric) is also available.
• antidepressants, for low mood
• antianxiety drugs
• antipsychotic drugs, for hallucinations, delusions, or aggression