Alzheimer's Flashcards
1
Q
List the 4 main dysfunctional changes that occur in the brain with Alzheimer’s Disease?
A
- DECREASED BRAIN MASS - 40-50% loss
- ANT to POST PROGRESSION - begins front cortical
- NEURITIC PLAQUES - CENTRAL CHARACTERISTIC
- NEUROFIBRILLARY TANGLES
2
Q
What is the insoluble goopy material called beta-amyloid protein, which is a breakdown product of amyloid precursor protein (APP)
A
CENTRAL CHARACTERISTIC of ALZHEIMER’S:
NEURITIC PLAQUES
3
Q
Name the 7 warning signs of Alzheimer’s?
A
- ASKING SAME QUESTION OVER
- REPEATING SAME STORY
- FORGETTING HOW TO COOK, PLAY CARDS, REPAIR
- LOSING ABILITY TO PAY BILLS, BALANCE BUDGET
- GETTING LOST IN FAMILIAR SURROUNDINGS
- NEGLECTING HYGIENE, STATING CLEANLINESS
- RELYING ON SOMEONE ELSE TO RESPOND
4
Q
How long are the phases of Alzheimer’s?
A
EARLY: 2 to 4 years
MODERATE: 4 to 10 years
SEVERE: 6-18 months
5
Q
What are some treatment considerations of severe Alzheimer’s? (4)
A
MAY REACT WITH STARTLE
CHOKING / ASPIRATION RISK
HIGH DECUBITIS ULCER RISK
UNSTABLE BLOOD PRESSURE