Alzheimer's disease

Question 1

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Answer 1

Progressive, irreversible, degenerative neurological disease

Question 2

Alzheimer’s Disease etiology

Answer 2

Intracellular neurofibrillary tangles and extracellular amyloid all protein deposits contributing to senile plaques.

Atrophy of cerebral cortex

Question 3

Clinical manifestations of Alzheimer’s Disease

Answer 3

• EXTREMELY difficult or impossible to Re-orient
• memory loss
• confusion : time & location
• with drawl from social activities
• poor judgement
• difficulty with words & problem solving

Question 4

Classification of AD

Answer 4

1. Familial- family hx
2. Early onset - 20-30 yrs
3. Late onset - 50-60 yrs

Question 5

Diagnosing AD

Answer 5

• DEFINITIVE diagnoses: Autopsy
• H&P: R/O other things
• CBC: R/O other things
• BMP: R/O other things
• vitamin 12: R/O other things
• CT: R/O other things

Question 6

Pharmacological management of AD

Answer 6

• Aricept : prevents breakdown of acetylcholine (#1 go-to)

- Memantine (Namenda): protects cells from excessive gluconate
#2 go-to

Question 7

AD interventions mentioned in lecture

Answer 7

• SAFETY!
• Individualized Calanders
• personalize them with birthdays, special days etc.
• constantly remind them
• increases retention 90% of the time