Alzheimer's Dz Flashcards
greatest risk factor
age (65+)
other risk factors
-family hx
-cardiovascular factors (HTN, obesity, stroke, hyperlipidemia)
-diabetes (high levels of insulin and glucose toxic to brain)
-head trauma
familial Alzheimer’s dz
-clear pattern of inheritance
-onset before age 60
-rapid dz discourse
sporadic alzhemiers dz has no
familial connection
where do the plaques first develop in the brain?
areas used for memory and cognitive function
what happens to brain structure and function?
-genetic factors
-plaque
-neurofibrillary tangles
-loss of connection between neurons
-neuron death
10 warning signs of AD
- memory loss
- difficulty performing familiar tasks
- problems with language
- disorientation to time and place
- poor or decreased judgement
- problems with abstract thinking
- misplacing things
- changes in mood or behavior
- changes in personality
- loss of initiative
in normal age related memory changes, a person forgets part of an experience. in Alzheimers, the pt
forgets entire experience
in normal age related memory changes, a person often remembers later. in Alzheimers, the pt
rarely remembers later
in normal age related memory changes, a person is usually able to follow written/spoken instructions. in Alzheimers, the pt
gradually unable to follow written / spoken direction
in normal age related memory changes, a person is usually able to use notes as reminders. in Alzheimers, the pt
gradually unable to use notes as reminders
in normal age related memory changes, a person is usually able to care for self . in Alzheimers, the pt
gradually unable to care for self
what is retro genesis?
the pt ages backwards - will go back to doing things like a child - toys, cant hold up head, etc.
is there a definitive test for AD?
no
what does a definitive diagnosis require?
autopsy
