Alzheimers Flashcards
chronic, progressive, and degenerative brain disorder that is accompanied by profound effects on memory, cognition, and ability for self care
alzheimers
alzheimers is the most common form of
dementia
is alzheimers normal in the aging process
HELL NO
what are some risk factors
advanced age
female
genetic predisposition
environmental agents
what should you get done while pt is still able to participate
power of attorney and advanced directive
is there a specific diagnosis
no its a process of ruling out everything it could be
what are the 10 warning signs
memory loss difficulty performing familiar tasks problems with language disorientation to time and place poor or decreased judgment problems with abstract thinking misplacing things changes in personality loss of initiative
what is stage 1
mild cognitive impairment
- 1-3 years
- short term memory loss
- subtle personality changes
- decreased attention span
what is stage 2
moderate cognitive impairment -2-10 years -obvious memory loss -wandering behavior -sundowners -impaired motor skills incontinence
what is stage 3
severe cognitive impairment
- 8-10 years
- absent cognitive abilities
- impaired or absent motor skills
- inability to recognize family and friends
why should blood levels be drawn
to make sure theres not a deficiency in b12
what is typically seen in a dead pts brain that had alzheimers
plaques and neurofibrillary tangles
what is affected in the frontal lobe
intelligence, judgement, and behavior
what is the collaborative management aimed at
controlling the undesirable behavior manifestations that the patient may exhibit and providing support for the family caregiver
what are the overall goals of a patient with AD
maintain functional ability for as long as possible, maintained in a safe environment with minimal injuries, personal care needs met, dignity maintained
