Alzheimers Disease Flashcards
Alzheimers disease AD
Chronic, progressive, neurodegenerative brain disease
Form of dementia
Rare but can be familial
Fatal
Risk factors
Age(after 65)
More women get diagnosed
And die from it
Those with 1st degree relative with dementia cardiovascular factors
Diabetes
Head trauma
Genetic link
Patho
Changes in brain structure and function genetic factors
Amyloid plaques (1st develop in areas of brain used for memory ,language , reasoning s
And cognitive function
Loss of connection between neurons
Neuron death
Clinical manifestations
Memory loss
Difficulty performing familiar task
Problems with language
Disorientation to time and place
Poor or decreased judgement
Misplacing things
Changes in mood or behavior
Changes in personality
Loss of initiative
Alzeherimers disease symptoms
Or gets entire experience
Rarely remembers later
Gradually unable to follow written /spoken direction
Gradually unable to use notes as reminders
Gradually unable to care for self
Normal age related memory changes
Forgets part of an experience
Often remembers later
Usually able to follow written /spoken direction
Usually able to use notes as reminders
Usually able to care for self
Diagnostic studies
Definitive diagnosis requires an autopsy ( TRU)
Based on symptoms andhistory
medical history (CT,MRI,PET)
Mini mental state exam
Next apt will give the same test and how many words recognize or forgot
Fewer they recognize that’s how they check the degree of pt impairment
AD inter professional care
No cure
No treatment to stop deterioration
Controlling undesirable behavior i Al manifestations
Providing support for family caregiver
Nursing management
support cognitive function
Promote physical safety
Promote independence in self care
Reduce anxiety and agitation
Improve communication
Provide socialization
Promote adequate nutrition
Promote balanced activity and rest
Educate on home and community based assistance
When it comes to socialization or balanced activity and rest what do we want to do
Keep minimal to prevent agitation
And keep simple
What do we want to teach family?
Havelock on doors
Have alert bracelets or ankle alarms
Improve communication
Play along with AD so you don’t agitate
