UNIT 2- ALZHEIMERS DISEASE Flashcards
What is Alzheimer disease?
It is a chronic, progressive, neurodegenerative brain disorder
What is the etiology of AD?
Exact etiology is unknown but likely due to multiple risk factors.
What is the greatest risk factor of Alzheimer?
Age
What is the most common form of dementia?
AD
When are most people diagnosed with AD?
After age 65
Is age alone sufficient enough to dx AD?
No
What’s important to know about family history and familial AD?
- Those with a 1st degree relative w/dementia at a higher risk.
- Familial AD is when there is a clear pattern of inheritance. Onset is typically before 60 and rapid
What does it mean to have sporadic AD?
- No familial connection
What should we know about the genetic link and AD?
- Significant role in how the brain process b-amyloid protein
- Increased B amyloid protein increases risk.
Other than age what are the other risk factors of AD?
- Cardiovascular factors
-health of brain closely related to health of the heart and blood vessels - Diabetes
-Chronic high levels of insulin and glucose may be toxic to the brain
-Insulin resistance interfere w/ability to breakdown amyloid - Head trauma
What is the patho of AD
1.Changes in brain structure and function
2. Genetic factors
-B- amyloid protein production
3. Amyloid plaques
-Plaques 1st develop in areas of the brain used for MEMORY
4. Neurofibrillary tangles
5. Loss of connections between neurons
6. Neuron death
What are the 10 warning signs of AD?
- Memory loss (1st sign)
- Difficulty performing familiar tasks
- Problems w/ 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
AD SYMPTOMS OR NORMAL AGE RELATED?
Forgets entire experience?
AD symtoms
AD SYMPTOMS OR NORMAL AGE RELATED?
Forgets part of an experience?
Normal age
AD SYMPTOMS OR NORMAL AGE RELATED?
Gradually unable to follow written/spoken direction
AD symptom
