Week 11: Alzheimer's Disease

Question 1

Patho of disease

Answer 1

Cortical atrophy and loss of neurons

Mainly in parietal and temporal lobes

Question 2

Cause of alz

Answer 2

Caused by neuritic plaques, neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid buildup

Primarily genetic in cause

Question 3

Risk factors for alz

Answer 3

Age
Inflammatory disease
Oxidative stress

Question 4

Initial stage of alz

Answer 4

short-term memory loss
Lack of concentration apparent 
Irritability 
Mood swings 
Hostility

Question 5

Moderate stage alz

Answer 5

Global cognitive impairment

Language, spatial relationships, problem solving,
depression, confusion, disorientation
lack of insight,inability to carry on daily activities- wandering common

Question 6

Severe stage alz

Answer 6

loss of ability to respond to environment
require total care
bedridden

Question 7

Dx

Answer 7

Rule out other possible conditions

B12 deficiency, syphilis, hypothyroidism, major depression, electrolyte imbalance

Question 8

Treatment of alz

Answer 8

Safety
•Do not attempt to reorient patient, redirect if necessary
•Frequent toileting, limit daytime napping,
•Medications have limited efficacy in slowing disease
•Antipsychotics can treat some psychologic sx but adverse side effects
•Family support

Question 9

Approximately ___ % of the population above age 65 have AD

Answer 9

10