Alzheimer’s Disease

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Alzheimer’s Disease

Table of Contents

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Expectations

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Diagnosis

Caring for the Patient with Alzheimer

Quiz

References

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Alzheimer’s Disease

Expectations

After completing this section, you should be able to;

1. Define Alzheimer’s Disease

2. List common signs and symptoms.

3. Describe causes of Alzheimer’s Disease

4. Identify preventative measures related to Alzheimer

5. Identify treatments associated with Alzheimer’s Disease

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Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease is a chronic progressive, degenerative disorder of the Central Nervous System. Symptoms vary according to the disease progress affecting the client both mentally and physically. Alzheimer’s Disease affects both genders most commonly in the older adult after age 65, although rare it can be detected as early as age 40. Not a normal part of the aging process however as people live longer, more and more will develop Alzheimer.

Stage I. Early signs and symptoms of the disease include change in mental status, memory loss, moodiness, disorientation at times and poor judgment. At this stage client, may or may not be aware of the changes in mental status and as a result may become depress.

Stage II. Increase short-term memory loss, agitation, confusion, disorientation and wandering, increase in frustration may lead to aggressive behavior, urinary and bowel incontinence also seen at this stage. Decline in physical motor functions affecting both movement and gait, leading in decrease in activity of daily living and the need for assistance with all areas of activity of daily living.

Stage III. Rapid declines both mentally and physically, affecting activities of daily living. The client is no longer able to ambulate, forgets how to feed and dress self. Requires total care and supervision, no longer safe living alone. Finally coma and death.

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Alzheimer’s Disease

Comprehensive neurological and psychological exam and complete medical history to rule out other diseases such as malnutrition, depression, and side effects of medications, infections and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) are indicated.

Causes of Alzheimer’s disease are unclear at this time. Presently research is done in the areas of viral, immunology, environmental and genetic factors. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. The medications given is to slowdown its progression and to manage the disease process. Final diagnosis of the Alzheimer’s disease is done through brain biopsy following death.

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Alzheimer’s Disease

Safety in the home becomes important with the increase in changes in the client’s mental status and wandering behavior

Keep the client active and occupied with different tasks

Encourage participation in activity of daily living

Keep hallways free of clutter and equipment within the client’s reach

Maintain routine of care

Remove items that client might mistake for food such as artificial fruits, vegetables and small items such as paper clips, coins safety pins etc.

Unplug appliances not in use

Monitor client handling of cooking appliances

Monitor for wandering behavior

 

Nutrition

Offer small frequent well balance meals instead of three large meals and encourage fluid intake according to the care plan. Offer a variety of foods from the five major food groups, preferably finger foods. Nutritional supplements are sometimes recommended to increase caloric intake.

 

Communication

Face client when communicating, along with Alzheimer client may have other physical disability such as hearing loss.

Speak slowly and clearly when giving directions and use short simple sentences

The client will require assistance or verbal cueing during activity of daily living.

Encourage independence

Encourage active and passive range of motion exercise in accordance with the care plan.

Alteration in mental and physical status leading in client forgetting where the bathroom is located in the home, resulting in urinary and bowel incontinence. Encourage the client to use the bathroom every two hours thereby decreasing incontinence prevent skin breakdown and to maintain dignity.

 

Treatment

Treatments of the Alzheimer’s disease focus on maintaining dignity and promoting independence. The care plan should be modified according to the disease process and the client’s coping mechanism. Medication reminder might be part of the plan of care

Encourage client to perform as much of his personal care as able to promote independence and to maintain range of motion. For client that wanders, gently distract by offering favorite activities and redirect back. Do not argue with the client.

 

Changes in speech pattern

Increase confusion

Personality changes

Changes in mood

Difficulty thinking

Difficulty in performing activity of daily living

Difficulty remembering

Wandering

Difficulty feeding self.

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Alzheimer’s Disease