Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the onset age for Alzheimer's disease?
What is the onset age for Alzheimer's disease?
45-65
What is the primary action of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors?
What is the primary action of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors?
Increases acetylcholine for use in neuron receptors.
Which of the following are associated with the mild stage of Alzheimer's disease?
Which of the following are associated with the mild stage of Alzheimer's disease?
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are effective in curing Alzheimer's disease.
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are effective in curing Alzheimer's disease.
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Which of the following are considered common side effects of Donepezil?
Which of the following are considered common side effects of Donepezil?
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What is the assessment of the client's cognitive and physical abilities called?
What is the assessment of the client's cognitive and physical abilities called?
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What are some examples of nursing interventions for clients with Alzheimer's disease?
What are some examples of nursing interventions for clients with Alzheimer's disease?
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What is the main teaching point regarding Donepezil?
What is the main teaching point regarding Donepezil?
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Clients with Dementia and Alzheimer's disease are at an increased risk for abuse and neglect due to their increased need for care.
Clients with Dementia and Alzheimer's disease are at an increased risk for abuse and neglect due to their increased need for care.
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Study Notes
Alzheimer's Disease
- Alzheimer's disease is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative condition causing significant cognitive dysfunction.
- Typically, onset occurs between ages 45-65.
- Characterized by nerve tangles and plaques forming.
- Acetylcholine (Ach) transmission is disrupted, preventing nerve-to-nerve communication.
Symptoms
- Mild: Memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, misplacing objects, problems with planning and organization.
- Moderate: Irritability, mood swings, withdrawal, frustration, anger, personality/behavioral changes, confusion, wandering.
- Severe: Forgetting recent experiences/people, needing assistance with daily living activities (ADLs), inability to interact, walk, sit, or swallow, prone to infections.
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors (Donepezil)
- Action: Increases the amount of acetylcholine available at neuron receptors in the brain by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase.
- Use: FDA approved for mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer's disease, improving cognition (attention and memory), behavior, and daily activity engagement.
- Side effects/Adverse Reactions: Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia), headaches, dizziness/drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, syncope, seizures. Avoid dehydration with higher doses.
Contraindications & Interactions
- Contraindications: Hypotension, bradycardia
- Interactions: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increase GI upset, other drugs causing bradycardia or hypotension. Alcohol consumption decreases drug effectiveness.
Assessment
- Vital signs
- Note client's cognitive and physical abilities - conduct baseline dementia assessment.
- Medical/medication history.
- Family's coping mechanisms.
Nursing Interventions
- Maintain care consistency.
- Set realistic expectations with family.
- Monitor vital signs.
- Monitor for side effects/adverse reactions.
- Minimize potential safety concerns.
- Monitor functional improvement/decline.
- Use an interprofessional collaborative approach.
Teaching
- Explain medication use; it helps with symptoms but does not cure the disease.
- Provide information on safety measures.
- Share details about available support groups.
- Explain that medication can be taken with or without food, and suggest food options client enjoys.
- Recommend taking medication at bedtime.
Evaluation
- Assess for improvements in cognition and physical abilities.
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Description
This quiz covers essential information about Alzheimer's disease, including its symptoms, progression, and treatment options such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Test your knowledge on the different stages of cognitive decline and how acetylcholine impacts brain communication.
