222 Alzheimer's Disease Overview

A factor that increases the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease.

The most appropriate nursing action for a client with early-stage Alzheimer's disease.

Understanding trigger control for migraines.

The drug commonly prescribed to manage auditory hallucinations in Parkinson's disease.

The statement indicating a need for further teaching regarding communication with Alzheimer's clients.

The priority instruction for a client starting rasagiline for Parkinson's disease.

The medication commonly prescribed for acute migraine treatment.

Factors that can trigger migraines.

A neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive decline of cognitive function, including memory, thinking, and behavior.

Twisted fibers within brain cells made of abnormal tau protein, impairing communication between neurons.

Clusters of degenerating nerve endings and abnormal beta amyloid protein, hindering neuronal transmission.

Factors that increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease include age (over 65), gender (women are more prone), genetics (apoE gene), and other conditions like CVD, smoking, TBI, environmental factors, and stress.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. This includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and managing chronic conditions.

Clients with late-stage Alzheimer's often require palliative care to manage pain and other symptoms and promote comfort. They may also need placement in a memory care unit.

A common early sign of Parkinson's disease is resting tremors of the arms.

During a tonic-clonic seizure, the priority actions are to ensure the client's safety by moving any objects that might harm them, and gently lowering them to the floor.

During a seizure, gently suction excess oral secretions if possible. This helps prevent aspiration.

Take vital signs after a seizure, as they can be affected by the seizure activity.

A client should understand that sumatriptan is a medication used to treat migraines and that it should be taken as directed by their doctor. They should report any chest pain to their doctor immediately. St. John's Wort should not be taken with sumatriptan, and sumatriptan is not used for birth control.

When a client begins to seize, the priority is to ensure their safety. The nurse should position the client on their side to prevent choking, document the seizure's duration and time, and ensure suction equipment is readily available. Restraining the client is not advisable, and a tongue blade should not be placed in their mouth.

The top priority for a client with bacterial meningitis is assessing their neurologic status frequently to detect any changes. This includes evaluating their level of consciousness, pupillary responses, and motor function.

While propranolol can cause side effects like dry mouth, tingling, and warmth, the most concerning side effect is a slow heart rate. This can indicate a potential problem with the medication's effect on the heart.

Vascular dementia is primarily caused by damage to blood vessels in the brain, often resulting from stroke. Therefore, stroke is the health problem most closely associated with this type of dementia.

Alzheimer's disease progresses through three stages, each marked by distinct cognitive and functional changes.

When a client has status epilepticus (continuous seizures), it's crucial to prioritize their safety. The nurse should have intravenous access readily available for medication administration, ensure suction equipment is at the bedside, and maintain moderate sedation to reduce seizure activity. Padding at the bedside is also important, but not a tongue blade, and side rails are not a primary safety precaution.

In moderate (middle stage) Alzheimer's, individuals often experience a range of symptoms. These include wandering, significant memory impairment, sleep disruptions, and the onset of psychosis. Agnosia, the inability to recognize familiar objects, and seizures are less common in this stage.

The early stage is characterized by subtle memory lapses, difficulty recalling information, and occasional misplacement of items.

During the moderate stage, cognitive decline becomes more pronounced, leading to challenges with finances, disorientation, and communication.

Caring for a person with dementia can be physically and emotionally demanding. It's crucial for family caregivers to prioritize their own self-care to avoid burnout and maintain their well-being. This includes getting enough rest, exercise, and social support.

The late stage of Alzheimer's marks severe decline with complete dependence on others for care.

Damage to the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for memory, leads to impairments in forming new memories and retrieving existing ones.

Impaired frontal lobe function affects judgment, decision-making, attention span, and concentration.

A standardized test used to assess cognitive function and screen for cognitive impairment.

Activities that challenge the brain and stimulate cognitive function can help maintain cognitive abilities in Alzheimer's patients.

These medications increase the levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter crucial for memory and learning, to improve cognitive function.

A progressive neurological disorder characterized by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to motor dysfunction.

The four hallmark symptoms of Parkinson's are tremor, rigidity, akinesia/bradykinesia, and postural instability.

A common medication for Parkinson's disease that increases dopamine levels in the brain, improving motor control.

A surgical procedure for Parkinson's disease that involves implanting electrodes in specific brain areas to regulate electrical activity.

These medications are used to relieve severe migraine pain by constricting blood vessels and blocking pain signals.

The moderate stage of Alzheimer's disease is characterized by increasing cognitive decline, impacting daily activities and causing significant disruptions in daily life. Individuals in this stage may struggle with tasks like dressing, remembering familiar names, managing finances, and navigating familiar environments.

Caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease need to prioritize their own well-being to avoid burnout. This involves taking breaks, finding support systems, and engaging in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction.

When a client with moderate Alzheimer's disease seems frightened, the nurse should prioritize identifying and addressing any potential environmental stimuli causing distress. The nurse should assess the client's surroundings for any sources of anxiety, such as loud noises, unfamiliar faces, or overwhelming sights.

Ropinirole is a medication used to manage Parkinson's disease symptoms. It helps to improve movement control by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. The nurse must educate clients on potential side effects, such as sleepiness and postural hypotension (low blood pressure upon standing), and the importance of reporting any worsening motor symptoms.

Propranolol, a beta-blocker, is a medication used to prevent migraine headaches. It works by reducing the frequency and severity of headaches. The nurse should educate clients on the importance of taking propranolol regularly as prescribed to achieve the preventive effects.