Alzheimer's Disease: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
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Uploaded by FavoredArgon
2021
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Summary
This document provides information about Alzheimer's Disease, including its definition as a chronic neurodegenerative disease. It discusses the epidemiology of dementia, mentioning that in 2021, 57 million people worldwide had dementia. Furthermore, it covers the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical findings, medical treatment options like cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, and nursing interventions for managing Alzheimer's Disease.
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Alzheimer’s Disease What is Alzheimer’s Disease? It is a chronic neuroegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and gradually worsens over time. Epidemiology In 2021, 57 million people had dementia worldwide, over 60% of whom live in low- and middle-income countries. Every y...
Alzheimer’s Disease What is Alzheimer’s Disease? It is a chronic neuroegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and gradually worsens over time. Epidemiology In 2021, 57 million people had dementia worldwide, over 60% of whom live in low- and middle-income countries. Every year, there are nearly 10 million new cases. Epidemiology HEALTHY ALZHEIMER’S BRAIN BRAIN Dementia results from a variety of diseases and inuries that affect the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and may conribute to 60-70% of cases. Epidemiology Dementia is currently the 7th leading cause of death and one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people globally. Etiology 1. Key Neuropathological Amyloid Features Plaques Amyloid Plaques Neurofibrillary Tangles 2. Genetic Factors Deterministic Genes (Early-Onset Alzheimer's) Tau Risk Genes (Late-Onset Tangles Alzheimer's) Etiology 3. Age Likelihood of developing the condition doubles about every five years after age 65 Etiology 4. Other Risk Factors Family History Down Syndrome Head Injury Cardiovascular Disease Lifestyle Factors Environmental Factors Inflammation Amyloid beta peptide (Aβ) Amyloid beta peptide (Aβ) is a protein fragment that accumulates abnormally in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients. It forms toxic oligomers and plaques that damage neurons, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline. Medical Treatment Cholinesterase Inhibitors (Donepezil, Galantamine, Rivastigmine) Medical Treatment Memantine Medical Treatment Disease- modifying Immunotherapies (Lecanemab and Donanemab) Surgical Treatment Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Nursing Interventions Remove hazards (clutter, sharp objects) and use monitoring systems for wanderers. Maintain routines (consistent meal/bathing times) to reduce confusion. Simplify spaces (low noise, clear paths) to enhance focus. Nursing Interventions Stimulate mentally with puzzles, memory cues (calendars/alarms), and cognitive rehab programs. Administer medications Nursing Interventions Make signages (e.g., "brush teeth" reminders). Promote independence by offering simple choices ("oatmeal or toast?") and extra task time. Nursing Interventions Monitor symptoms (depression, hallucinations) and administer mood stabilizers/ anxiolytics as needed. Nursing Interventions Teach communication (short sentences, avoid corrections) and stress relief techniques. Nursing Interventions Assess nutrition, hydration, and skin integrity regularly. Check vital signs and medication adherence (use pill organizers). Thank You ANY QUESTIONS?
