Drugs for Alzheimer's Disease - Nursing Unit PDF

Antihyperlipidemic & Vasodilators - Unit 6 Drugs for Alzheimer Disease Unit 5 NUR 210/BSL 101  Antihyperlipidemic & Vasodilators - Unit 6 Alzheimer Disease Chronic, progressive neurodegenerative condition that causes marked cognitive dysfunction Onset is usually between age...

Antihyperlipidemic & Vasodilators - Unit 6 Drugs for Alzheimer Disease Unit 5 NUR 210/BSL 101  Antihyperlipidemic & Vasodilators - Unit 6 Alzheimer Disease Chronic, progressive neurodegenerative condition that causes marked cognitive dysfunction Onset is usually between ages 45-65 Nerves tangle and plaques form Ach is not able to move from nerve to nerve  Antihyperlipidemic & Vasodilators - Unit 6 Alzheimer Disease Symptoms of mild stage Memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, misplace objects Planning and organizing problems Symptoms of moderate stage Irritable, moody, withdrawn, frustration, anger Personality and behavior changes, confusion, wandering Symptoms of severe stage Forgets recent experiences and people known prior Requires help with ADL Inability to interact, walk, sit, swallow Prone to infections  Antihyperlipidemic & Vasodilators - Unit 6 Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors Donepezil Action Increases the amount of acetylcholine for use in the neuron receptors mainly in the brain by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase. Does not alter progression of the disease, but can improve cognition (attention and memory) and behavior and improve ability to engage in daily activities Use FDA approved for mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer disease  Antihyperlipidemic & Vasodilators - Unit 6 Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors ? Donepezil Side effects/Adverse reactions Most common: GI upset, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia (with higher doses), avoid dehydration Headaches Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, dry mouth Orthostatic hypotension Bradycardia, syncope Seizures  Antihyperlipidemic & Vasodilators - Unit 6 Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors ? Donepezil Contraindications Hypotension Bradycardia Interactions NSAIDS ? increase GI upset Other drugs that cause bradycardia and hypotension No alcohol ? decreases effectiveness of drug  Antihyperlipidemic & Vasodilators - Unit 6 Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors ? Donepezil Assessment Vital signs Note client?s cognitive and physical abilities ? baseline dementia assessment Medical/medication history Family?s coping  Antihyperlipidemic & Vasodilators - Unit 6 Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors ? Donepezil Nursing interventions Maintain consistency in care Establish realistic expectations with the family Record vital signs Monitor for side effects/adverse reactions Minimize as possible Monitor for safety Monitor for improvement or decline in function Use interprofessional team approach Teaching To medication use Drug will help with symptoms but not cure disease To safety Available support groups May take with or without food Monitor intake and make foods that client enjoys Best to take at bedtime  Antihyperlipidemic & Vasodilators - Unit 6 Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors ? Donepezil Evaluation Improvement in cognition and physical ability  Antihyperlipidemic & Vasodilators - Unit 6 Compassionate Care Consideration Clients with Dementia and Alzheimer?s disease are at an increased risk for abuse and neglect due to their increased need for care. Nurses should: Monitor clients for signs of abuse or neglect Monitor family members and caregivers for caregiver role strain Provide clients and families with information about resources Educate clients and families about increasing physiological needs of the client Nurse Assessment