Drugs for Alzheimer's Disease PDF

Drugs for Alzheimer Disease NUR 210/BSL 101 Unit 5  Chronic, progressive neurodegenerative condition that causes marked cognitive dysfunction Onset is usually between ages 45-65 Nerves tangle and plaques fo...

Drugs for Alzheimer Disease NUR 210/BSL 101 Unit 5  Chronic, progressive neurodegenerative condition that causes marked cognitive dysfunction Onset is usually between ages 45-65 Nerves tangle and plaques form Alzheimer Ach is not able to move from nerve to Disease nerve  Symptoms of mild stage Memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, misplace objects Planning and organizing problems Symptoms of moderate stage Alzheimer Irritable, moody, withdrawn, frustration, anger Disease Personality and behavior changes, confusion, wandering Symptoms of severe stage Forgets recent experiences and people known prior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  Donepezil Action Increases the amount of acetylcholine for use in the neuron receptors mainly in the Acetylcholinesterase brain by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase. Inhibitors 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  Side effects/Adverse reactions Most common: GI upset, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia (with Acetylcholinesterase higher doses), avoid dehydration Inhibitors – Headaches Donepezil Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, dry mouth Orthostatic hypotension Bradycardia, syncope Seizures  Contraindications Hypotension Bradycardia Acetylcholinesterase Interactions Inhibitors – Donepezil NSAIDS – increase GI upset Other drugs that cause bradycardia and hypotension No alcohol – decreases effectiveness of drug Acetylcholinesterase Assessment Inhibitors – Vital signs Donepezil Note client’s cognitive and physical abilities – baseline dementia assessment Medical/medication history Family’s coping  Nursing interventions Maintain consistency in care Establish realistic expectations with the family Record vital signs Monitor for side effects/adverse reactions Minimize as possible Acetylcholinesterase Monitor for safety Inhibitors – Monitor for improvement or decline in function Use interprofessional team approach Donepezil 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 Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors – Evaluation Donepezil Improvement in cognition and physical ability  Nurse Assessment Clients with Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are at an Compassionate increased risk for abuse and neglect due to their increased Care need for care. Consideration 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