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Alzheimers Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes memory loss and cognitive decline. It is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. The disease is characterized by abnormal protein buildup in the brain that leads to damage and death of brain cells. Early symptoms include forgetfulness and subtle memory loss, which progress to more severe issues with daily functioning, recognition, communication, and behavior. Diagnosis involves assessments of family history, medications, cognitive ability, and imaging tests. Treatment focuses on medications to improve symptoms as well as nursing interventions to support safety, independence, and quality of life as abilities decline.

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CHRISTIAN RAY ALPAS PASILIAO
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119 views11 pages

Alzheimers Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes memory loss and cognitive decline. It is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. The disease is characterized by abnormal protein buildup in the brain that leads to damage and death of brain cells. Early symptoms include forgetfulness and subtle memory loss, which progress to more severe issues with daily functioning, recognition, communication, and behavior. Diagnosis involves assessments of family history, medications, cognitive ability, and imaging tests. Treatment focuses on medications to improve symptoms as well as nursing interventions to support safety, independence, and quality of life as abilities decline.

Uploaded by

CHRISTIAN RAY ALPAS PASILIAO
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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ALZHEIMER'S

DISEASE
Overview

DEFINITION DIAGNOSTIC TEST

SURGICAL & PHARMACOLOGICAL


PATHOPHYSIOLOGY MANAGEMENT

SIGN AND SYMPTOMS NURSING INTERVENTION


IS ALZHEIMER'S DIS
HAT EAS
W E
Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that
causes the brain to shrink (atrophy) and slowly
destroys memory and thinking skills and,
eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest
tasks. Alzheimer's is also the most common cause
of dementia among older adults, a general term
for memory loss and other cognitive abilities.
Predisposing Factors:
- Age (early onset 30-60 y/o; late onset 65
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY Precipitating Factors:
- Head Injury
y/o and above) - Stroke
- Gender - Prolonged loss of consciousness
- Family History of Dementia - Low level of Physical activity
- Down Syndrome - High cholesterol levels

Abnormalities in cholinergic neurotransmitters

Decrease in acetylcholine synthesis

Cellular degeneration and cellular atrophy


Tangles masses of non-functioning
Formation of neuritic plaques
neurons

Deacrease in brain size

Damaging & disrupting messages or connections between brain cells

Leads to eventual death of the brain cells and prevents the recall of information

Alzheimer's Disease
SIGN AND SYMPTOM
EARLY STAGE:
FORGETFULNESS AND SUBTLE MEMORY LOSS
PROGRESSION STAGE:

FORGETFULNESS MANIFESTED IN DAILY ACTIONS:


LOSS ABILITY TO RECOGNIZE
DIFFICULTY TO COMMUNICATE
EXHIBIT IMPULSIVE BEHAVIOR
PERSONALITY CHANGES
DIAGNOSTIC TEST
ASSESSMENT DIAGNOSTIC TEST

CBC: to measure for detecting


amyloid plaques
Family History
Computed Tomography: to detect
Medication History
the loss of brain mass
Physical Examination
Magnetic Resonance Imaging: to
Mental State Status
detect which part of brain are
becoming smaller
Medical Management
Donepezil Antidepressants

(cholinesterase inhibitor; elevates


acetylcholine concentration in cerebral cortex
by slowing degradation of acetylcholine
(selective serotonin reuptake
released by intact neurons)which improves inhibitors; increases activity of
cognitive symptoms; improves cognitive serotonin in the brain) which treats
function in the early stages of the disease only;
drug effects diminish as the disease
depression, anxiety, and irritability
progresses
NURSING INTERVENTION
1. Establish an effective communication system with the patient and his
family to help them adjust to the patient’s altered cognitive abilities.
2. Provide emotional support to the patient and his family.
3. Administer ordered medications and note their effects. If the patient
has trouble swallowing, crush tablets and open capsules and mix them
with a semi soft food.
4. Protect the patient from injury by providing a safe, structured
environment.
5. Provide rest periods between activities because the patient tires easily.
6. Encourage the patient to exercise as ordered to help maintain
mobility.
7. Encourage patient independence and allow ample time for him to
perform tasks.
NURSING INTERVENTION
8. Encourage sufficient fluid intake and adequate nutrition.
9. Take the patient to the bathroom at least every 2 hours and make
sure he knows the location of the bathroom.
10. Assist the patient with hygiene and dressing as necessary.
11. Frequently check the the patient’s vital signs.
12. Monitor the patient’s fluid and food intake to detect imbalances.
13. Inspect the patient’s skin for evidence of trauma, such as bruises
or skin breakdown.
14. Encourage the family to allow the patient as much
independence as possible while ensuring safety to the patient and
others.
Reference:
Alzheimer’s Disease Nursing Care Plan & Management. (2018,
January 15). RNpedia. https://www.rnpedia.com/nursing-
notes/medical-surgical-nursing-notes/alzheimers-disease/
Cnrn, R. P. J. H. L., PhD Rn, K. C. H., & Overbaugh, K. (2021).
Brunner & Suddarth’s Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing
(Brunner and Suddarth’s Textbook of Medical-Surgical) (Fifteenth,
North American). LWW.

thank you

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