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Alzheimer's diseases alzheimer-disease-symptoms-prevention-thumb -…
Alzheimer's diseases alzheimer-disease-symptoms-prevention-thumb
Definition
A progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions
Clinical manifestations
Memory loss
Cognitive dysfunction
Difficulty with problem solving
Difficulty with good judgment
Mood changes
Pathophysiology
Loss of synapses, acetylcholine, and other neurotransmitters
Accumulation of extracellular neuritic plaques
Build up of toxic fragments of amyloid beta proteins
Tau proteins inside neurons disconnect and create an insoluble filament (neurofibrillary tangle)
Neurons are lost causing brain atrophy and widening sulci
Risk factors
Age
Family history and genetics
Down syndrome
Sex
Head trauma
Poor sleep pattern
Complications
Inhaling food or liquid into the lungs
Flu, pneumonia and other infections
Bedsores
Fractures
Malnutrition or dehydration
Diagnosis
Thorough history, including onset and progression of cognitive symptoms, and physical exam
Interview with patient and family together and then seperately
Collateral history
Mental status exam, bedside cognitive testing,neuropsychological exam
Laboratory testing- basic to extensive, brain imaging testing
References
Daroff RB, et al. Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. In: Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2016.
https://www.clinicalkey.com
. Accessed Nov. 23, 2020.
Wolk DA, et al. Clincal features and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search
. Accessed Nov. 23, 2020.
Nursing care plan
Nursing diagnosis
Impaired memory
May be related to
Changes in cognitive abilities
Alzheimer’s disease process
Chemical imbalance in the brain
May be evidence by
Memory loss
Decreased ability to reason or conceptualize
Decreased attention span
Explosive behavior
Assessment
Assess the patient’s overall cognitive function and memory
Assess the patient for sensory deprivation, concurrent use of CNS drugs, poor nutrition, dehydration, infection, or other concurrent disease processes
Perform regular, comprehensive person-centered assessments and timely interim assessments
Nursing interventions
Orient the patient to the environment as needed if the patient’s short-term memory is intact. The use of calendars, radio, newspapers, television, and so forth are also appropriate
Suggest the use of a calendar or making a list of reminders
Encourage the use of complementary and alternative therapies such as exercises, guided meditation, massage
Assist the client in setting up a medication box