1. Alzheimer's Disease By: Karla Sprecher, Donna Tait , Elena Turner, DanisiaWillock and Matthew Winans

2. What is it? What causes it? Definition of Alzheimer’s: Alzheimer's disease is a CHRONIC, progressive and degenerative disease of the brain. It’s the most common form of dementia. Etiology of Alzheimer’s UNKNOWN… There is a clear and unmistakable pattern of inheritance within a family

3. Plaque and Proteins: Beta-Amyloid Plaque: Plaque from proteins and remnants of neurons “clump” and become sticky. Plaque develops first in the Hippocampus Hippocampus is important in forming and storing short-term memories Tau Proteins: Tau proteins in the brain provide structure for the CNS. These proteins become tangled and twisted Inhibits transmission between neurons

4. Plaques and Tangles:

5. Cortical, Hippocampal Shrinkage and Ventricular Hypertrophy The healthy brain begins to show changes in structure and function as the plaque and tangles begin to accumulate.

6. Clinical Manifestations and Stages of AD: Ranges from MILD-to-SEVERE impairment:

7. Diagnostic Testing for Alzheimer’s:

8. How to Diagnose? Complete H/P Mental Status Assessment Neurological Assessment MRI – shows atrophy and enlarged ventricles PET – detects earlier changes in brain A definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be made only through autopsy after death.

9. What to expect from AD: Between 70 to 90% of people with AD eventually develop behavioral symptoms, including: Sleeplessness Wandering and pacing Aggression Agitation Anger Depression Hallucinations Delusions

10. DRUG Therapy: Cholinesterase Inhibitors: Aricept Exelon BOTH improve and stabilize cognitive decline in patients with mild to moderate AD Antipsychotics and Antidepressants: Haldol manages acute episodes of: Agitation Aggressive behavior Psychosis Paxil or Zoloft to treat depression often associated with AD

11. Nursing Management of AD: SAFETY FIRST!!! Use memory aids like calendars Be patient Avoid agitating behaviors or excessive noises and distractions AVOID chaos and conflict Provide good oral care Prevent aspiration pneumonia Good skin care Elimination patterns and problems should be addressed: Laxatives for constipation and fiber to promote motility.

12. Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for Injury r/t impaired judgment, possible gait instability, muscle weakness and sensory/perception alterations Self-Care deficit r/t memory and neuromuscular impairment

13. The affects of AD are immeasurable: Physiological changes Emotional decline Fear Denial Anger Loss of interest Disorientation Inability to perform like they once were able to Apraxia Agnosia Aphasia Depression Incontinence Immobility Limb rigidity DEATH

14. Alzheimer's Disease “My father started growing very quiet as Alzheimer's started claiming more of him. The early stages of Alzheimer's are the hardest because that person is aware that they're losing awareness.” “And I think that's why my father started growing more and more quiet.” --Patti Davis, Daughter of President Ronald Reagan

15. DON’T FORGET…

16. Each diagnosis of Alzheimer’s directly affects 10 more individuals due to that 1 persons illness… It affects everyone around you. It rips your family apart. It will rock you to your very foundation.