INTRODUCTION Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain disorder of unknown etiology which is the most common form of dementia, that usually starts in late middle age or in old age, results in progressive memory loss, impaired thinking, disorientation, and changes in personality and mood.
The disease was first described by Dr. Alois Alzheimer , a German physician, in 1906 ..
Meaning Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic, irreversible disease that affects the cells of the brain and causes impairment of intellectual functioning Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder which gradually destroys the ability to reason, remember, imagine, and learn.
INCIDENCE About 3 percent of men and women ages 65 to 74 have AD, and nearly half of those age 85 and older may have the disease. About 3,60,000 new cases of Alzheimer’s are diagnosed each year.
CAUSES The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not known. However, several factors are thought to be implicated in this disease.
RISK FACTORS Aging Genetic Link: Family History Cardiovascular Factors Neurochemical factors Environmental factors OTHER RISK FACTORS Down's syndrome . Head injuries. Gender: Nearly two-thirds of people with AD are women
GENETIC AND IMMUNOLOGICAL FACTORS Oxidized LDL receptor 1 and Angiotensin 1-converting enzyme, are tied to the way the brain cells bind to Apolipoprotein4 (APOE4) and reduce buildup of harmful proteins, known as plaques, in the brain, respectively.
Comparison of a normal aged brain (left) and an Alzheimer's patient's brain (right). Differential characteristics are pointed out.
DUE TO THE ETIOLOGICAL FACTORS CHANGES OCCUR IN THE PROTIENS OF THE NERVE CELLS OF THE CEREBRAL CORTEX ACCUMULATION OF NEUROFIBRILLARY TANGLES AND PLAQUES GRANULO VASCULAR DEGENERATION LOSS OF CHOLINERGIC NERVE CELLS LOSS OF MEMORY, FUNCTION AND COGNITION
Early onset : Symptoms appear before age 60. This type is much less common than late onset. However, it tends to get worse quickly. Late onset : This is the most common type. It occurs in people age 60 and older. the role of genes is less clea TYPES
In Alzheimer's disease, changes in tau protein lead to the disintegration of microtubules in brain cells.
SIGNS OF AD Ten warning signs of Alzheimer's disease 1) Memory loss 2) Difficulty to performing familiar tasks 3) Problems with language 4) Disorientation to time and place 5) Poor or decreased judgment 6) Problems with abstract thinking 7) Misplacing things 8) Changes in mood or behavior 9) Changes in personality 10) Loss of initiative
SYMPTOMS Confusion Disturbances in short-term memory Problems with attention Personality changes Language difficulties Unexplained mood swings
DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES History collection Physical examination Neurological assesment Blood routine:Blood tests may be done to rule out other possible causes of dementia symptoms, such as thyroid problems or vitamin deficiencies.
( Cont ). Diagnostic tests . Computed tomography(CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain may be done to look for other causes of dementia, such as a brain tumor or stroke. In the early stages of dementia, brain image scans may be normal. In later stages, an MRI may show a decrease in the size of different areas of the brain.
( Cont ). Diagnostic tests . Cognitive Testing: Tests to evaluate memory, language skills, problem-solving abilities, and other cognitive functions. Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis : This involves taking a sample of cerebrospinal fluid through a lumbar puncture to look for markers of Alzheimer's disease, such as abnormal levels of proteins like amyloid beta and tau.
Pharmacological intervention Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors – Prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger important for learning and memory eg . Donepezil (Aricept) Rivastigmine (Exelon) Galantamine ( Razadyne
N-Methyl d- aspartate Receptor Antagonist (NMDA ) Eg:Memantine – blocks the NMDA receptor and inhibit their overstimulation by glutamate (neurotransmitter) Antidepressents . Anxiolytics . Antipsychotics. Anticonvulsants
Psychosocial intervention Behavioral approach Emotion oriented approach Remnisence therapy: Involves recalling past experiences, events, and activities, typically from a person's earlier years, Validation therapy : Validation therapy is a method of communicating with and understanding individuals, particularly elderly individuals with dementia or cognitive impairments, by validating their feelings, thoughts, and experience
Caregiving Since Alzheimer's has no cure and it gradually renders people incapable of tending for their own needs, caregiving essentially is the treatment and must be carefully managed over the course of the disease
Prognosis The early stages of Alzheimer's disease are difficult to diagnose. A definitive diagnosis is usually made once cognitive impairment compromises daily living activities, although the person may still be living independently. He will progress from mild cognitive problems, such as memory loss through increasing stages of cognitive and non-cognitive disturbances, eliminating any possibility of independent living .
. Life expectancy of the population with the disease is reduced. The mean life expectancy following diagnosis is approximately seven years. Fewer than 3% of patients live more than fourteen years. Disease features significantly associated with reduced survival are an increased severity of cognitive impairment, decreased functional level, history of falls, and disturbances in the neurological examination .
NURSING MANAGEMENT A complete history Assess the causes Collect the family history Nurse should prepare specific questions about the difficulties with activities of daily living.
NURSING MANAGEMENT A complete history Assess the causes Collect the family history Nurse should prepare specific questions about the difficulties with activities of daily living. Assess the family strenghts and weakness Educate the family members
NURSING DIAGNOSIS Impaired Memory r elated to cognitive decline as evidenced by difficulty recalling recent events, forgetting familiar faces, or repetitive questioning Risk for Injury related to impaired judgment, decreased mobility, or environmental hazards as evidenced by falls, wandering behavior, or difficulty with activities of daily living. Altered Communication r elated to cognitive decline or aphasia as evidenced by difficulty expressing needs or understanding verbal cues.
CONCLUSION In conclusion, effective nursing management for Alzheimer's disease entails a comprehensive and holistic approach aimed at addressing the complex needs of patients, their families, and caregivers. By conducting thorough assessments, providing education and support, ensuring safety and promoting independence, managing behavioral symptoms, addressing nutritional and hydration needs, and facilitating emotional and psychosocial support, nurses play a pivotal role in optimizing the quality of life for individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease..