● Alzheimer's disease is a neurological brain disorder, that impairs mental functioning.
● Alzheimer's is a progressive and irreversible.
● It is a slowly progressive disease of the brain that is characterized by impairment of memory and eventually by disturbances in reasoning, planning, language and perception.
HISTORY● First case of Alzheimer's disease was in 1906.
● Dr. Alois Alzheimer diagnosed his patient with disease.
Risk factors● Alzheimer's is more prevalent in women.
● Age prevalence doubles with every decade after age of 60.
● Prevalence :
●60 – 5%
●70 – 10%
●85- 20 to 50%
Life exposure factors● Head trauma
● High cholesterol
● Lack of mental stimulation
Mild Stage
● Memory loss
● Language problems
● Mood swings
● Personality changes
● Diminished judgment
Moderate Stage
● Behavior personally changes
● Unable to learn/recall new info.
● Long term memory affected
● Wandering, agitation, aggression, confusion
● Requires assistance
Severe Stage
● Unable to perform daily tasks
● Major disturbances
● Bedridden
● Long term care needed
Medication Behavioral
Treatment
Medication
● Slow break down of acetylcholine
● Anticoidants target free radicals that may damage neurons
Behavioral management
● Target both patient and care giver to:
● Increase patient independence
● Eliminate wandering and aggression
● Provide social support for caregivers
Stakeholders identified
● Caregivers of Alzheimer patient
● Family members
● Speech language therapist
● Experts in old age psychiatry and clinical psychology
● Nurses
Family and caregivers
● Responsibility increases over time
● Often times, family members must sacrifice their jobs and time to take care of their loved ones.
● Counseling for those who are caregivers is strongly recommended.
What caregivers should do!
● Show them old pictures, play old music they like and home videos.
● Do crafts and hobbies
● Outdoor activities like short walk
● Remind them of seasonal activities
Statistics
● 35 million people worldwide have Alzheimer's disease
● Death from Alzheimer's rose to 46.1% from 2006-2012.
● 4,54,000 people died in 2010 due to Alzheimer
● The federal government will spend approximately $309 millions for Alzheimer's research.
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