1 alzheimer’s disease susan gedan r.n., c.d.e.. 2 about alzheimer’s alzheimer’s is the most...

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Alzheimer’s Disease

Susan GedanR.N., C.D.E.

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About Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia.• It accounts for 80% of all dementia cases.• 4.5 million Americans are affected.

80%

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True or False?

Alzheimer’s dementia only affects people over 60.

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Answer: False

• 95% of the cases Alzheimer’s disease begin after the age of 60.

• BUT it can occur as early as 40-50 years old.

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True or False?

Major early-stage symptoms are: • Difficulty remembering recent events—

such as forgetting to turn off the stove.• Easy time remembering things that

occurred a long time ago.

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Answer: True

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Choose the Best AnswerAs the disease progresses other symptoms can

occur such as:A. Difficulty concentrating or focusing.B. Mood swings (outbursts of anger, irritability, depression,

mistrust of others).C. Trouble doing simple tasks; confusion and disorientation

especially at night; wandering and changes in sleep habits.D. Poor coordination/trouble walking.E. All of the above.

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Answer: E—All of the Above

Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time. Eventually people with Alzheimer’s:• Might not recognize their loved

ones,• May forget how to dress

themselves, how to feed themselves and how to use the toilet.

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True or False?

Most people with Alzheimer’s only live for a year or two .

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Answer: False

• Most people with Alzheimer's live for about 8 years after their symptoms start.

• But, depending on their other medical conditions, survival can range from 4 to 20 years.

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What Causes Alzheimer’s?Researchers are not sure what causes Alzheimer's.

•What is known is that the symptoms come from damage to the nerves. • Nerve cells get neurofibrillary

tangles and amyloid plaques which build up in the brain. • As the damaged cells die, the brain

shrinks.

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What Causes Alzheimer’s? (2)

• It is believed that Alzheimer's results from a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

• These factors effect the brain over an extended period of time.

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What are the Risk Factors of Alzheimer’s?• Age: Risk increase with age, most get it after 65.

• Gender: Women get the Alzheimer's disease more than men

• Family history: those who have parents or siblings with Alzheimer's are more likely to get it.

• Down syndrome: People with this condition often get Alzheimer's

• Past head injury: Some studies have shown a link between major head injury and Alzheimer's.

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What are the risk factors for Alzheimer's?Other Factors• There is some evidence that lifestyles

affects your risk of getting Alzheimer’s. • Some of the factors that put you at increase

risk for heart disease also increase your risk of Alzheimer’s:• Lack of exercise• Smoking• High blood pressure, stroke• Poorly controlled diabetes• Diet with little or no fruits and vegetables

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Choose the Best AnswerYou can lower your risk of Alzheimer’s disease by:A. Exercising 30 minutes a day at least 5 times a week (walking, dancing,

swimming, etc…)B. Eating diet low in fat and rich in fruits and vegetables and omega-3 fatty

acids, (fish: halibut, mackerel, trout, tuna, salmon; nuts : almonds, pecans, walnuts).

C. Staying socially engaged (getting together with friends and family, attending church or participating in activities such as walking club, dance classes, etc…)

D. Staying intellectually stimulated (learn a new language, do a puzzle, read, play video games, etc…)

E. All of the above.

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Answer: E—All of the Above

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How is Alzheimer’s Diagnosed?• There is no specific test that can determine

if you have Alzheimer's. • Physical exam, blood test and radiological

studies are done to evaluate and detect other potential causes of dementia/memory problems (ex. Thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, etc.).

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Treatment• There is no current treatment that would stop a disease

from progressing.• BUT there are medications, such as Aricept, Razadyne,

Exelon, Namenda, that can temporarily slow the worsening of the symptoms and improve the quality of life for the patients and their caregiver.

• About half of people taking medications show some improvement.

• Creating a safe and supportive environment is an essential aspect of any treatment plan.

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To Support a Person With Alzheimer’s•Always keep keys, wallets, mobile phones and other

valuables in the same place at home, so they don’t get lost.•Check with the doctor to see if simplifying medication

regimen is possible (once-daily dosing preferable) and arrange for finances to be automatic payment and deposit.•Ensure the person with early signs of Alzheimer’s carries a

mobile phone with location capability so that he/she can be easily tracked.

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To Support a Person With Alzheimer’s (2)•Program important numbers into the phone so they don’t

have to recall the numbers.•Remove excess furniture, clutter and throw rugs.• Install sturdy handrails on stairways and in bathrooms.•Ensure footwear is comfortable.•Reduce the number of mirrors. People with Alzheimer’s

may find images in mirrors confusing or frightening.

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