DEMENTIA & ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Dementia

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Dementia as:

A syndrome due to a disease of the brain, usually of chronic or progressive nature, in which there is a disturbance of multiple cortical functions, calculations, learning capacity, language and judgment.

Impairment of cognitive function is commonly accompanied and occasionally preceded by deterioration in emotional control, social behavior or motivation. This syndrome occurs in Alzheimer’s disease, in cerebrovascular disease and in other conditions primarily or secondarily affecting the brain.

Dementia

Dementia is closely associated with Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease

• Caused by:– Abnormal material in brain cells called

neurofibrillary tangles and abnormal substances outside cells called amyloid plaques.

– Brain cells shrink and brain tissue is destroyed, and connections are lost.

Alzheimer’sHealthy Brain Cells

Alzheimer’s Disease

• Wandering is a major behaviour in patients with AD, more so than in patients with other types of dementia.

• Agitation, restlessness, and sleep disturbances all lead to wandering, particularly at night, increasing the risk of injury to the patient and others.

Alzheimer’s Disease

• Wandering is generally one of two types: 1. Goal-directed, in which the patient attempts to reach an

impossible goal such as going home or going to the store, and

2. Non-goal-directed, in which the patient wanders aimlessly.

• Wandering patterns include:o Moving to a specific locationo Lapping or circling alone a path or tracko Pacing back and fortho Wandering at random

Alzheimer’s Disease

AD - Stage 1

Symptoms of early Alzheimer’s disease can include: • memory loss (mainly recent) • language problems (finding right word)• problems with confusion, forgetfulness,

poor judgment and mood changes

AD - Stage 2

Moderate Alzheimer’s disease symptoms include: • worsening of problems from stage 1• increased memory loss and speech problems• problems recognizing the familiar and

learning new tasks• inappropriate social and sexual behaviours• personality changes, behaviours of concern

AD - Stage 3

Severe Alzheimer’s disease – all problems of stages 1 and 2 become worse, plus: • hallucinations and delusions• total incontinence• the capacity to undertake activities of

daily living will be lost• eventually, death

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