Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder that causes brain cells to waste away (degenerate) and die. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia.

1. ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
PRESENTED BY-
MR. ABHAY RAJPOOT

3. DEFINITION
• Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease that destroys memory and
other important mental functions. At first, someone with Alzheimer's
disease may notice mild confusion and difficulty remembering.
Eventually, people with the disease may even forget important people in
their lives and undergo dramatic personality changes.

5. INCIDENCE
• The disease is the most common form of dementing illness among
middle and older adults, affecting more than 4 million Americans
and many millions worldwide. The prevalence of Alzheimer's
among adults ages 70-79 in India, however, is 4.4 times less than
the rate in the United States

6. RISK FACTORS
• Age
• Family history and genetics
• Down syndrome
• Mild cognitive impairment
• Past head trauma
• Lifestyle and heart health
• Lifelong learning and social engagement

7. CAUSES
• Alzheimer's disease is caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle
and environmental factors that affect the brain over time.
• Less than 5 percent of the time, Alzheimer's is caused by specific
genetic changes that virtually guarantee a person will develop the
disease.

12. DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION
• History
• Physical and neurological exam
• Lab tests
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Computerized tomography (CT).
• Positron emission tomography (PET).

13. COMPLICATIONS
• Aspiration
• Pneumonia and other infections
• Falls
• Fractures
• Bedsores
• Malnutrition or dehydration

14. MANAGEMENT
• Cholinesterase inhibitors. These drugs work by boosting levels of a
cell-to-cell communication by providing a neurotransmitter
(acetylcholine) that is depleted in the brain by Alzheimer's disease.
The improvement is modest. Cholinesterase inhibitors can improve
neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as agitation or depression, as
well.

15. • Memantine (Namenda). This drug works in another brain cell
communication network and slows the progression of symptoms
with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. It's sometimes used
combination with a cholinesterase inhibitor.

16. Exercise
• Activities such as a daily walk can help improve mood and
the health of joints, muscles and the heart.
• Exercise can also promote restful sleep and prevent constipation.
Ensure that the person with Alzheimer's carries identification or
wears a medical alert bracelet if she or he walks unaccompanied.

17. Nutrition
• People with Alzheimer's may forget to eat, lose interest in preparing
or not eat a healthy combination of foods. They may also forget to drink
enough, leading to dehydration and constipation.
High-calorie, healthy shakes and smoothies
Water, juice and other healthy beverages.

18. ENVIRONMENT MODIFICATIONS
• Always keep keys, wallets, mobile phones and other valuables in the same place at home, so
they don't become lost.
• Develop the habit of carrying a mobile phone with location capability Make sure regular
appointments are on the same day at the same time as much as possible.
• Use a calendar or whiteboard in the home to track daily schedules. Build the habit of
checking off completed items so that completeness can be assured.
• Remove excess furniture, clutter and throw rugs.
• Ensure that shoes and slippers are comfortable and provide good traction.
• Reduce the number of mirrors. People with Alzheimer's may find images in mirrors confusing
or frightening.
• Keep photographs and other meaningful objects around the house.

19. NURSING CARE
• Establish an effective communication system with the patient and his family to help them
adjust to the patient’s altered cognitive abilities.
• Provide emotional support to the patient and his family.
• Administer ordered medications and note their effects. If the patient has trouble
swallowing, crush tablets and open capsules and mix them with a semi soft food.
• Protect the patient from injury by providing a safe, structured environment.
• Provide rest periods between activities because the patient tires easily.
• Encourage the patient to exercise as ordered to help maintain mobility.
• Encourage patient independence and allow ample time for him to perform tasks.

20. CONT…
• Encourage sufficient fluid intake and adequate nutrition.
• Take the patient to the bathroom at least every 2 hours and make sure he knows the
location of the bathroom.
• Assist the patient with hygiene and dressing as necessary.
• Frequently check the patient’s vital signs.
• Monitor the patient’s fluid and food intake to detect imbalances.
• Inspect the patient’s skin for evidence of trauma, such as bruises or skin breakdown.
• Encourage the family to allow the patient as much independence as possible while
ensuring safety to the patient and others.

21. NURSING DIAGNOSIS
• Self-care deficit related to impaired cognitive and motor function
• Risk for Injury related to unable to recognize / identify hazards in the
environment.

22. RESEARCH

24. SUMMARY

25. CONCLUSION