This presentation describes how Alzheimer's and Dementia are linked and the three stages of Alzheimer's disease.

1. DEMENTIA &
ALZHEIMER’S
DISEASE

2. 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.

3. Dementia
Dementia is closely
associated with
Alzheimer’s Disease

4. 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.

5. Alzheimer’sHealthy Brain Cells
Alzheimer’s Disease

6. • 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

7. • 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 location
o Lapping or circling alone a path or track
o Pacing back and forth
o Wandering at random
Alzheimer’s Disease

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. IHNA offers qualifications in
aged care, disability and
nursing.
Go to http://ihna.edu.au to kick
start your health career.
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