3. INTRODUCTION
•A progressive degenerative disorder of the
cerebral cortex (especially the frontal lobe)
Most common form of dementia .
• 5% of people older than age 65 have a severe
form of this disease & 12% suffer from mild to
moderate dementia.
5. CAUSES
• Alzheimer's is caused by brain cell death.
•a combination of genetic & lifestyle
•environmental
•Less than 5 % specific genetic changes
•Plaques
•Tangles
6. RISK FACTORS
•Age
•Family history and genetics
•Down syndrome
•ObesityPast
•head trauma
•HTN
•Lack of exercise
•Sex (Women seem to be more likely than are men)
•Mild cognitive impairment
•Lifestyle and heart health
•Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
•High blood cholesterol
•Poorly controlled type 2 diabetes
•A diet lacking in fruits and vegetables
•Lifelong learning and social engagement
•less than a high school education appear to be a risk factor for
Alzheimer's disease.
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12. •Diagnostic evaluation
•Detailed patient history
• determine cognitive and behavioral changes,
their duration, and symptoms
•Noncontrast computed tomography (CT) scan,
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
• single-photon emission computed tomography
(SPECT)
Neuropsychological evaluation (mental status
15. Primary goals of treatment for Alzheimer's
disease
To maximize functional abilities and improve
quality of life by enhancing mood, cognition, and
behavior
19. Nursing assessment
• Perform cognitive assessment
•orientation, insight, abstract thinking,
concentration, memory, verbal ability
•Assess for changes in behavior and ability to
perform ADLs
•Evaluate nutrition and hydration
•check weight, skin turgor, meal habits
•Assess motor ability, strength, muscle tone,
flexibility
20. Nursing diagnoses
Bathing or hygiene self-care deficit
Constipation
Disabled family coping
Disturbed thought processes
Dressing or grooming self-care deficit
Feeding self-care deficit
21. Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements
Impaired verbal communication
Ineffective coping
Interrupted family processes
Risk for infection
Risk for injury
Toileting self-care deficit