1) Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes memory loss and cognitive decline. It is the most common form of dementia. 2) The causes of Alzheimer's are not fully known but involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors include increasing age, family history, head trauma, cardiovascular issues, and lifestyle factors. 3) Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. It includes cholinesterase inhibitors, NMDA receptor antagonists, lifestyle interventions, and managing behavioral issues. Nursing care assesses cognitive and functional abilities and provides support for activities of daily living.

1. PRAGYANSHREE NANDA.
PG 1ST YR
MED-SURG NUG SPECIALITY

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.

4. DEFINITION
Alzheimer's disease
Characterized by
Progressive impairment
in memory, cognitive
function, language,
judgment, and ADL
Ultimately, patients
cannot perform self-
care activities and
become dependent
on caregivers .

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.

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

13. Laboratory tests
•CBC
•ESR
•chemistry panel
•TSH
•test for syphilis
•urinalysis
• serum B12
•folate level
• HIV
•CSF
•Genetic testing

14. management

15. Primary goals of treatment for Alzheimer's
disease
To maximize functional abilities and improve
quality of life by enhancing mood, cognition, and
behavior

16. Pharmachological managment
•Cholinesterase inhibitors
•Donepezil
•Galantamine
• Rivastigmine
•NMDA-recpt antagonist
•Antidepressant therapy
•Anxiolytics,
•Antipsychotics,
• Anticonvulsants

17. Nonpharmacologic managment
treatments used to improve cognition:
•Environmental manipulation
•Pet therapy
•Aromatherapy
•Massage
•Music therapy
•Exercise

18. NURSING
MANAGMENT

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