Cognition/Alzheimers Flashcards
dementia vs alz
dementia = progressive loss of brain function and impaired cognition alz = type of dementia
most common type of dementia =
alz
alz characteristics (patho)
Normal changes of the brain that occur with aging are ACCELERATED
- Atrophy
- Widening of cerebral sulci
- Narrowing of gyri
- Enlargement of ventricles
- High levels of beta amyloid
- Reduced levels of acetyltransferase
- Low levels of acetyltransferase interferes with cholinergic innervation of cerebral cortex
- -> impaired cognition, short term memory and acquisition of new memories
autopsy shows what in alz
- Neurofibrillary tangles/ Tau tangles throughout neurons
- Plaques (abnormal clusters of beta amyloid)
how do we get definitive diagnosis for alz?
autopsy
most important intervention for alz
Structure and consistency
alz interventions
-Manage comorbidities
-Cognitive stimulation
-Reminiscence therapy
-Structured Environment
-Minimize environmental stimulation (noise, decorations, sleep interruptions)
-Reality Orientation (early AD)
-Validation therapy (late stage AD)- neither confirm nor deny, redirect to understand underlying cause
-Promotion of
Self-care
Bowel and bladder continence: 2 hour habit training
Communication
wandering prevention
- Walking
- Identification bracelet
- Photo of client on door
- Stop signs
- Room location
- Enrollment in Safe Return Program
- Frequent checks
ALZ assessment (top 3*)
- History
- *Changes in Cognition
- *Changes in Behavior and Personality
- *Changes in Self Management- ADLs/assistance
- Caregiver ability to cope/ fatigue
- Elder Abuse
delirium =
Acute Confusion , dementia patients at risk of developing
in alz death is related to
immobility
progression of alz
- Begins with mild memory loss > lack of ability to respond to environment
- Results in chronic confused state and severe physical disability
- Death typically associated with resulting immobility
