Unit 5 - Diagnosing AD

Question 1

Why do we distinguish AD from Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?

Answer 1

• MCI have measureable changes in cognition but may not progress

Question 2

Why can culture impact the symptoms of AD? (2)

Answer 2

• description of presenting symptoms can vary according to the expectations and concerns of the older adult and their close others
• studies describe differences among cultures in presentation perspective

Question 3

Why should we have culturally sensitive care for the family and person with AD? (2)

Answer 3

• so they can attain the services they need
• stigmatization includes fear of the diagnosis more in some cultures

Question 4

What occurs in the early stage of Alzheimer’s? (4)

Answer 4

• forgetfulness
• communication difficulty
• Changes in mood and behaviour
• retain many abilities and require minimum assistance

Question 5

What occurs in the middle stage of AD? (4)

Answer 5

• increased memory difficulties
• Assistance with IADLs
• increasing difficulty with ADLs
• may become lost

Question 6

What occurs in the late stage of AD? (2)

Answer 6

• increased difficulty communication - 24 hour care

Question 7

What occurs in the end stage of AD?

Answer 7

physical deterioration

Question 8

Medications can temporarily slow the decline in cognitive function for AD. Which medications can do this? (4)

Answer 8

Cholinesterase inhibitors:
- donepezil (Aricept)
- Rivastigmine (Exelon)
- Galantamine (Razadyne)

Question 9

Which medication blocks the effect of glutamate?

Answer 9

• memantine (namenda)
  usually later levels of cognition MMSE 10

Question 10

What can some medications do that make you have to monitor cardiac status?

Answer 10

identify adverse drug effect as bradycardia and syncope

Question 11

What are the goals in caring for older adults with dementia? (5)

Answer 11

• nurture the personhood of the individual (supports the needs they have as social beings)
• maintain quality of life
• maintain function and prevent EXCESS DISABILITY
• maintain stable environment and relationships
• Compensate for losses associated with diseases

Question 12

Interventions aim to optimize the older adults’ abilities. We must focus on understanding the experiences of the person living with dementia. How can we do this? (6)

Answer 12

• recognize their social support systems
• recognize their ways of coping
• recognize changes and losses in relationship
• Provide for their physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs
• treat the person with dignity and respect
• recognize ongoing abilities at each stage

Question 13

There are abilities approach models for dementia. What are their purposes?

Answer 13

• lead to specific interventions that can optimize function of the older adult (see textbook and lecture on personhood)

Question 14

What are some interventions for the family and caregiver of people with dementia? (4)

Answer 14

• support groups
• Education
• Monitor condition of caregiver:
• high risk for stress related conditions

Question 15

How do we detect changes in comprehensive assessments? (2)

Answer 15

• determine the cause
• determine the treatment/interventions