alzheimers

Question 1

pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s

Answer 1

amyloid plaques (clumps of beta-amyloid) and neurofibrillary tangles (tau protein).

Accumulation of these leads to a reduction in information transmission, and eventually to cell death

Question 2

risk factors for Alzheimer’s

Answer 2

FHx
Age
Down Syndrome
Strong link with head injury

Question 3

presentation of Alzheimer’s

Answer 3

Insidious and slow but progressive onset, the course tends to run over 8-10 years.

hallmark symptoms:
memory loss
impairment of ADLs
neurobehavioral abnormalities.

common for them to experience changes to mood

Question 4

medications for alzheimers

Answer 4

Mild to moderate AD: cholinesterase inhibitor (rivastigmine).

Moderate to severe AD: Memantine, an NMDA receptor antagonist

Question 5

general supportive management needed in dementia

Answer 5

Referral to specialist psychiatry or neurology services
advise they are legally required to inform DVLA of diagnosis
Consider care needs and develop a care plan
Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
Present day needs
Anticipated future needs
Follow up 6-12 monthly
Consider end of life care planning early on

Question 6

what are the 4 s of alzheimers

Answer 6

Amnesia (recent memories lost first)

Aphasia (word-finding problems, speech muddled and disjointed)

Agnosia (recognition problems)

Apraxia (inability to carry out skilled tasks despite normal motor function)