Alzheimers Flashcards
(11 cards)
The two types of Alzheimer’s?
Sporadic, late onset
Familial, early onset
What theories are there that cause AD?
Antibodies T cells
▶ Proteins beta amyloid & tau (lacking)
▶ Neurotransmitters acetylcholine (lacking)
▶ Lesions plaques & tangles (destruction)
First parts of brain to be affected by AD?
Limbic System
▶ Hippocampus (short term memory)
▶ Amygdala (strong emotion)
What are some risk factors for AD?
Age ▶ Gender ▶ Obesity ▶ Ethnicity ▶ Genetics ▶ Diabetes ▶ Viral Load ▶ Head injury ▶ Down’s syndrome ▶ Impaired perfusion
What can we do to prevent AD?
Weight control ▶Regular exercise ▶Healthy nutrition ▶No risky behaviors ▶Be mentally & socially active
What are some behavioral issues of AD?
Degeneration of brain ▶ Change in pattern or routine ▶ Emotion that cannot be expressed ▶ Unmet needs that cannot be expressed
What is dementia?
Chronic irreversible disease process
▶ Permanent state of impairment
What is delirium?
Acute state of reversible confusion ▶ Resolves when cause is corrected
What can cause delirium?
UTI, CVA, hemorrhage, medications
▶ Meds: react, interaction, abrupt cessation
Drugs, oxygen, glucose
What meds do we use for AD? How long are they effective?
Donepezil (used for all stages of AD)
Memantine (used only for late stage of AD)
Rivastigmine
Galantamine
ONLY EFFECTIVE FOR 6-12 MONTHS (the earlier started, the better they work)
How do we diagnose AD?
Cannot be diagnosed unless post mortality.
Can use labs like CT and MRI to see possible disease progression
Ongoing interviews
