ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: problems and

decisions

The second course general practice nursing student Атанас Гроздев (Atanas Grozdev ).

Medical University of Plovdiv Sant Georg, Bulgaria.

Slide 2

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It is a neurological brain disorder named after a German physician, Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Abnormal changes in the brain worsen over time.Memory loss is one of the earliest symptoms, along with a gradual decline of other intellectual and thinking abilities, called cognitive functions, and changes in personality or behavior.

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills.

Alzheimer's advances in stages, progressing from mild forgetfulness and cognitive impairment to widespread loss of mental abilities.

The time course of the disease varies by individual, ranging from five to 20 years. The most common cause of death is infection.

Who Is Affected by Alzheimer’s Disease?

35 million people worldwide have Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer's is the fifth leading cause of death in people 65 and older.

Approximately 496,000 people will develop Alzheimer’s in 2011.

What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?

The causes of Alzheimer's disease are not yet fully understood, but scientists are zeroing in on the answers.

Scientists believe that there are several reasons that lead to Alzheimer's disease on :

•Genetical and biological factors ;• Head trauma ;• Lifestyle factors (dietary habits, high blood pressure and high cholesterol )• Stress .

The main symptoms of Alzheimer's :

•Sleeplessness

• Wandering and pacing

• Aggression

•Agitation

•Anger

•Depression and hallucinations

•Delusions.

In advanced Alzheimer's, people become dependent on others for every aspect of their care.

Where are people with AD cared for?

• Home • Assisted living facilities (those in

the early stages)• Nursing homes (special care units)

Slide 6

Experts suggest these general coping strategies for managing difficult behaviors::

• Stay calm and be understanding.• Be patient and flexible. Don’t argue or try

to convince.• Acknowledge requests and respond to

them.• Try not to take behaviors personally.

Remember: it’s the disease talking, not your loved one.

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