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Transcript of Copyright 2008 CareTrust Publications Illegal to copy without a license from the publisher....
Copyright 2008 CareTrust Publications Illegal to copy without a license from the publisher.
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease - Is Dementia or Forgetfulness?
Pages 4–5
Severe memory loss that interferes with daily life
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form
of dementia
Symptoms: short and long-term memory loss,
understanding abstract ideas, difficulty in learning
new things, problem solving, concentrating,
coordination, judgment, language, orientation,
motor integration, and social skills
An evaluation is needed to figure out the reason
for the memory loss
Copyright 2008 CareTrust Publications Illegal to copy without a license from the publisher.
What Is Alzheimer's disease?
Page 5
Alzheimer’s disease causes changes in the brain
Does not occur suddenly, progresses gradually
over time
Damage to the brain takes place over many years
Most common cause of dementia
More than 5 Million people are living with Alzheimer’s
disease in the United States
Source: Alzheimer’s Association
Copyright 2008 CareTrust Publications Illegal to copy without a license from the publisher.
Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
Pages 6–7
Memory loss
Difficulty in performing familiar tasks
Problems with language
Disorientation to time and place
Poor or decreased judgment
Problems with abstract thinking
Misplacing things
Changes in mood or behavior
Changes in personality
Loss of initiative
Source: © 2005 Alzheimer’s Association
Copyright 2008 CareTrust Publications Illegal to copy without a license from the publisher.
Diagnosis - Why Get A Diagnostic Evaluation?
Pages 9–10
Start with the person’s primary doctor
Diagnosis may identify a treatable condition
Diagnosis confirms the presence of an illness that
causes irreversible dementia
Early Diagnosis helps in making future plans
An evaluation in Diagnosis Center will include:
Medical history
Psychological tests
Medical tests
Physical examination
Brain scans
Copyright 2008 CareTrust Publications Illegal to copy without a license from the publisher.
Treatments and Medications
Pages 10–11
Currently, there is no medication that can stop or cure
Sometimes medications reduce agitation in the
middle stage
All medications need to be prescribed with caution
Currently many efforts are underway to find new treatments
Having a competent and kind caregiver
Supporting Strengths and Abilities
Involvement in social and challenging activities
Maintaining the general health of a person
Proper nutrition, exercise, hearing, and vision aids and
care of other illnesses
Copyright 2008 CareTrust Publications Illegal to copy without a license from the publisher.
The Stages of Alzheimer's disease
Page 12
Symptoms don’t occur in the same order in all people
Everyone does not get all of the symptoms
Effects of Alzheimer’s disease change over time
Length of AD depends on many factors - age
and other illnesses
There are 3 stages in Alzheimer's disease. They are:
• Early Stage
• Middle Stage
• Late Stage
Copyright 2008 CareTrust Publications Illegal to copy without a license from the publisher.
Early Stage - Common Changes in Mild AD
Pages 12–13
Forgetting names and events shortly after they happen
Losing spark or zest for life, feeling depressed
Difficulty in starting activities
Handling money unreliably
Difficulty in learning new things, making new memories
Trouble finding words
Talking less
Losing the way while going to familiar places
Asking repetitive questions
Copyright 2008 CareTrust Publications Illegal to copy without a license from the publisher.
Middle Stage - Common Changes in Moderate AD
Pages 13–15
Less concern for appearance and personal hygiene
Sleep pattern changes
Mixing up people’s identities - a son is a brother, wife a stranger
Safety issues with poor judgment - wandering, self-neglect
Trouble recognizing familiar possessions
Repeating stories, favorite words, movements (tearing tissues)
May accuse, threaten, curse, fidget, kick, hit, bite
Forgetting table manners
Napping frequently or waking at night to go to work
Copyright 2008 CareTrust Publications Illegal to copy without a license from the publisher.
Late Stage - Common Changes in Severe AD
Pages 15–16
Does not recognize self or close family
May pat or touch everything
Speaks, but difficult or impossible to understand
May choke on food, refuse to eat, forget to chew or swallow
Bladder and bowel control is lost
Forgets how to walk or is too unsteady or weak to stand alone
May cry out repetitively, groan, scream, or mumble loudly
Loses weight and skin becomes thin and tears easily
May have seizures, frequent infections, falls
Needs total assistance for all activities of daily living
Copyright 2008 CareTrust Publications Illegal to copy without a license from the publisher.
The Perspective of the Person with AD
Pages 16–17
Not all people with AD respond to the diagnosis
in the same way
Those who don’t show they care when given
the diagnosis may actually be in denial
Supportive counseling and possible medication
may be helpful
Planning for the future
Interacting with others in their situation, participating
in Internet organizations
Note: Encourage and support their ongoing participation
in family and community life
Copyright 2008 CareTrust Publications Illegal to copy without a license from the publisher.
The Effects on the Family
Page 18
Family needs to reorganize and to create a care plan
New roles and skills may need to be developed
Family member(s) responsible for the care of the
person is important
Caregiving has positive aspects as well
Caregiving has been described as a career
and as a journey
Prepare the best, accept support when it is offered