Alzheimer’s Disease:

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Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s Disease: Disease: A progressive mental deterioration that can A progressive mental deterioration that can occur in middle or old age, due to generalized occur in middle or old age, due to generalized degeneration of the brain. degeneration of the brain.

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Alzheimer’s Disease:. A progressive mental deterioration that can occur in middle or old age, due to generalized degeneration of the brain. Alois Alzheimer was a German neuropathologist and psychiatrist in the early 1900s. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alzheimer's_disease. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Transcript of Alzheimer’s Disease:

Page 1: Alzheimer’s Disease:

Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s Disease:Disease:

A progressive mental deterioration that A progressive mental deterioration that can occur in middle or old age, due to can occur in middle or old age, due to generalized degeneration of the brain.generalized degeneration of the brain.

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Alois Alzheimer was a German neuropathologist Alois Alzheimer was a German neuropathologist and psychiatrist in the early 1900s.and psychiatrist in the early 1900s.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alzheimer's_disease

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In 1906, Alzheimer identified an “unusual disease of the cerebral cortex” which affected a woman in her fifties that caused memory loss, disorientation, hallucinations and ultimately her death at only age 55.

http://www.alz.co.uk/alois-alzheimer

http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/300/3/333/F1.medium.jpg

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The autopsy done of the woman showed various abnormalities of the brain. The cerebral cortex was thinner than normal, previously only encountered in elderly people.

http://www.alz.co.uk/alois-alzheimer

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHwzz1-kWXEhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHwzz1-kWXE

Alzheimer was able to identify these nerve tangles which had never previously been described. He then named the discovery after himself.

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Alzheimer’s Disease is characterized by a loss of neurons and Alzheimer’s Disease is characterized by a loss of neurons and synapses mainly in the cerebral cortex. Studies using MRI’s on synapses mainly in the cerebral cortex. Studies using MRI’s on Alzheimer’s patients show the reduction of the size of certain Alzheimer’s patients show the reduction of the size of certain

brain regions as they progress from mild to severe Alzheimer’s. brain regions as they progress from mild to severe Alzheimer’s.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alzheimer's_disease#Neuropathology

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alzheimer's_disease

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Alzheimer’s is a form of Alzheimer’s is a form of DementiaDementia

Dementia and Alzheimer’s effect the brain in similar ways. The main difference is that Dementia is caused by other diseases, such as Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, or Multiple Sclerosis, whereas Alzheimer’s seems to have no found cause.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001748/

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Even though memory loss is common in the aging process, Even though memory loss is common in the aging process, Alzheimer’s can be characterized by extreme memory loss Alzheimer’s can be characterized by extreme memory loss

that disrupts one’s daily life. that disrupts one’s daily life.

http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/ElderlyWoman.jpg

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The biggest difference between aging naturally and Alzheimer’s, is the progressive speed at which a patient loses their memory. They’ll begin to forget what they did earlier in the day, or even an hour before. Eventually they may forget their own name, or who their family members are. http://alzheimers.about.com/od/diagnosisissues/a/memory_elderly.htmhttp://alzheimers.about.com/od/diagnosisissues/a/memory_elderly.htm

http://www.oumedicine.com/images/College%20of%20Medicine/AD-Pathology/alz-prev.gif

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Every Alzheimer’s case progresses at a different rate, Every Alzheimer’s case progresses at a different rate, sometimes over the course of more than 20 years. Most sometimes over the course of more than 20 years. Most

commonly though, in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, older commonly though, in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, older memories of one’s life (episodic memory) are still intact, memories of one’s life (episodic memory) are still intact,

whereas newer memories are harder to recall.whereas newer memories are harder to recall.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hlsidllN8P0/TROq3D5tGvI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/wlkT98qoI1o/s1600/Childhood_Memories_angelslover_com_26.jpg

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers/AZ00028

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Although Alzheimer’s is thought of as a disease of the elderly, there are many cases where patients are diagnosed as early as their 40s.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers/AZ00028

http://www.digitalkinetics.org/Travel/Journal/P1060356/1111581261_iYfZE-XL-1.jpg

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http://www.alz.org/northcentraltexas/in_my_http://www.alz.org/northcentraltexas/in_my_community_early_stage_support_groups.aspcommunity_early_stage_support_groups.asp

An interview done by NPR talks to someone by the name of Teresa Lambert. A woman who, in her 40s, was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106299147

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She first noticed she had a problem when she put her dirty clothes in the freezer to wash them because they were both “big and white” and she couldn’t remember the difference between the two appliances.

http://gadgets.softpedia.com/images/news/History-of-the-Washing-Machine-2.jpg http://salestores.com/stores/images/images_747/GLHS35EHW.jpg

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106299147

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When Lambert lost her job due to her illness, she lost the health insurance that came with it. Since doctors still hadn’t figured out what was wrong with her, she paid for the medical tests out of her own pocket.

"Let's see: The MRI was over about $3,500. Just the reading of it was almost a thousand," she says. "Blood work ran about $600." She's been paying off those bills $10 and $20 at a time.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106299147

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Now 54, Teresa Lambert heads to Washington about 3 times a year to tell members of Congress how difficult it is for people with early onset Alzheimer’s to get health insurance.

http://cdn4.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/us-congress-building.jpg

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106299147

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http://www.alz.org/national/documents/Preexisting_Condition_Insurance_Phttp://www.alz.org/national/documents/Preexisting_Condition_Insurance_Plans.pdflans.pdf

Most Alzheimer’s Most Alzheimer’s patient’s struggle patient’s struggle without insurance no without insurance no matter how old they matter how old they are.are.

http://www.alzinfo.org/08/treatment-care/long-term-care-insurance%20%E2%80%8E

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The moderate stage of Alzheimer’s is characterized by the deterioration of The moderate stage of Alzheimer’s is characterized by the deterioration of independence. Relying more on their caregiver in this stage, they will wander independence. Relying more on their caregiver in this stage, they will wander

aimlessly, have erratic mood swings, speech difficulties from a minimized aimlessly, have erratic mood swings, speech difficulties from a minimized vocabulary, loss of reading and writing skills, and less coordination which leads vocabulary, loss of reading and writing skills, and less coordination which leads

to more injures. More often than not, these full-time caregivers are family to more injures. More often than not, these full-time caregivers are family members.members.

http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=caregiver&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1309&bih=772

http://alzheimers.about.com/od/diagnosisissues/a/memory_elderly.htmhttp://alzheimers.about.com/od/diagnosisissues/a/memory_elderly.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1BkfV2h09g

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This is a picture of my Grandfather shortly after he was diagnosed with This is a picture of my Grandfather shortly after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He would stare out the window for hours wondering why he Alzheimer’s. He would stare out the window for hours wondering why he

couldn’t remember how to ride his tractor, or take care of his garden.couldn’t remember how to ride his tractor, or take care of his garden.

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““It’s very lonely. I can’t even have a conversation with him at the dinner It’s very lonely. I can’t even have a conversation with him at the dinner table anymore. That’s the hardest part for me.” - Grandmatable anymore. That’s the hardest part for me.” - Grandma

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http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/04/10/elderly-man-with-alzheimers-reported-missing-in-west-covina/““

““I can’t leave him alone because I can’t leave him alone because he’ll wander off or forget to eat, he’ll wander off or forget to eat, and I can’t take him anywhere and I can’t take him anywhere because he gets very agitated, so because he gets very agitated, so I’m stuck. I rarely get a break.” - I’m stuck. I rarely get a break.” - GrandmaGrandma

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More often than not, caregivers feel More often than not, caregivers feel overwhelmed and under prepared.overwhelmed and under prepared.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78UQ-GT3VKw&feature=relmfu

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A person who has Alzheimer's may react with frustration, agitation and even aggression towards the caregiver when once-automatic tasks become difficult or impossible. To limit challenges and ease frustration:

Schedule wisely. Establish a routine to make each day more predictable and less confusing. Schedule the most difficult tasks, such as bathing or medical appointments, for the time of day when your loved one tends to be most calm and agreeable.1. Take your time. Expect things to take longer than they used to. Schedule more time to complete even simple tasks so that you don't need to hurry your loved one.2. Involve your loved one. Allow your loved one to do as much as possible with the least amount of assistance. For example, perhaps your loved one can dress alone if you lay out the clothes in the order they go on.3. Limit choices. The fewer the options, the easier it is to decide. For example, provide two outfits to choose between — not a closet full of clothes.•. Provide simple instructions. When you ask your loved one to do something, do it one step at a time.1. Reduce distractions. Turn off the TV and minimize other distractions at mealtime and during conversations so that your loved one can better focus on the task at hand.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers-caregiver/HO00125

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Since a caregiver rarely has any Since a caregiver rarely has any medical training, some precautions medical training, some precautions

to take are:to take are:

Medical ID bracelets in case your loved one were to wonder off and get losthttp://www.americanmedical-id.com//

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Childproofing the Home

One of the best Alzheimer's safety precautions for the home is to childproof as many doors, cabinets, appliances and other items as possible. It might even be necessary to remove potentially dangerous objects and appliances that cannot be safely contained. http://www.myseniorcare.com/alzheimers/living-managing/alzheimers-safety-precautions-for-the-home-article

http://indytotalconstruction.com/wp-content/myuploads/2010/04/child-proof.jpg

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Let There Be LightFailing eyesight can create a serious problem in people with Alzheimer’s. One of the most important safety precautions for the home is to have adequate lighting. This will help the patient to navigate otherwise dark rooms and hallways without danger of falling.

http://www.cabinfevermd.com/html/ebaypics/smOldManSunshine.jpg

http://www.myseniorcare.com/alzheimers/living-managing/alzheimers-safety-precautions-for-the-home-article

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Think like a parent:Think like a parent: Keep cleaning solutions out of reach,

monitor use of electronics, secure medication in a locked cabinet, and keep weapons and alcohol locked away.

http://bipr.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/parent_child_a.jpg

http://www.myseniorcare.com/alzheimers/living-managing/alzheimers-safety-precautions-for-the-home-article

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The family members for Alzheimer’s patients, as well as the The family members for Alzheimer’s patients, as well as the patients themselves, should be receiving a better form of patients themselves, should be receiving a better form of

benefits. This should include a provided caregiver on a weekly benefits. This should include a provided caregiver on a weekly basis to relieve the regular caregiver from their duties.basis to relieve the regular caregiver from their duties.

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There are few insurance options for someone that is already diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

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One option is Long-Term Care One option is Long-Term Care Insurance.Insurance.

This type of insurance is available from most private insurance providers. It is recommended that you have an attorney review the plan before you purchase to ensure that it’s actually covering what you need. This tends to be the problem with most insurance policies.http://www.alzinfo.org/08/treatment-care/long-term-care-insurance%20%E2%80%8E

http://images.paraorkut.com/img/pics/images/a/attorney_at_law-13203.jpg

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The most common option is Government The most common option is Government AssistanceAssistance

From Medicaid, to Medicare, to Disability Income, none of these options provide for the caregivers. For caregivers who still have to work, there is not much they can do other than put their loved one in an elderly care home, which can be extremely hard on both people.

http://alzheimers.about.com/lw/Health-Medicine/Conditions-and-diseases/Using-Government-Assistance-to-Help-Pay-for-Alzheimers-Care.htm

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During the most advanced stage of Alzheimer’s, the patient will not be During the most advanced stage of Alzheimer’s, the patient will not be able to perform even the simplest of tasks without the caregiver. They able to perform even the simplest of tasks without the caregiver. They will be bedridden to due loss of muscle mass and will lose the ability to will be bedridden to due loss of muscle mass and will lose the ability to speak, as well as feed themselves. Being more susceptible to infection speak, as well as feed themselves. Being more susceptible to infection from the last stages of this disease, death from Alzheimer’s is usually from the last stages of this disease, death from Alzheimer’s is usually

caused by an infection such as pneumonia.caused by an infection such as pneumonia.

http://senshot.com/files/2011/02/Graveyard.jpg

http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/stages.htm

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There is very limited information known about the cause for Alzheimer’s There is very limited information known about the cause for Alzheimer’s disease. Due to this fact, there is little one can do to prevent it. Even disease. Due to this fact, there is little one can do to prevent it. Even though some medications have been proven to reduce an Alzheimer’s though some medications have been proven to reduce an Alzheimer’s patient’s symptoms, they do not work for everyone suffering from the patient’s symptoms, they do not work for everyone suffering from the

disease.disease.

http://123treatment.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/medication.jpg

http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease.asp

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRgCc7-bhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRgCc7-bGPoGPo

There are new experimental drugs recently that have promising effects, yet the long term results are yet to be seen.

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http://www.newscientist.com/data/images/ns/cms/dn18385/dn18385-1_300.jpghttp://www.newscientist.com/data/images/ns/cms/dn18385/dn18385-1_300.jpgMany neurological diseases involve the death of neurons in the brain. A recent discovery made in 2010, showed a new way of counting dying eye cells that could allow Alzheimer’s disease to be diagnosed and treated in its early stages. However, these cell deaths tend to be located at the back of the eye, which makes them much more difficult to detect.http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn18385-early-signs-of-alzheimers-are-in-the-eye.html

Some medical breakthroughs include:Some medical breakthroughs include:

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Alzheimer’s through the eyes of a Alzheimer’s through the eyes of a caregiver:caregiver:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4srQUrV_6Q