By: Candice Carlson & Josh Edwards. What is Alzheimer’s? Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia...
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Transcript of By: Candice Carlson & Josh Edwards. What is Alzheimer’s? Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia...
Alzheimer’s DiseaseBy: Candice Carlson & Josh Edwards
What is Alzheimer’s?Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia
Problems with memory, thinking, and behavior.
Symptoms develop slowly, worsen over time.
Alzheimer’s accounts for 50 to 80 percent of dementia cases.
The sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
Progressive DiseaseWorsens over time
Mild memory loss Decreased ability to carry on a normal
conversationRespond to environment
SurvivalRange from four to 20 yearsNo cureMedications to improve quality of life.
SymptomsDisorientationMood and behavior changesConfusion about events, time and placeUnfounded suspicions about family, friends,
and professional caregivers.Serious memory loss.Difficulty speaking, swallowing, and walking
Risk FactorsAgeFamily historyGenetics Head traumaHeart-head connectionGeneral healthy aging
Avoid tobacco, excess alcoholStay socially connected Exercise mind and body
SignsMemory loss that disrupts daily life.
Challenges in planning or solving problems
Difficulty completing familiar tasks
Confusion with time or place
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
Signs Continued..New problems with words in speaking or
writing
Misplacing things and inability to retrace steps.
Poor judgment
Withdrawal from work or social activities
Changes in mood and personality
StagesStage one: No impairment
Normal functionStage two: Very mild cognitive decline
Occasional memory lapsesStage three: Mild cognitive decline
Misplacing objects, trouble organizing, remembering names of new people
Stage four: Moderate cognitive declineForgetfulness of recent events, one’s own
personal history, and becoming moody or
Stages Continued..Stage five: Moderately severe cognitive decline
Confused about day/location, unable to recall own address or telephone number
Still remember significant details about self and family, no assistance with eating or restroom
Stage six: Severe cognitive declineLose awareness, difficulty with personal history,
remembering names of friends and familyTrouble controlling bowels and bladder, need help
in restroomTend to wander or become lost
Stages Continued..Stage seven: Very severe cognitive decline
Inability to respond to environment, carry on a conversation, and control movement
Need help with personal care Loss of ability to smile, sit without support, or
hold heads up
Treatment
NO CURE!!!