Transcript Persons with Down Syndrome and the Alzheimers Connection

Persons with Down Syndrome
and the Alzheimers
Connection
Memory
Just a line to say I’m living, that I’m not among the
dead; though I’m getting more forgetful and mixed
up in my head.
For sometimes I can’t remember when I stand at the
foot of the stairs if I must go up for something or
I’ve just come down from there.
And before the refrigerator, so often my poor mind is
filled with doubt, have I just put food away or have
I come to take some out?
I’ve got used to my arthritis, to my dentures I’m
resigned, I can manage by bifocals, but, Oh God, I
miss my mind!
What is Alzheimers?
Definition
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Progressive, degenerative disease of the neurological
system
Irreversible deterioration of the intellect and emotions
It affects over 4 million American adults
It is the fourth leading cause of death in adults after
heart disease, cancer, and stroke
Pre-senile and senile dementia are used to describe
any diminished capacity to think and to understand
Symptoms
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Cells of the brain are affected, causing
severe intellectual impairment and changes
in mental and neurological functioning
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Changes occur in the cerebral cortex – the
outer layer of the brain
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An accumulation of protein called “tangles”
occur in the area of the brain that control
recent short-term memory. This area of
the brain is the “hippocampus”. This
protein is located in the skin and intestines
as well as the brain.
Healthy Neuron
Synapse
Axon
Cell Body
Nucleus
Bendrites
Plaques
Granulovacuolar
Degeneration
DISINTEGRATION
Stages
There are
There are
stages for the generic population
Stages for persons with Down Syndrome
Each stage can last up to
years
Stage One
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Anxiety or depression over memory loss
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Decreased efficiency in performance
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Defensiveness
Stage Two
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Marked disorientation
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Reduced capacity for speech
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Decreased motor dexterity
Stage Three
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Loss of self-help skills
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Incontinence
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Seizures develop
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Delusional, persectory and hallucinatory behavior
is exhibited
Causes
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The cause is unknown
Suspected causes are:
A gene in the 21st gene
Slow virus or other infectious agent
Accumulation of aluminum or other toxins
Changes in immune system relating to aging
Diagnosis
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There is no single clinical test to identify
Alzheimers
Other conditions must be ruled out:
Depression
Head injuries or brain tumor
Adverse drug reaction
Nutrition deficiencies
Menopause
Diagnosis
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A diagnosis of Alzheimers can be
confirmed only after death by performing an
autopsy
Alzheimers Losses
Short Term Memory
Language skills
New learning ability
Judgment, planning and foresight
Inhibition/impulse control
Sense of intimacy
Reasoning and abstracting
Behavioral Changes
Pacing
Rummaging
Hand wringing
Agitation
Insistence
Public Masturbation
Repeating questions
Fearfulness
Sexual comments
Hallucinations/Delusions
Withdrawal
Physical Factors
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Urinary tract infections
Bowel impaction
Dehydration
Seizures
Pain/discomfort
Mood swings
Strategies
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Provide quiet time
Alleviate boredom
Avoid many changes
Keep choices simple
keep consistent schedule
Reduce stimuli
Provide decaf beverages
Limit length of conversation
Communication Techniques
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Make direct eye contact
Identify yourself
Use calm, clear voice
Eliminate background noise
Use short, simple sentences
Use one-step commands
Ask yes/no questions
Use word cues
Written Communication
Non-Verbal Communications
Label the environment
Use an open, gentle approach
Keep a schedule of the day
Hold out items
Use notes as reminders
Wave goodbye
Use expression of concern
Nod your head
Increasing Quality
of Life
Use the
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Remain calm
Respond to feelings
Reassure the person
Remove yourself
Return later
R’s
And Also:
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Be aware of client needs, information and
resources available
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Identify aspects of disease and screen their
problems
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Provide treatment through program
development
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Advocate and refer for further treatment
Programming
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Reality Orientation: Brings information
regarding time, place, person, and things
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Sensory Stimulation: Activities are
presented to accentuate a particular sense
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Re-socialization: Uses group techniques to
stress interpersonal relationships