Transcript Alzheimer Disease:

Alzheimer Disease:
An Overview
What is Dementia?
Dementia
is a set of symptoms,
which includes
loss of memory,
understanding, and
judgment.
Dementia – not a disease, but a set of
symptoms that accompanies a disease
Alzheimer Disease
Pick’s Lewy Body
Disease
Disease
Vascular CreutzfeldtDementia Jakob Disease
Types of Irreversible Dementia
Progressive disorders
Vascular dementia
Subcortical dementia
Head trauma
Infectious diseases
Types of Reversible Dementia
Depression
Medications
Nutritional disorders
Metabolic disorders
Other
Alzheimer Disease is . . .
damage from the disease increases over time
brain cells degenerate or break down
damage cannot be repaired;
at present there is no known cure
Normal Forgetfulness
Recognize people & places, even if cannot
recall their names
Remember the day & time
Forget details of a recent experience,
but not the experience itself
Forget items, but will often
remember later
Alzheimer Disease:
10 Warning Signs
Memory loss affecting day-to-day function
Difficulty performing familiar tasks
Problems with language
Disorientation of time and place
Poor or decreased judgment
Alzheimer Disease:
10 Warning Signs
Problems with abstract thinking
Misplacing things
Changes in mood and behaviour
Changes in personality
Loss of initiative
All Behaviour has Meaning
Changes in behaviour are often seen as a
result of a disease process
Try not to take any behaviour personally
Look for the person behind the disease
Build on strengths and abilities
Focus on the positive
Risk Factors
Known to be associated with
Alzheimer Disease:
Age
Family History
Risk Factors Under Investigation
Increased Risk:
Head injury
Down Syndrome
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Aluminum
Decreased Risk:
Anti-inflammatory Use
Education
Physical Activity
Progression of Alzheimer Disease
Early Stage
May be aware of Changes
Short-term Memory loss
Communication Difficulties
Middle Stage
Continued Memory problems
Personality & Behaviour changes
Assistance needed for daily tasks
Late Stage
Significantly impaired memory
Significantly impaired communication
Significantly impaired ability to care for self
End-of-Life
Complete withdrawal
Total care required
Getting a Diagnosis
It is important to understand that:
There is no single test
Getting a diagnosis is a lengthy
process that may involve:
- medical history
- mental status exam
- laboratory tests
- neuropsychological evaluations
- physical exam
Treatments
The following medications are currently
available in Canada to treat symptoms of
Alzheimer Disease:
Aricept
Exelon
Reminyl
Ebixa
These do not cure Alzheimer Disease.
Ongoing Research
Causes of Alzheimer Disease
Risk Factors
Diagnostic Tools
Treatments
Improving Care
Thank you
Some graphics in this presentation
were used with permission from:
Murray Alzheimer Research & Education
Program
Keeping Your Memory Sharp
Sleep well
Breathe deeply
Exercise
Eat a balanced
diet
Drink water
Don’t smoke
Have your hearing
checked
Lower blood
pressure and
cholesterol levels
RELAX
MEMORY TOOLS
Get organized
Use labels
Write it down
K. I. S. S
Use lists
Names and numbers with pictures
Neurobic exercises!
Memorize
Remembering
Paper clips
Floor plans
Music (pictures)
Name game
Alphabet game
Learn new info
Learn new hobby
Practice otherhandedness