DISEASE
-named after the
doctor who first
described it "Alois
Alzheimer", is a
physical disease
that affects brain.
HISTORY OF ALZHEIMERS
DISEASE
The first Alzheimer
Patient in History
Auguste Deter
-51 y/o woman
Had a memory loss
Worsened psychological changes
like cognitive and language deficits
Delusions
WHAT IS ALZHEIMERS DISEASE?
HIPPOCAMPUS
VENTRICLES- (fluid-filled
spaces within brain) grows
larger
UNDER THE MICROSCOPE
FEWER NERVE CELLS AND
SYNAPSES
HALLMARKS OF DISEASE:
1.PLAQUES- abnormal
clusters of protein
Beta-amyloid clump
together
2. TANGLES- twisted
strands of another proteins
PROGRESSION THROUGH THE BRAIN
Earliest Alzheimer's-
changes may begin 20
years or more before
diagnosis.
Mild to moderate
Alzheimer's stages-
generally last from 2 - 10
years.
Severe Alzheimer's- may
last from 1 - 5 years.
RISK FACTORS
Age
Family
history and
genetics
Down
syndrome
RISK FACTORS
Sex
Mild cognitive impairment
Past head trauma
Lifestyle and heart health
Lifelong learning
and social engagement
10 EARLY SIGNS AND
SYMPTOMS
1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life.
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems.
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
4. Confusion with time or place
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.
8. Decreased or poor judgment.
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities.
10. Changes in mood and personality.
MAJOR NEUROCOGNITIVE DISORDER
DSM- V DOMAINS
A. Evidence of significant cognitive decline from a previous level of
performance in one or more area of cognitive domains ( complex
attention, executive function, learning and memory, language,
perceptual-motor or social cognition) based on:
PET SCAN
CSF
(Cerebrospinal
fluid)
Examination
PHARMACOLOGICAL
INTERVENTION
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors -prevent the
breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger
important for learning and memory
eg.
Donepezil (Aricept)
Rivastigmine (Exelon)
Galantamine (Razadyne)
PHARMACOLOGICAL
INTERVENTION
Antidepressants
Anxiolytics
Antipsychotics
Anticonvulsants
PSYCHOSOCIAL INTERVENTION
Behavioral approach
Emotion oriented approach
-Reminiscence therapy
-Validation therapy
-supportive psychotherapy
-sensory integration
-stimulated presence therapy
Cognition oriented approach
Stimulation oriented approach
CAREGIVING
Breathe!
Schedule daily relaxation activities
Keep your sense of humor
Nourish inner peace
OTHER TIPS TO REDUCE THE RISK
OF ALZHEIMER'S
Stop smoking
Control blood pressure and
cholesterol levels
Watch your weight
Drink only in moderation
THANK YOU!