Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)

Definition: A disabling degenerative disease of the nervous system characterized by dementia and failure of memory for recent events, followed by total incapacitation and eventually death. Incidence: Most common cause of elderly dementia, accounting for about half of all dementias. Onset:The disease process starts long before symptoms start to develop. The early-onset form of AD may begin as early as 40 years of age and the late-onset form typically begins after age 60. Life expectancy after development of symptoms ranges from 8–10 years. Etiology: Unknown. Clinical Findings Stage I: Loss of recent memory, irritability, loss of interest in life, and decline of abstract thinking and problem-solving ability. Stage II: (Most common stage when disease is diagnosed): Profound memory deficits, inability to concentrate or manage business or personal affairs. Stage III: Aphasia, inability to recognize or use objects, involuntary emotional outbursts, and incontinence. Stage IV: Pts become nonverbal and completely withdrawn. Loss of appetite leads to a state of emaciation. All body functions cease, and death quickly ensues. Nursing Focus ■ Monitor vital signs and LOC, and implement collaborative care as ordered. ■ Keep requests simple and avoid confrontation. ■ Maintain a consistent environment and frequently reorient Pt. Patient Teaching ■ Provide Pt and family with literature on AD. ■ Advise family that, as AD progresses, so does need for supervision of ADLs such as cooking and bathing. ■ Advise family to lock windows and doors to prevent wandering. ■ Explain that Pt should wear an ID bracelet in case he or she becomes lost. ■ Explain actions, dosages, side effects, and adverse reactions of meds.