● Alzheimer's disease is a neurological brain disorder, that impairs mental functioning.

● Alzheimer's is a progressive and irreversible.

● It is a slowly progressive disease of the brain that is characterized by impairment of memory and eventually by disturbances in reasoning, planning, language and perception.

HISTORY● First case of Alzheimer's disease was in 1906.

● Dr. Alois Alzheimer diagnosed his patient with disease.

Risk factors● Alzheimer's is more prevalent in women.

● Age prevalence doubles with every decade after age of 60.

● Prevalence :

●60 – 5%

●70 – 10%

●85- 20 to 50%

Life exposure factors● Head trauma

● High cholesterol

● Lack of mental stimulation

Mild Stage

● Memory loss

● Language problems

● Mood swings

● Personality changes

● Diminished judgment

Moderate Stage

● Behavior personally changes

● Unable to learn/recall new info.

● Long term memory affected

● Wandering, agitation, aggression, confusion

● Requires assistance

Severe Stage

● Unable to perform daily tasks

● Major disturbances

● Bedridden

● Long term care needed

Medication Behavioral

Treatment

Medication

● Slow break down of acetylcholine

● Anticoidants target free radicals that may damage neurons

Behavioral management

● Target both patient and care giver to:

● Increase patient independence

● Eliminate wandering and aggression

● Provide social support for caregivers

Stakeholders identified

● Caregivers of Alzheimer patient

● Family members

● Speech language therapist

● Experts in old age psychiatry and clinical psychology

● Nurses

Family and caregivers

● Responsibility increases over time

● Often times, family members must sacrifice their jobs and time to take care of their loved ones.

● Counseling for those who are caregivers is strongly recommended.

What caregivers should do!

● Show them old pictures, play old music they like and home videos.

● Do crafts and hobbies

● Outdoor activities like short walk

● Remind them of seasonal activities

Statistics

● 35 million people worldwide have Alzheimer's disease

● Death from Alzheimer's rose to 46.1% from 2006-2012.

● 4,54,000 people died in 2010 due to Alzheimer

● The federal government will spend approximately $309 millions for Alzheimer's research.