Alzheimer's Disease (Dementia) Nursing: Symptoms, Treatment, Stages, Pathophysiology NCLEX

Summary

This educational video by Sarah, a registered nurse, delves into Alzheimer's disease, the most prevalent form of dementia. It explains the chronic brain condition's impact on neurons, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline. The script covers the development of beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, risk factors, and the progressive nature of the disease. It also discusses diagnostic methods, stages of Alzheimer's, and the crucial role of nurses in patient care, including managing symptoms and supporting caregivers. The video concludes with an overview of available treatments and the importance of early detection.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Alzheimer's disease is a chronic brain disease and the most common form of dementia, affecting neurons' ability to communicate and eventually leading to their death.
• 🔍 The development of beta amyloid plaques outside neurons and neurofibrillary tangles inside neurons are key pathological features of Alzheimer's, impeding neuronal communication and causing brain tissue to shrink.
• 📈 Alzheimer's disease is the fifth leading cause of death among adults aged 65 or older, with an estimated 6.2 million Americans living with the disease in 2021, projected to increase to 14 million by 2060.
• 👩‍⚕️ Women are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than men, and certain ethnic groups like Hispanics and African Americans also have a higher risk.
• 🧬 Genetic factors, age, gender, smoking, diabetes, and heart disease are identified risk factors for Alzheimer's disease.
• 🌐 Alzheimer's disease progresses through various stages, starting from mild cognitive impairment to severe late-stage disease, with symptoms worsening over time.
• 👨‍🏫 Understanding the neuron's structure and function is crucial for grasping the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's, as healthy neurons are essential for normal brain function.
• 🏥 Diagnostic tests for Alzheimer's include cognitive assessments, MRI or CT scans, amyloid PET scans, spinal taps for cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and new blood tests for beta amyloid proteins.
• 🏡 Caregivers play a vital role in managing Alzheimer's disease, assisting with daily activities, ensuring safety, and providing emotional support throughout the disease's progression.
• 💊 Medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors, NMDA antagonists, and new treatments like adukanumab can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression, though they come with potential side effects.

Q & A

What is Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease is a chronic brain disease and the most common form of dementia, characterized by the progressive loss of cognitive functions and memory due to the death of neurons in the brain.

What are the two main structural changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease?

The two main structural changes are the development of beta-amyloid plaques outside neurons and neurofibrillary tangles inside neurons, both of which disrupt neuronal communication and eventually lead to neuron death.

How do beta-amyloid plaques form?

Beta-amyloid plaques form from the aggregation of beta-amyloid peptides, which are the result of an abnormal breakdown of the amyloid precursor protein by enzymes at the cell membrane.

What is the role of tau protein in Alzheimer's disease?

Tau protein is responsible for providing structure to microtubules in neurons. In Alzheimer's disease, tau proteins malfunction, leading to the disintegration of microtubules, which affects the delivery of nutrients and contributes to neuronal death.

What are the early signs of Alzheimer's disease?

Early signs include mild cognitive impairment, particularly affecting memory, where individuals may start forgetting recent events, new acquaintances, or conversations, and begin to experience confusion about time and places.

Which demographic is more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease according to the CDC?

Women are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than men, likely due to their longer lifespan. Additionally, Hispanics and African Americans have a higher risk of developing the disease.

What is the significance of the hippocampus in Alzheimer's disease?

The hippocampus is responsible for learning new things and memory formation. It is one of the first areas affected in Alzheimer's disease, leading to early memory changes.

What are the common terms used to describe some signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, and what do they mean?

The terms are apraxia (inability to perform certain motor movements), aphasia (difficulty understanding or creating speech), agnosia (inability to recognize objects or interpret senses), amnesia (memory loss), and anomia (inability to recall names of objects).

What is the role of a nurse in managing Alzheimer's disease?

A nurse plays a crucial role in identifying potential signs and symptoms, educating patients and caregivers, monitoring the progression of the disease, and providing support and interventions to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient throughout all stages of the disease.

What are the two main groups of medications used to treat Alzheimer's disease, and how do they work?

The two main groups are cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine), which increase the availability of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine to improve thinking and memory, and NMDA antagonists (e.g., memantine), which reduce the excitatory effects of the neurotransmitter glutamate to prevent neuronal damage.

What is the importance of early detection in Alzheimer's disease management?

Early detection is key as it allows for early intervention, which can help manage symptoms, slow down the progression of the disease, and improve the quality of life for the patient and their caregivers.