What is Alzheimer’s
- Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive and fatal illness that causes areas of the brain to shrink. Symptoms typically appear in stages starting with a gradual decline in memory, judgment and personality changes. In later stages, physical symptoms appear including loss over body functions. Currently, the actual cause of Alzheimer’s disease as well as the cure are unknown.
- Alzheimer’s is a form of what is called a degenerative brain disease. It is rarely seen before the age of 50, but when it is seen in younger patients, the stages of symptoms progress much quicker. Since the disease is progressive, symptoms will present in stages.
- Progressive deterioration of mental capacities, such as memory and confusion, lead to other symptoms such as dysphagia. As the disease advances, neurological signs develop such as paralysis of limbs and weakness. The progression of the disease can vary depending on age of onset. It may be a few months to several years before complete loss of function is seen. Diagnosis is made based on symptoms alone. These are no tests to confirm the diagnosis. Diagnosis is confirmed after an autopsy is performed and the damage to the brain can be seen.
What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?
- Remember that the brain is made of billions and billions of nerve cells called neurons. These neurons are responsible for thoughts and actions of the body. These neurons create the movement of typing or writing a paper or driving a car. When these neurons become damaged, physical actions and thoughts are affected.
- In Alzheimer’s disease, researchers believe that the neurons and the spaces between the neurons fill with a protein deposit called beta amyloid. The protein creates what is referred to a plaques and tangles. Although this process is part of the normal aging process, those with Alzheimer’s seem to develop more. The plaques and tangles prevent the neurons from working properly. The messages sent between neurons to have a thought or move an arm is not sent because of the increased amount sticky plaque and tangles that have developed. The neurons become clogged with the abnormal number of tangles and plaques and die off. The only positive way to determine if plaques and tangles are in the brain is to view the tissue. Doctors usually do this in an autopsy.
- Researchers also believe that genetics may be involved in developing Alzheimer’s disease. Familial Alzheimer’s accounts for less than 10% of patients and is usually seen before the age of 65. It is thought that multiple genes on chromosomes are involved as opposed to just one gene as seen in other inherited diseases. However, only one gene needs to be inherited from a parent to create a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. This pattern is called autosomal dominant inheritance and means that all children of the parent who has Familial Alzheimer’s have a 50/50 chance of developing the Familial type of the disease . There is however, also evidence that late onset Alzheimer’s, which is normally seen, also has a genetic component. Researchers have shown that inheritability of Alzheimer’s can be as high as 80%. This is due to a genetic protein called apolipoprotein E or APOE. This protein has been identified as an important risk factor in developing Alzheimer’s disease.
What Other Risk Factors Exist?
The most important risk factor is age. Risk for the disease doubles every five years after the age of 65. Other risk factors include incidents and disease states where the brain has trauma or damage:
- Down Syndrome
- Severe head trauma
- Alcohol Abuse
- Aluminum toxicity
- Exposure to viruses
- Immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
- Parkinson’s disease
What Are the Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease?
Because the disease is progressive, symptoms appear over time. At first, there may be no outward signs, but small memory issues will appear and become worse as the disease advances. Family usually notices these signs first as they are very subtle. The person may:
- Feel anxious or suspicious
- Not be able to make simple decisions
- Forget names of family, places or everyday items such as phone numbers or names of objects
- Misplace items more
- Forget how to get to places they go to regularly
- Unsure of what words to use to speak
- Loose their train of thought easily
- Loose interest in things they like
- Repeat things
While mild memory loss with aging may be normal for some people, those with Alzheimer’s will show a rapid decline in memory and other cognitive skills. Recent memory is usually first to be affected. The person may not remember what they ate for breakfast or if they had a visitor just a few hours ago.
Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
- The hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease is that it progresses gradually over a period of years. Typically, there are three stages that can be seen. These are early, middle and late. Each stage can also be classified as mild, moderate or severe.
- The first stage may be mild and not very noticeable. Usually, family or others close to the person notice the symptoms. The patient typically has an idea that something is not right and may try to cover up their symptoms with confabulation or making up stories unconsciously to maintain self-esteem. Symptoms in the first stage include difficulty learning new material, decline in recent memory, difficulty performing tasks, appearance deteriorates, decrease concentration and judgment, time disorientation, difficulty finding words or naming objects. In this stage, since the patient is usually aware of their forgetfulness, they may withdraw socially and feelings of shame, helplessness and frustration may be seen.
- In the middle stage, cognitive decline continues as memory deteriorates and confusion becomes more pronounced. Personality changes may be seen as well as more physical problems. The patient may exhibit behavioral changes such as disinhibitions or inappropriateness in situations. Poor impulse control, wandering, sundowning (confusion and restlessness during the evening hours), inability to recognize and use common objects such as a spoon, and perseveration or repeating action or words may be seen as well. The patient’s mood be more labile or frequently change with no reason. They may also over react to situations or catastrophic reactions. At this stage, there is little recent memory, little recall of information, little retention of learning and even some remote memories may be lost. There may also be subtle signs of psychotic behaviors, delusions or hallucinations.
- The last stage is an almost complete deterioration of bodily function, personality, and behaviors. The patient is usually totally dependent on a care giver for daily activities. As this stage progresses, the patient may only speak one word and is agitated or paranoid. The patient may not be able to respond to the environment and may not recognize others or even themselves in the mirror. Eating and drinking may be an issue as the patient is not able to swallow. Seizures may also be seen at this stage. Eventually the patient is bedridden, incontinent and is not able to speak. It is important to talk to the nurse and other staff members so that everyone has knowledge about the patient’s needs and patterns.
Caring for A Patient with Alzheimer’s disease
- How quickly symptoms are seen and how fast the stages progress will vary depending on age of onset and the person. Typically, the average patient lives from eight to 10 years after they are diagnosed. However, the patient can live for more than 20 years . The younger the onset of the disease the more aggressive the disease will be.
- The patient should be encouraged to maintain their independence in as many ways as possible for as long as possible. However, as the disease progresses, it is important to keep several things in mind. Overstimulation, for example, may cause acting out behaviors or wandering behaviors in the Alzheimer patient. The care giver may also need to explain direction several times, slowly and as simply as possible. Communication will be impaired. Understand that the patient may not communicate well or not at all. They may lose their train of thought or forget words.
- It is important to support the patient and help them maintain their self-esteem. Helping the patient to reminisce about happy times in their life is one way to accomplish self-esteem. Accept the patient without being judgmental or critical. For example, remember that confabulation is not lying. Confabulation is unconscious. Never argue with the patient. Instead try distraction using realities around the patient such as a photograph in the room. The best way to work with a patient diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease to provide a quiet, calm environment that is structured and consistent. It is also helpful to maintain eye contact when appropriate, watch body language, try to understand nonverbal cues of the patient, and use touch appropriately. Use simple short phrases and words when giving directions. Speak slowly and clearly while standing close to the patient. This will help them to focus on you and what you are saying.
- Monitor the patient’s eating habits. Be sure to offer fluids that the patient likes. The family may be of valuable help and offer suggestions. Also, offer the patient finger foods one at a time can avoid confusion or over stimulation. Too much food in front of the patient may cause them tobecome anxious and not eat. Check food for the temperature as well. Reheating food that the patient is eating slowly may also help with acceptance. Help the patient prepare food such as buttering bread or removing wrappers. Puree foods may be required if the patient is not able to chew well. The patient may also need help feeding themselves or be completely dependent upon someone feeding them. Take the time to help the patient eat slowly and encourage food intake. Remember that they may be slow to eat food. If there are any changes in behavior, the patient refuses food or fluid or is unresponsive notify the nurse. The patient may also need to have their mouth checked for food in their cheeks. This can cause choking and cause the patient to stop eating.
- The Alzheimer patient will also have good days and bad days. There may be problems with various aspects of their daily routine such as bathing or dressing as well as wandering or behavioral problems. The patient may have forgotten how to bathe or eat or may not understand the purpose any longer. It is important to be patient and not agitate the patient. If the patient refuses to eat, dress, or bathe, keep trying throughout the day. Try to change the environment or your approach toward the patient. Consult the nurse if the patient does become agitated or if the refusal continues. If the patient is able to perform activities of self-care, be sure to allow plenty of time and give simple short tasks and only a few choices. Directions should be given one step at a time so they are not overwhelmed. Watch the patient carefully for nonverbal cues as well as verbal cues.
- Wandering or Sundowning is another issue that is particular to dementia patients. No one knows why this occurs. The patient will try to leave the facility or wander around the unit. This usually happens toward the evening hours but can occur anytime during the day. Remember that a patient with Alzheimer’s often gets their night and day hours mixed up. They may think it is time to go to work when it is actually dinner time. The person is seeking a state of mind, not a place. Avoid arguing or telling the patient they are in a facility and cannot leave. Instead use distraction by getting the patient to tell you what kind of hobbies they like or what they used to do for a living. Walking with the patient can also be a strategy to gently guide them back to where they should be. Sundowning can have many triggers. Try to keep a log to see if there is a pattern to the behavior. Are there unmet needs or feelings that the patient is seeking? The wandering patient can also become exhausted. Watch the patient for an unsteady gait or leaning on the wall. Be sure there are chairs nearby for the patient to sit. Encourage the patient to sit frequently and offer fluid or finger foods.
- Try to understand if the patient is uncomfortable or has unmet needs such as toileting, hunger, or clothes that are pinching. Unmet needs can also cause anxiety or agitation. This behavior can occur due to a sudden change in routine, place or even people. Too much stimulation may be another reason for agitation. Distraction is one way to help the patient overcome this behavior. It is easier to deal with agitation or aggression before it gets out of hand. If you see sign of a patient becoming agitated, try to find the cause and remove it. The patient may also exhibit pacing or preservation behaviors. If the patient becomes agitated, do not use force or demand the patient behave. It can be dangerous to approach alone but too many staff can create additional agitation. Be aware of your own body language as well as the patient. If the patient is clenching fists or threatening, stand more than an arms-length away. Use a soft, low, calm voice to speak to the patient. Be careful with touch, some patient may react violently if they are already agitated.
- Any changes in the patient’s behavior should be reported. This includes bathing or eating habits, grooming, activity, behavior, dressing, or thought process. Furthermore, anything out of the ordinary such as profuse sweating, diarrhea, excessive drowsiness, falls, bruises, vomiting, muscle spasms, confusion, trouble breathing, or constipation should also be reported. Listed below are other observations that should be reported:
- Changes in alertness or awareness of current surroundings
- Changes in mood or emotions
- Changes in awareness of person, place or time
- Changes in communication such as verbal or non verbal responses
- Memory changes such as more forgetful or a sudden inability to recall items or people
- Unusual or new behavior not seen before
- Increase anxiety or agitation
- Tired for no reason, falling asleep at odd times
- Wandering more
- Unusual pattern of bowels
- Increases in confusion
- Changes in vital signs
- Signs of other illness
Patients with Alzheimer’s disease need special care. The patient can present with a variety of symptoms based on their current stage of the disease. However, the hallmark signs of the disease is that it is a progressive disorder with memory loss and an increased physical impairments over time. Symptoms needs to be monitored, and any changes in behavior or activity should be reported. Notice their changes in behavior or personality. If they suddenly became upset or angry or get depressed, try to identify the problem and report the behavior to the nurse. The patient may hide objects or lose interest in objects. They may wander excessively, pace or become inappropriate with others. The patient may also have delusion or hallucinations. Remember not to argue with the patient. Comfort the patient if they are fearful or use distraction techniques, but if they become combative get help. The Alzheimer patient can be well cared for if the providers are able to understand the disease progression and needs of the patient.