Professional Documents
Culture Documents
• Changes occur in the proteins of the nerve cells of the cerebral cortex and
lead to accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles (abnormal tangled fibers),
granulovascular degeneration, and characteristic senile plaques (degenerated
nerve cell pieces which form around a fibrous core in the cerebral cortex)
• Reduction in neurotransmitters
I. Assessment
i. Early, Stage 1:
1. forgets names
2. misplaces household items
3. short attention span
4. decreased knowledge of current events
5. with judgment
6. decreased performance when stressed
7. unable to travel alone to new destinations
8. inability to make decisions such as managing finances
9. increased confusion at night (“sundowning”)
10. personality changes such as irritability, suspiciousness and
neglect of appearance
F. Teach about the need to eliminate caffeine in the diet because it can cause
sleep disturbance.
G. Ingesting fish (a source of omega-3 fatty acids) one or more times per
week may decrease the incidence of Alzheimer’s
H. Have the patient wear identification bracelet with name, address and
contact number.
I. Medication therapy
i. Use of Aricept and Cognex to improve cognitive function
ii. Antidepressants and other psychotropic drugs may be appropriate
to relieve hallucinations and delusions.
iii. Cholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil and galantamine
improve cognitive functioning and quality life for some patients.
iv. Promote sleep.
A. Ingesting fish (a source of omega-3 fatty acids) one or more times per
week may decrease the incidence of Alzheimer’s