Alzheimer’s
Pathophysiology
Incurable progressive disease, where plaques build up in neuronal-synapses of the brain disrupting
brain signaling, which severely impairs memory & personality changes.
Risk Factors & Causes
Signs & Symptoms:
• #1 Risk Factor: Family history of Alzheimer Disease
• “Regular exercise reduces the risks of Alzheimers”
• Dementia - a general term for brain damage
• Memory Trick: DeMentia = DaMage to the brain
?
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
No impairment
Forgetfulness & short
term memory loss
Long Term
Memory LOSS
Name
DeMentia
DaMage
Interventions
Fall Safety
• Remove “Throw rugs & clutter” from floor
• Grab bars - installed in showers & tubs
• Night Light “Well lit halls”
Tricky NCLEX Question
Agitated Client with Alzheimer’s
1. Acknowledge &
Discuss feelings
Location & Locked Down
• “Safe return bracelet” on wrist
• Lock doors:
• Stairwell Doors - Fall Risk
• Keyed Deadbolt Doors leading to outside
• Lock Hazards: toxic chemicals, gas, sharp objects
• Medications Locked or Out of Reach - do not put
in pill dispenser
2. Redirect with new
activities NCLEX TIP
3. DO NOT - Present
reality or Rationalize
HESI Question
Living Areas
• Allow for free movement
• Place frequently used items within easy reach
• Pictures or symbols:
• Bathrooms
• Label Hot vs. Cold water
Simple Communication
• NO open ended Questions - Yes or No questions
• NOT too many options - Limit choices
• DO NOT RUSH Client!
• Allow plenty of time for ADLs & tasks
“Decrease Anxiety by
Decreasing number of choices”
ATI scenario:
Create outfits and allow the
client to choose one each day.
Treat client as an ADULT!
(not like a child)
Diet
• Correct nursing action: Give half the sandwich
initially and other half later
Q: Stage 3 Alz. client
with aggression …
A: Complete
crossword puzzles
Yes
Yes
or
No
NCLEX Question
Best nursing action ….
Client with alzheimer's is
frustrated, stating they
are waiting for their
husband to pick them
up, but their spouse has
been dead for over 10
years now.
Answer:
Acknowledge their
feelings & redirect
with new activities