Alzheimer's Disease for NCLEX

Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia. In dementia there is memory decline along with personality and behavioral changes. Alzheimer's is the biggest portion of dementia patients.

Remember for NCLEX patients with Alzheimers are ALERT even though they are confused.

Signs

Stage	Timeframe	Clinical signs
Early	2-4 years	Poor memory *Starts to use notes Frontal lobe problem Declining interest May lose job (Normal EEC & CT *Increased risk for SUICIDE
Middle	4-8 years	Progressive memory loss. (Disorientation to time, place events. Can not follow simple directions or math *Neglects personal hygiene May experience episodes of violent behavior
Late	8-12 years	Extreme weight loss Severe impairment of cognitive function *Incontinence Bedridden Abnormal CT dilated ventricles

Diagnosis: The only way to be sure of dementia is by autopsy.


Medications to know:

Medications	NCLEX Tips
Donepezil (Aricept)	Take once daily at bedtime Increases cognition Can cause bradycardia & weight loss
Rivastigmine (Exelon)	Can cause nausea, diarrhea etc. Can be worn as a patch Benefit that it has no drug interactions Also treats Parkinson’s disease

Nursing Priority: Reorient the Patient

                              Do not restrain-increase agitation

                              Create environment that is safe, bed in lowest position, clocks and calendars

Diet: High fiber, finger foods are a good choice.

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