Alzheimer's DementiaAlzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. Those effected with this disease often experience the early symptom of basic memory loss (i.e. difficulty remembering names or recent events). As the disease progresses, symptoms such as impaired judgment, disorientation, confusion, difficulty speaking, or general behavior changes, manifest themselves. Alzheimer’s disease is a result of the build up of beta amyloid protein fragments (plaque), and twisted strands of tau (tangles), which results in, nerve damage and death within the brain.
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3 Stages of Alzheimers3 Stages of Alzheimer’s
Stage 1 - Mild/Early (lasts 2-4 yrs) • Frequent recent memory loss. •Person often repeats questions. •Person has difficulty with writing and fine motor skills. • Person repeatedly asks the same question. •Person may experience mood swings Stage 2 - Moderate/Middle (lasts 2-10 yrs) • Person experiences confusion. • Person forgets personal information such as family history, and face recognition. • Person may experience delusions. • Motor skills become compromised. i.e slow, rigidity, tremors • Person requires constant reminders and assistance for daily activities. Can no longer cover up problems. Pervasive and persistent memory loss, Stage 3 - Severe/Late (lasts 1-3+ yrs) •Person becomes confused about the past and present. •Person may become incontinent, and have difficulty swallowing • Person is unable to remember or communication information. •Person requires round the clock intensive support and care. •Client will be unable to ambulate alone. |
Neuropsychological Features
Memory:
Retention disorder No benefit from verbal cues Information is often forgotten over delay Language: Aphasic (the inability to formulate sentences, remember words, or in severe cases,communicate Perception: Anosmia (the inability to recognize objects, people shapes, or smells) Spatial Skills: Poor localization and orientation of objects Loss of spatial configuration in constructional tasks Stimulus bound |
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