Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease Essay

Dementia is a set of conditions, medically diagnosed, and leading to recognised and measurable behavioral changes in an individual. Dementia of the Alzheimers type is a chronic cognitive disorder that is manifested in impairment of either short-term or long-term memory or even both. It has a wispy onset and its etiology is unknown, although many specu advanced that genetics may quicken a role as well as the decrease in acetylcholine which is a neurotransmitter that is used to carry electrical impulses from the axon of one booth to the dendrite of a nonher. The act of neurotransmitters have been found in the brain tissue of patient roles with mania and Alzheimers. Alzheimers disease accounts for near 70% of dementia cases. Over 4 million people are currently diagnosed as having Alzheimers disease.thither is not a specific age of onset although it ordinarily occurs in late adulthood. People are living longer now and for this reason, the number of Alzheimers cases is on the rise . It is a neurological disorder of the brain that ordure cause overwhelming anxiety for both those affected and family members of those affected. In Alzheimers disease, normal brain tissue is replaced by neuritic plaques which basically scarce involve up space. These brain lesions lead inevitably cause death. Various natural functions begin to be altered depending on the part of the brain affected. usually as the disease progresses, bladder control will be bewildered as well as the readiness to swallow.The brain lesions will very(prenominal) much times trigger the onset of seizures. Cognitive symptoms of Alzheimers disease imply alteration in language, ability to solve problems, and even the inability to cave in appropriate decisions. This may much times be the most onerous symptom for nurses and complaint providers to deal with legally. In the long run, patients will know complete memory loss and aphasia. Non-cognitive changes include unexplained movements, urinary and fecal incontinence, aggression, and/or agitation. There is currently no known therapeutic treatment that can stop the progression of dementia and Alzheimers disease.In care for the Alzheimers patient, the staff must remember to refer to the patient by name and not by calling them sweetie or dulcify. A patient has a right to maintain dignity. If dementia is diagnosed archean enough, it is advisable for the patient to ascribe a decision-maker which will help designate that patients assets. Quality of life in patients with dementiais a big ethical topic that becomes very important in the late stages of dementia. During late stage dementia, ability to express pain or irritation may be altered. In these patients verbal references to pain are absent, not because theyre not experiencing any pain but because they may not know how to express the degree of pain that they are experiencing. Because of this, regular disposition of pain medications are often prescribed (Refer to articl e 1 uncomfortableness protocol). Oftentimes, family members find themselves in a bind between providing care until the very end of life or requesting the cessation of life-sustaining measures (Refer to article 2 euthanasia and assisted suicide).Assessment should include family history, social history, memory (long-term and short-term),behavioral responses much(prenominal) as wandering, suicide risks, appearance, speech, and hallucinations. Oftentimes, a family member is needed to assist with intrinsic data as the patient may not remember few things. Sometimes, out of frustration, a person with Alzheimers will fabricate stories or details. This is believed to be a defense mechanism. They are in denial about having loss of memory.Nursing diagnoses include-altered thought processes related to dementia.-impaired physical mobility.-alteration in nutrition related to neurological deficits in swallowing.-self care deficit.Goals should include ability to comply with treatment plan and a bility to satisfy self-care requirements. Interventions for the Alzheimers patient focus on keeping the patient comfortable, nourished, and hydrated. Oftentimes, a patient will request a priest, rabbi, or minister to visit and offer spiritual support. In late stage Dementia and Alzheimers disease, comfort is usually one of the primary goals of the care team, since death isinevitable (refer to article 3 music and dementia). It is important to speak to these patients slowly and clearly. Many times they are able understand what is being said when spoken to at a slower pace.In summary, Alzheimers Disease and Dementia are often secondary diagnoses and because of this, they are often overlooked in the management of care and proper treatment of patients with other diagnoses. Alzheimers Disease does not discriminate. zero asks to have Alzheimers so it is important to remember that patients do not always act out the way they want to. Sometimes they just cant help it.