1
Case Study
Sheridan College
NURS14178: Nursing Care 1
October 10, 2023
, 2
Case Study
According to the World Health Organization (2023), Alzheimer's disease is the most
common type of dementia, affecting millions of individuals globally and primarily
impacting older adults. This case study explores the pathophysiological findings
characteristic of AD, outlines the process of a definitive diagnosis, differentiates AD
from delirium, and highlights potential signs of elder abuse within specific case
scenarios.
1. When discussing the client's diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) with their family
members, it is important to help them understand the complexity of their mother's
condition. By providing an explanation of AD's pathophysiological discoveries, such as
amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, to provide a clearer picture of the situation.
Amyloid plaques are abnormal build-ups of proteins called amyloid-beta, which hinder
normal communication between nerve cells. These protein accumulations disrupt
connections between neurons, resulting in cognitive decline and memory loss. On the
other hand, neurofibrillary tangles occur when hyperphosphorylated tau protein builds up
within nerve cells, damaging their function and eventually leading to cell death
(Duyckaerts et al., 2009). In Alzheimer's Disease, the cerebral cortex is primarily
affected, leading to memory, cognition, and behavior impairments. As the disease
advances, these crucial brain areas deteriorate further, impacting these essential functions
(Knopman et al., 2021). When discussing Alzheimer's disease with a client's family, it is
important to educate them about the underlying pathological changes involved. By
clearly understanding the complex mechanisms at play, we can help them comprehend
Case Study
Sheridan College
NURS14178: Nursing Care 1
October 10, 2023
, 2
Case Study
According to the World Health Organization (2023), Alzheimer's disease is the most
common type of dementia, affecting millions of individuals globally and primarily
impacting older adults. This case study explores the pathophysiological findings
characteristic of AD, outlines the process of a definitive diagnosis, differentiates AD
from delirium, and highlights potential signs of elder abuse within specific case
scenarios.
1. When discussing the client's diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) with their family
members, it is important to help them understand the complexity of their mother's
condition. By providing an explanation of AD's pathophysiological discoveries, such as
amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, to provide a clearer picture of the situation.
Amyloid plaques are abnormal build-ups of proteins called amyloid-beta, which hinder
normal communication between nerve cells. These protein accumulations disrupt
connections between neurons, resulting in cognitive decline and memory loss. On the
other hand, neurofibrillary tangles occur when hyperphosphorylated tau protein builds up
within nerve cells, damaging their function and eventually leading to cell death
(Duyckaerts et al., 2009). In Alzheimer's Disease, the cerebral cortex is primarily
affected, leading to memory, cognition, and behavior impairments. As the disease
advances, these crucial brain areas deteriorate further, impacting these essential functions
(Knopman et al., 2021). When discussing Alzheimer's disease with a client's family, it is
important to educate them about the underlying pathological changes involved. By
clearly understanding the complex mechanisms at play, we can help them comprehend
