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