• When dealing with a couple and their dynamics, make sure that individual needs are met (hungry, angry, lonely, and tired) and that the person is hydrated and eating Conclusion Alzheimer’s disease is complex and difficult to comprehend, and it creates conflict for the patient and caregivers. Understanding the stages and disease progression allows for planning, lifestyle changes, and integration of safety measures that can improve well-being. As more people are diagnosed, there will be a continued need for research, testing, and communication in the AD community to identify innovative ways to improve. As healthcare providers, it is incumbent upon us to align with the appropriate professionals who can fill in gaps of care, communication, and shared information to empower and serve our patients with honesty and integrity. This disease requires a comprehensive community approach to ensure that people have access to healthcare and services that can be of value. This is the case for both caregivers and patients. Rationale: If you find that you are experiencing symptoms or caring for a person with symptoms, it would be helpful to log them and track them over a few days. This will help to identify if a person is eating, hydrating, and staying socially connected. It is important to avoid assumptions about perceived brain changes. 2. The correct answer is D. Rationale: Since this type of dementia is a disruption of brain chemistry, it can cause a change in personality and impulsiveness, as opposed to an initial memory loss. Tracking the person’s behavior, sleep habits, and nutrition/ hydration can identify patterns that can be helpful to the physician. Additionally, since this type of brain disease is less common, an initial diagnosis of a more common psychological issue may seem appropriate at the onset 3. The correct response is D. Rationale: Since MCI can have many different reasons for manifesting, it is very important to address it as a symptom, as opposed to an initial diagnosis. In some cases, MCI can be improved and a more serious diagnosis, without proper evaluation, can be devastating to the patient and their loved ones. 4. The correct answer is B. Rationale: The preclinical stage of AD starts 15–20 years prior to symptoms. While there is no cure for AD, lifestyle choices can slow symptoms and plaque and tangle development. Patients with early-onset AD may be able to do genetic testing to identify any predisposition. Lifestyle changes that include diet, exercise, learning, and social connection may help to slow disease progression and reduce symptoms. 5. The correct answer is C. Rationale: Clinical research trials are constantly being implemented, and they rely on the participation of all types of people. Participation in AD research is vitally important for not only curative measures but for new opportunities to address symptoms.
their meals. In addition, ensure personal safety and adjust accordingly. • Make sure that the person is not isolated in their room.
The lessons in this course explain what happens to a patient who develops AD or other dementia. It also recognizes that while some dementias can be addressed and improved, many cannot. This reality goes against the noble initiatives healthcare professionals undertake. We need to understand that our best efforts should be focused on encouraging testing, clinical research trials, collaboration with the community, support for caregivers, and communication with our colleagues. We need to stay informed, pay attention to new information and pharmacological opportunities, and empower our patients to live as healthily as possible.
WORKS CITED https://uqr.to/AlzheimersDisease
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND OTHER DEMENTIAS: SYMPTOMS, STAGES, AND COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES EXPANDED Self-Assessment Answers and Rationales 1. The correct answer is B.
6. The correct answer is C. Rationale: As AD progresses, it is imperative that the patient be kept safe while still having a sense of autonomy. This stage is pivotal in the life of the afflicted and maintaining a dignified life is important, while at the same time ensuring physical safety to avoid accidents and wandering. 7. The correct answer is D . Rationale: The patient can have input about their future as well as engage in life planning, including advanced care plans, making financial arrangements, and engaging in healthy behaviors to potentially minimize symptoms and progression. Additionally, the patient may be able to participate in research that could help them and others. 8. The correct answer is D. Rationale: The brain relies on microglia to literally clean out debris, including amyloid plaque. The accrual of plaque is a trademark component of AD, and one of the reasons it is there is because the microglia fail to do their job and clean it out, thus leaving the person impaired. 9. The correct answer is D. Rationale: Playing games is good for your brain and overall physical health. A rule of thumb is that if a behavior is good for heart health, then the brain will also reap the benefits. 10. The correct answer is B. Rationale: A proper neurological exam should be done by a specialist, but many individuals do not have access to them. Primary care physicians often have the closest connection to patients; however, they may be reluctant to diagnosis. Reasons for this include lack of training, poor communication with the patient, lack of support from a caregiver, and concern for the lack of a cure.
Book Code: SWUS1525
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