____ Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias: Symptoms, Stages, and Communication Strategies Expanded brain metabolism. These factors indicate the significant impact that good sleep has on brain health. Sleep hygiene is an invalu- able component of care in all stages of AD.
Children of parents with AD should, at a minimum, ensure that they make appropriate lifestyle choices. Children of par- ents with early-onset AD may be at a higher risk of developing the disease and should undergo appropriate genetic counseling to identify any mitigating opportunities and to learn lifestyle choices that may stave off symptoms. CAUSE AND EFFECT: ENVIRONMENT With the increase in the number of AD patients and the realiza- tion that there are limited curative solutions, researchers are looking at the impact of the environment on dementia (Zhou et al., 2021). Causation is not known, but air pollution causes oxidation of the brain that appears to lead to inflammation. Other aspects of the environment, such as green space, have shown to be calming for people with AD. This could be due to the positive factors from green space that include social connectedness, outdoor physical activity, and engagement in gardening activities. (Seaton, 2020) Healthcare Consideration: A third of AD attributes include inactivity, poor diet, education, smoking, chronic condi- tions, and mental health (Zhou et al., 2021). Researching social determinants of health such as the environment is imperative in exploring root causes. ATTRIBUTES OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE A diagnosis of AD or other dementia can be an illogical chal- lenge. It is important to recognize that professional attributes and care include a sense of compassion, empathy, patience, and understanding. While symptoms can be addressed, manage- ment of AD is fluid and can be long term, especially because there is no cure (Shin & Habermann, 2022). If a person exhibits AD/dementia symptoms, trained providers may perform the following tests and examinations (on Table 4) to diagnose and determine a care plan, if necessary.
CAUSE AND EFFECT: LACK OF LEARNING AND SKILL ACQUISITION Neural pathways in the brain develop throughout life. Ongoing learning challenges the brain to retain information through regular exposure (Guglielman, 2012). Lifelong learning is an integral component of a fit brain. Reading, planning, and focused mindfulness activities such as meditation allow the brain to pause and take in new information, while preventing decline. Many healthy brain activities provide social connec- tions. Card games, book clubs, and guided meditation multiply the benefits. Word games, puzzles, and crosswords also keep the brain active and challenged. A stagnant brain will lose its abil- ity to retain, focus, and expand—leading to cognitive decline. Self-Assessment Quiz Question
9. Which of the following statements is true?
A) Lifestyle changes for heart health can also help improve symptoms of AD. B) Lifestyle changes will not impact the trajectory of AD. C) People who participate in word games and puzzles are may experience less cognitive decline over time. D) Both a and c CAUSE AND EFFECT: GENETICS The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene on chromosome 19 is an indi- cator of late-onset AD. However, even if a person carries this gene, it is not a guarantee that they will develop AD (National Institutes of Health, n.d.). While early-onset AD is rare, impact- ing less than 10% of all AD patients, there are three single-gene mutations that contribute to the development of amyloid plaques on the brain, a leading confirmation of the disease. Genetic counseling may be helpful for children of people with early-onset AD. Even though there is no guarantee that the person will develop AD, understanding if they carry the genetic markers will provide them with an opportunity to commit to healthy lifestyle choices. Mutations on the following genes may play a role in develop- ing early-onset AD. • Amyloid precursor protein on chromosome 21
• Presenilin 1 (PSEN1) on chromosome 14 • Presenilin 2 (PSEN2) on chromosome 1
11
EliteLearning.com/Counselor
Powered by FlippingBook