By Anne O’Dell
8/10/2014
Alzheimer’s Disease & Associated
Alterations
uAlzheimer’s
disease (AD) is a disease that attacks the brain. It is the most common form of Dementia which is the general term for a decline in mental ability serve enough to interfere with daily life (Poole
Arcangelo & Peterson, 2013). uAlzheimer 's
is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
uCauses
a gradual, irreversible loss of memory and cognitive function
(Poole Arcangelo & Peterson, 2013). uProgression of uAssociated the disease varies from person to person.
Alterations in the heart and endocrine systems.
Pathophysiology of Alterations in 2 Body
Systems
The Heart
Heart Disease- The heart and the brain share common triggers and biochemical characteristics. These are inflammation, oxidative stress and hypoxia. uA decrease in the amount of
oxygen delivery to the brain may set off a cascade of events that culminates in Alzheimer’s and heart disease; a cause of hypoxia (Rosick,
2012).
The Endocrine System
Diabetes- Diabetes and AD are connected in ways that are not completely understood. uA
link between the two disease exists
because of the ability of the brain and other body tissues to use sugar and respond to insulin (Kress, 2012). uType 2 diabetes and AD are linked
related to formation of 2 types of peptide deposits that aggregate and clump together (Kress, 2012).
Types of Drugs Prescribed to Treat Alterations
Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease
Drugs for AD & Heart Disease uSome studies suggest that Acetyl cholinesterase
Drugs for AD & Diabetes uMetformin- Is an antidiabetic drug. Studies have shown
inhibitors (ACHI’s) which are diabetic medications, may
that patients taking Metformin were 20% less likely to
decrease myocardial infarction and cardiovascular
develop dementia (Kress, 2012).
mortality and have positive effects on hemodynamics and survival in heart failure (Howes, 2014).
uNew
research found that a type 2 diabetic drug
pioglitazone (Actos), can prevent onset of AD by a 6% uResveratrol, a flavonoid polyphenol (in the skin & seeds
of grapes as well as red wine)- guards against heart disease & provides protection against AD
uGinkgo
Biloba provides neuroprotection
reduction in patients 60 and older.
Genetics, Ethnicity, Age & Behaviors
Impact Alterations uAge- The risk of developing dementia as well as the risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with age. uAging also is a risk for developing
Alzheimer 's disease. uDiabetes increases the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in which one has thinking & memory problems that are usually present in normal aging. uRisk assessment for AD with apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype increases the risk for AD alterations of health behaviors (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014).
uUsing
Metformin increases the risk with age for lactic acidosis. uMetformin weakens AD-like biochemical changes in the brain (Rosick, 2012). uLatinos & blacks live longer than whites among people diagnosed with AD )Mayo
Clinic Staff, 2014).
Measures to reduce Side Effects uEat all food given after taking medications. uPossibly
fall risk.
have the patient listed as a
uEducate
the patient on moving slow when rising. uNever suddenly stop taking the medications. uStay
compliant to drug regimen.
uAvoid
alcohol and smoking with medications. Supporting Agency used to
Educate Patients on Alzheimer’s disease Alzheimer’s Association www.alzheimers.org Vision is a world without AD.
Mission is to eliminate AD through the advancement of research; enhance care & support and to decrease the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Alzheimer’s Association Supports Those
Affected By AD
& Other Dementias uLocal Chapters
uStaffed
24/7
uHelpline- 1-800-272-3900 uTranslation languages uOver services in more than 170
4,500 support groups
uOnline
resources
uHelps in
finding clinical studies
uOnline
Tool free Alzheimer’s navigator
uAlzheimer’s
library
uComfort
Association Green-Field
Zone
uAlzheimer’s
Safe Return
uAlzheimer’s
Walk to end AD
Alzheimer’s Association
Treatment Options
Management
Antidepressantsmood- Celexa,
Prozac, Zoloft
AnxiolyticsAnxiety &
RestlessnessAtivan & Serax
AntipsychoticsHallucinationsAbilify, Seroquel,
Risperdal & Haldol
5 Drugs FDAapproved
Donepezil- Aricept
GalantamineRazadyne
MemantineNamenda
RivastigmineExelon
Tacrine- Cognex
Self-Care
Aids in helping patients and families on how to stay as independent as possible for as long as possible. References
Alzheimer’s Association Research Center (2013). Alzheimer’s Disease. Retrieved from www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_Alzheimer’s.asp Howes, L.G. (2014). Cardiovascular effects of drugs used to treat Alzheimer’s Disease.
National Institutes of Health. 37(6) 391-5.
Kress, D. (2012). The link between Alzheimer’s disease & diabetes: Part 1. Diabetes Daily.
Mayo Clinic Staff (2014). Alzheimer’s Disease-Diabetes & Alzheimer’s Linked. Mayo clinic.
Rosick, E.R. (2012). The deadly link between heart disease & Alzheimer’s. Life extension magazine. Poole Arcangelo, V., & Peterson, A.M. (eds). (2013). Pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice: A practical approach (3rd ed.). Amber, PA: Lippincott Williams &
Wilkins.
References: Alzheimer’s Association Research Center (2013). Alzheimer’s Disease. Retrieved from www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_Alzheimer’s.asp Howes, L.G. (2014). Cardiovascular effects of drugs used to treat Alzheimer’s Disease. Kress, D. (2012). The link between Alzheimer’s disease & diabetes: Part 1. Diabetes Daily. Mayo Clinic Staff (2014). Alzheimer’s Disease-Diabetes & Alzheimer’s Linked. Mayo clinic. Rosick, E.R. (2012). The deadly link between heart disease & Alzheimer’s. Life extension magazine. Poole Arcangelo, V., & Peterson, A.M. (eds). (2013). Pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice: A practical approach (3rd ed.)
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