Alzheimer's disease Teaching 2206
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions. At first, someone with Alzheimer's disease may notice mild confusion and difficulty remembering. Eventually, people with the disease may even forget important people in their lives and undergo dramatic personality changes. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia — a group of brain disorders that cause the loss of intellectual and social skills. In Alzheimer's disease, the brain cells degenerate and die, causing a steady decline in memory and mental function. At first, increasing forgetfulness or mild confusion may be the only symptoms of Alzheimer's disease that you notice. But over time, the disease robs you of more of your memory, especially recent memories. The rate at which symptoms worsen varies from person to person.
Reviewed March 2018
Reviewed for general reference only. Adapt to your patient, agency policy, and scope of practice.
Related teachings
Alzheimer's disease Teaching 1360Encouraged patient verbalization regarding fears and concerns about disease and prognosis. Taught patient how to help with reality orientation and stimulation.Alzheimer's disease Teaching 2451SN to assess patient with Alzheimer disease, identify any signs and symptoms requiring intervention; report significant changes to physician.Alzheimer's disease Teaching 2444Instructed caregiver alzheimer's disease and other disorders that cause dementia. Heart-healthy lifestyle choices that may reduce the risk of alzheimer's include the following: exercise regularly, eat a diet of fresh pro...Alzheimer's disease Teaching 2441Instructed caregiver about complications in patient with Alzheimer are memory and language loss, impaired judgment, and other cognitive changes caused by Alzheimer's can complicate treatment for other health conditions. ...