Pathophysiology & Risk Factors
What is the most common type of dementia.
What is Alzheimer's disease
Identify an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease.
Short‑term/recent memory loss. Difficulty performing familiar tasks.
1.Memory loss that disrupts daily life 2.Challenges in planning or solving problems 3.Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure 4.Confusion with time or place. 5.Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships 6.New problems with words in speaking or writing 7.Misplacing things with inability to retrace steps 8.Decreased or poor judgement 9.Withdrawal from work or social activities 10.Changes in mood or personality
State one intervention for mild Alzheimer’s disease.
Provide memory aids and structured routines. Encourage independence in ADL's. Offer calm, consistent communication.
Name one environmental modification for safety for individuals with dementia
Remove clutter, secure exits.
Name one medication used to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease
Donepezil (Aricept). Galantamine (Razadyne), memantine, or Rivastigmine.
Name one cause of delirium.
Infection, fever, anesthesia, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, sleep deprivation, polypharmacy, or substance use.
Describe a key feature of delirium.
Sudden confusion and disorientation.
Describe a priority for delirium management.
Identify and treat the underlying cause
Describe a communication technique for dementia.
Use short simple sentences.
Identify a type of medication that may worsen delirium
Sedatives or anticholinergics.
What brain changes occur in Alzheimer’s disease
Neuronal loss in frontal/temporal lobes and development of plaques and tangles.
Name a middle‑stage Alzheimer’s symptom.
Wandering, personality changes, disorientation to time and place, sleep disturbances.
List two interventions for moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
Maintain safety with environmental modifications. Use short, simple directions, support family coping and respite needs. Provide a calm structured environment. Redirect behaviors and offer consistent reassurance.
Identify a strategy to reduce agitation.
Use a calm approach and validation therapy.
The focus of treatment for Alzeimer's Disease
Slow cognitive decline. There is no cure
Name one non modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
Non-modifiable: genetics, gender, advanced age
Modifiable: lifestyle, educational status, comorbidities
Name a late-stage Alzheimer's symptom
Disorientation, communication difficulty, Loss of motor skills, incontinence, dysphagia, inability to recognize family
Identify a nursing intervention for late stage (severe) Alzheimer's Disease
Maintain dignity and comfort. Prevent injury and aspiration. Provide total care and emotional support for caregivers.
Explain how to prevent wandering.
Provide structured activities and supervision.
List one nonpharmacologic therapy for dementia/Alzheimer's Disease
Reminiscence therapy or validation therapy
Explain how delirium differs from dementia
Acute onset and fluctuating level of consciousness. Delirium can be cured; dementia is progressive
Why is early diagnosis beneficial
Provides time for future planning, education, and safety.
Explain how to support family caregivers.
Provide respite resources and education.
State one way to promote orientation.
Use clock, calendars, and visual cues.
Identify a side effect of donepezil.
bradycardia, GI upset