RISK FACTORS

AGE
- Most cases occur over age 65
FAMILY HISTORY
- Having a parent, brother or sister increases risk of
developing Alzheimer's later in life
- Risk increases more if more than one family member has
Alzheimer's
GENETICS
- Risk Genes (increase likelihood of developing the disease)
Several exist with Alzheimers
Strongest is apolipoprotein E-e4 (APOE-e4)
- May have factor in 20-25% of cases
- Increased risk if inherited from both parents
- Deterministic genes (directly cause a disease,
guaranteeing that anyone who inherits them will develop
the disorder)
Scientists found variations that directly cause
Alzheimers disease in the genes coding three
proteins:
- Amyloid precursor protein (APP)
- Presenilin-1 (PS-1)
- Presenilin-2 (PS-2)
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
View how Alzheimer's disease affects and disturbs normal brain function here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wv9jrk-gXc

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Memory loss
Challenges in planning or solving problems
Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, work, or
leisure
Confusion with time or place
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial
relationships
Problems with works in speaking or writing
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
Decreased or poor judgment
Withdrawal from work or social activities
Changes in mood and personality

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
- There is no single test to detect Alzheimers
THOROUGH MEDICAL HISTORY
- I.e. family history
MENTAL STATUS TESTING
- Draw a clock face and the hands showing a time
specified by the examiner
- Copy a design, such as two intersecting polygons
- Follow a 3-step command
- Remember a list of 3 words spoken to you
- Count backwards from 100 by intervals of 7
A PHYSICAL AND NEUROLOGICAL EXAM
- Reflexes
- Muscle tone and strength
- Ability to get up from a chair and walk across the room
- Sense of touch and sight
- Coordination
- Balance
OTHER TESTS
- Blood tests
Rule out thyroid disorders or vitamin deficiencies
- Brain imaging
Rule out strokes, trauma, or tumors
CT scan
- Uses x-rays to view different sections of the brain
MRI
- Radio waves and a magnetic produce detailed
images of the brain
PET
- Injection of a low-level radioactive tracer into vein
and overhead scanner tracks it through brain
- May detect areas with plaque formations
TREATMENTS
NO CURE
- Drugs and non-drug treatments are available that may help
cognitive and behavioral symptoms
DRUGS
- Cholinesterase inhibitors:
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that causes an increase in
concentrations of acetylcholine, which in turn enhances
cholinergic neurotransmission
Help with the symptoms of memory loss, confusion, and
problems with thinking and reasoning
Examples: Aricept, Exelon, razadyne, and cognex
- Memantine (Namenda)
A drug that helps the dementia portion of moderate-to-
severe Alzheimer's disease
- Antidepressants
Inhibits reuptake of serotonin
Used for treatment of low mood and irritability
Examples: Celexa, Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Dezyrel
- Anxiolytics
Used for treatment of anxiety, restlessness, verbally
disruptive behavior, and resistance
Examples: Ativan, Serax
- Antipsychotics
Used for treatment of hallucinations, delusions,
aggression, agitation, hostility, and uncooperativeness
Examples: Abilify, Clozaril, Haldol, Zyprexa, Seroquel,
Risperda, Geodon
NATURAL REMEDY APPROACHES
- Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone)
Antioxidant that occurs naturally in body for normal cell
reactions
Not proven in effectiveness
- Ginkgo biloba
Plant extract containing many compounds that may have
positive effects on cells in the brain and the body and may
have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Not proven effective with studies
- High intake of Omega-3 fatty acids
Polyunsaturated fatty acid that has a possible reduction in
risk of dementia or cognitive decline
More research notes, but Omega-3 supplements are not
recommended to prevent Alzheimers
Sources: www.medscape.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wv9jrk-gXc www.alz.org http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers-
disease/DS00161/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis http://www.alz.org/national/documents/checklist_10signs.pdf