After review of K.B.'s history and diagnostic test results, K.B. is diagnosed with alzheimer's dementia. the physician calls a family conference to discuss the implications with K.B. and his daughter

Question

What neuroanatomic changes are seen in individuals with Alzheimer's disease?

List at least three interventions you would plan for K.B.

Answer 1

Changes seen in the brain include destruction of the proteins of nerve cells of the cerebral cortex by
diffuse infiltration with neurofibrillary tangles and plaques (nonfunctional tissue). These tangles and
plaques are a result of the death of nerve cells within the brain.

• Educate his daughter and other caregivers about providing a safe environment at home for him.
This includes such things as not allowing K.B. to cook alone (e.g., unplug the stove), conducting a
risk assessment for falls, and not allowing him to go out alone if he is prone to disorientation.
• Provide orientation aids, such as a calendar and clock.
• Educate the family about support groups and online resources for caregivers.
• Instruct the daughter to not allow K.B. to drive alone. Educate her that he might not be able to
drive at all as the dementia progresses.
• Instruct the family to keep environmental stimuli to a minimum.
• Maintain a daily routine; do not vary activities from day to day.
• Refer the patient to his primary care physician for possible medications that can slow the
progression and improve daily functioning when started in the early stages of dementia