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Introduction   

Alzheimer’s disease is a destructive, progressive, and irreversible brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia in older adults (1). For most people who have Alzheimer’s disease, symptoms first appear in their mid 60’s (1).  

Studies suggest more than 5.5 million Americans, most 65 or older, may have dementia caused by Alzheimer’s (1). It is currently listed as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. It is essential to understand the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s dementia and how to manage the care of a patient, family member, or friend suffering from the disease. 

Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning, such as thinking, remembering, reasoning, and behavioral abilities, such as a decreased ability to perform activities of daily living (1). The severity of dementia ranges from mild to severe. Dmentia’s mildest stage often begins with forgetfulness, while its most severe stage consists of complete dependence on others for general activities of daily living (1).  

History of Alzheimer’s 

Alzheimer’s disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer. In the early 1900s, Dr. Alzheimer noticed changes in the brain tissue of a patient who had died of an unknown mental illness. The patient’s symptoms included memory loss, language problems, and unpredictable behavior.  

After her death, her brain was examined and was noted to have abnormal clumps known as amyloid plaques and tangled bundled fibers, known as neurofibrillary or tau tangles (1). These plaques and tangles within the brain are considered some of the main features of Alzheimer’s disease. Another feature includes connections of neurons in the brain. Neurons are a type of nerve cell responsible for sending messages between different parts of the brain and from the brain to other parts of the body (1).  

Scientists are continuing to study the complex brain changes involved with the disease of Alzheimer’s. The changes in the brain could begin ten years or more before cognitive problems start to surface.  

During this stage of the disease, people affected seem to be symptom-free; however, toxin changes occur within the brain (1). Initial damage in the brain occurs within the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, which are the parts of the brain that are necessary for memory formation. As the disease progresses, additional aspects of the brain become affected, and overall brain tissue shrinks significantly (1).  

Signs and Symptoms & Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease  

Memory problems are typically among the first signs of cognitive impairment related to Alzheimer’s disease. Some people with memory problems have Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) (2). In this condition, people have more memory problems than usual for their age; however, their symptoms do not interfere with their daily lives. 

Older people with MCI are at increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The first symptoms of Alzheimer’s may vary from person to person. Many people display a decline in non-memory-related aspects of cognition, such as word-finding, visual issues, impaired judgment, or reasoning (2).  

Healthcare providers use several methods and tools to determine the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Dementia. Diagnosis and evaluation involve memory, problem-solving, attention, counting, and language tests. Healthcare providers may perform brain scans, including CVT. MRI or PET is used to rule out other causes of symptoms.  

Various tests may be repeated to give doctors information about how memory and cognitive functions change over time. They can help diagnose different causes of memory problems, such as stroke, tumors, Parkinson’s disease, and vascular dementia. Alzheimer’s disease can be diagnosed only after death by linking clinical measures with an examination of brain tissue in an autopsy (3).  

Stages of Disease  

Mild Alzheimer’s  

People experience significant memory loss and other cognitive problems as the disease progresses. Most people are diagnosed in this stage (1). 

• Wandering/getting lost  
• Trouble handling money or paying bills  
• Repeating questions  
• Taking longer to complete basic daily tasks 
• Personality/behavioral changes (1) 

Moderate Alzheimer’s  

In this stage, damage occurs in the area of the brain that controls language, reasoning, sensory processing, and conscious thought (1).  

• Memory and confusion worsen.  
• Problems recognizing family and friends  
• Unable to learn new things  
• Trouble with multi-step tasks such as getting dressed  
• Trouble coping with situations 
• Hallucinations/delusions/paranoia (1) 

Severe Alzheimer’s 

• Plaques and tangles spread throughout the brain, and brain tissue shrinks significantly. 
• Cannot communicate  
• Entirely dependent on others for care  
• Bedridden – most often as the body shuts down  

Prevention  

Many aging patients worry about developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Especially if they have had a family member who suffered from the disease, patients may worry about genetic risk. Although there have been many ongoing studies on the prevention of the disease, nothing has been proven to prevent or delay dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease (2).  

More research suggests that women are more likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer’s compared to men. Further research is needed to determine the role between genetics, sex, and Alzheimer’s risk (4).  

A review led by experts from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found encouraging yet inconclusive evidence for three types of interventions related to ways to prevent or delay Alzheimer’s Dementia or age-related cognitive decline (2):  

• Increased physical activity  
• Blood pressure control  
• Cognitive training  

Treatment of the Disease  

Alzheimer’s disease is complex and is continuously being studied. Current treatment approaches focus on helping people maintain their mental function, manage behavioral symptoms, and lower the severity of symptoms. The FDA has approved several prescription drugs to treat those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s (3).  

Treating symptoms of Alzheimer’s can provide patients with comfort, dignity, and independence for a more significant amount of time while simultaneously assisting their caregivers. The approved medications are most beneficial in the early or middle stages of the disease (3). 

Cholinesterase inhibitors are prescribed for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease; they may help to reduce symptoms. Medications include Rzadyne®, Exelon®, and Aricept® (3). Scientists do not fully understand how cholinesterase inhibitors work to treat the disease; however, research indicates that they prevent acetylcholine breakdown. Acetylcholine is a brain chemical believed to help memory and thinking (3). 

For those suffering from moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease, a medication known as Namenda®, which is an N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist, can be prescribed. This drug helps to decrease symptoms, allowing some people to maintain certain essential daily functions slightly longer than they would without medication (3).  

For example, this medication could help a person in the later stage of the disease maintain their ability to use the bathroom independently for several more months, benefiting the patient and the caregiver (3). This drug works by regulating glutamate, an essential chemical in the brain. When it is produced in large amounts, glutamate may lead to brain cell death. Because NMDA antagonists work differently from cholinesterase inhibitors, these rugs can be prescribed in combination (3).  

Medications to be Used with Caution in those Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s  

Some medications, such as sleep aids, anxiety medications, anticonvulsants, and antipsychotics, should only be taken by a patient diagnosed with Alzheimer’s after the prescriber has explained the risks and side effects of the medications (3).  

Sleep aids: They help people get to sleep and stay asleep. People with Alzheimer’s should not take these drugs regularly because they could make the person more confused and at a higher risk for falls.  

Anti-anxiety: These treat agitation and can cause sleepiness, dizziness, falls, and confusion (3).  

Anticonvulsants: These are used to treat severe aggression and have possible side effects of mood changes, confusion, drowsiness, and loss of balance. 

Antipsychotics: they are used to treat paranoia, hallucinations, agitation, and aggression. Side effects can include the risk of death in older people with dementia. They would only be given when the provider agrees the symptoms are severe enough to justify the risk (3).  

Caregiving  

Coping with Agitation and Aggression  

People with Alzheimer’s disease may become agitated or aggressive as the disease progresses. Agitation causes restlessness and causes someone to be unable to settle down. It may also cause pacing, sleeplessness, or aggression (5). As a caregiver, it is essential to remember that agitation and aggression are usually happening for reasons such as pain, depression, stress, lack of sleep, constipation, soiled underwear, a sudden change in routine, loneliness, and the interaction of medications (5). Look for the signs of aggression and agitation. It is helpful to prevent problems before they happen.  

Ways to cope with agitation and aggression (5):  

• Reassure the person. Speak calmly. Listen to concerns and frustrations.  
• Allow the person to keep as much control as possible.  

• Build in quiet times along with activities. 
• Keep a routine. 
• Try gently touching, soothing music, reading, or walks. 
• Reduce noise and clutter.  
• Distract with snacks, objects, or activities. 

Common Medical Problems  

In addition to the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, a person with Alzheimer’s may have other medical conditions over time. These additional health conditions can cause confusion and behavior changes. The person may be unable to communicate with you about their circumstances. As a caregiver, it is essential to watch for various signs of illness and know when to seek medical attention for the person being cared for (6).  

Fever 

Fever could indicate potential infection, dehydration, heatstroke, or constipation (6).  

Flu and Pneumonia 

These are easily transmissible. Patients 65 years or older should get the flu and Pneumonia shot each year. Flu and Pneumonia may cause fever, chills, aches, vomiting, coughing, or trouble breathing (6).  

Falls 

As the disease progresses, the person may have trouble with balance and ambulation. They may also have changes in depth perception. To reduce the chance of falls, clean up clutter, remove throw rugs, use armchairs, and use good lighting inside (6). 

Dehydration 

It is important to remember to ensure the person gets enough fluid. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, dizziness, hallucinations, and rapid heart rate (6).  

Wandering  

Many people with Alzheimer’s disease wander away from their homes or caregivers. As the caregiver, it is essential to know how to limit wandering and prevent the person from becoming lost (7).  

Steps to follow before a person wanders (7) 

• Ensure the person carries an ID or wears a medical bracelet.  
• Consider enrolling the person in the Medic Alert® + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return Program®. 
• Alert neighbors and local police that the person tends to wander and ask them to alert you immediately if they are seen alone.  
• Place labels on garments to aid in identification. 

Tips to Prevent Wandering (7) 

• Keep doors locked. Consider a key or deadbolt. 
• Use loosely fitting doorknob covers or safety devices.  
• Place STOP, DO NOT ENTER< or CLOSED signs on doors.  
• Divert the attention of the person away from using the door.  
• Install a door chime that will alert when the door is opened.  
• Keep shoes, keys, suitcases, coats, and hats out of sight.  
• Make sure not to leave a person who has a history of wandering unattended.  

Conclusion

Alzheimer’s is a sad, debilitating, progressive disease that robs patients of their lives and dignity. As research continues on the causes, treatment, and prevention of the disease, healthcare workers and caregivers need to know the signs and symptoms of a patient with Alzheimer’s disease and potential coping mechanisms and management strategies of the disease. More information on the disease is available through several various resources, including:  

Family Caregiver Alliance  

800-445-8106 

NIA Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Education and Referral Center  

800-438-4380 

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