Here we will discuss the current understanding of memory to aid the clinician’s knowledge of how memory breaks down in Alzheimer’s disease, how that breakdown of memory is different from how memory declines in normal aging, and also how other…
Primary care physicians and other healthcare practitioners routinely screen for many diseases, including hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and prostate and breast cancer, to mention a few. Yet Alzheimer’s disease, one of the most common disorders in older adults, is rarely screened for…
Screening for memory loss has become more and more common in both primary care and specialty practices. As discussed in Chapter 2 , there are a number of approaches to screening: Mental status tests: These tests are generally used to…
Quick Start: Special Issues In Memory Loss, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Dementia Some Patients Do Not Want to Have Their Memory Evaluated Help patients understand that the goal is to improve their memory and allow them to continue doing the activities…
Quick Start: Legal And Financial Issues in Memory Loss, Alzheimer’s Disease, And Dementia Alzheimer’s advocacy groups can provide helpful and up-to-date information for families. Encourage your families to contact the Alzheimer’s Association ( www.alz.org , 800-272-3900) in the United States…
Quick Start: Life Adjustments for Memory Loss, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Dementia Issues in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia in the Very Mild and Mild Stages Patients with mild cognitive impairment and very mild Alzheimer’s disease dementia may be…
Quick Start: Pharmacological Treatment of the Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia Pharmacological treatment of the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia should only be undertaken when one of the following situations is present: The symptoms are causing distress to…
Quick Start: Nonpharmacological Treatment Of The Behavioral And Psychological Symptoms Of Dementia Important Principles for Treating Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia—The 3Rs: Reassure Let patients know that they will be cared for and their wishes will be respected. Reconsider…
Quick Start: Caring for and Educating the Caregiver Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects the entire family. Approximately 70% of patients with Alzheimer’s disease are cared for at home by a family member. Supporting the caregiver is vitally important. Listen…
Quick Start: Evaluating the Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia The behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia The behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia are usually the most difficult symptoms for patients and caregivers to manage. Symptoms usually assessed on…