Condition-Alzheimer's Disease Case Studies

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For the sake of confidentiality, the resident whom this case study is based upon will be referred to by the initial H.
1. Client Information:
Age – 89 years, born on January 3, 1927.
Significant social history – H was a member of the outdoors and hiking club and cross-country ski organization for many years. She has hiked most mountain ranges from here to Alberta. She knew the names of most wild flowers and plants. Travelling was one of her favorite things. She and her late husband explored much of Canada in their R.V. H was most enchanted by Christmas celebrations and would bake her specialities over a month in advance to give away to loved ones. She managed a household from a young age, due to the passing of her mother and 3 of her 4 brothers. …show more content…
It causes the thought and memory process to become seriously impaired. The presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are the two main microscopic biomarkers of this disease. Plaques are abnormal dense protein deposits which build up between nerve cells and impair neuron function. Dead and dying nerve cells contain tangles, which are made up of twisted strands of another protein. Tangles interfere with vital processes and essentially choke off living cells. When these brain cells degenerate and die, . the brain shrinks dramatically in some regions, affecting nearly all its …show more content…
The beginning of Alzheimer’s disease, the preclinical stage, occurs on a microscopic level. These changes can occur over years or even decades before a diagnosis, as there are generally no evident behavioural or cognitive symptoms associated with this stage. When the plaques and tangles build up to a higher level, a person begins to exhibit the signs of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. These symptoms can include difficulty finding objects, remembering faces, or navigating familiar environments. They may also get confused, anxious, or irritable and struggle with everyday activities that involve multiple steps and planning. Expressing themselves verbally and organizing their thoughts will become increasingly difficult. Significant changes in personality and behaviour will occur as the patient drifts in and out of lucidity. Wandering may occur, and because of changes in visual perception that person is at an increased risk for falls. This stage can last anywhere from 2 to 10 years, and is typically the phase in which individuals are diagnosed. When a person enters the advance stages of AD 24/7 care is usually required. Due to the pronounced amount of cell death in the brain, the individual loses their ability to process information,
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