Download Alzheimer`s Disease “A Basic Overview”

Alzheimer’s
Disease
“A Basic
Overview”
Presented by:
The Alzheimer’s
Association
What Is Alzheimer’;s
Disease?
A progressive
and
degenerative disease of the
brain in which brain cells die
and are not replaced.
Causes
impaired memory,
thinking, and behavior.
Is the most common form of
dementia.
5.5 million people in the US
have Alzheimer’s
 4th leading cause of death
Age Associated Memory
Impairment
*Not a disease process
*Normal part of aging seen over
age 50
*Delayed memory of events, names,
etc.
*Does not impact everyday life.
*Confusion, disorientation, and
changes in personality are not signs
of aging.
*As we age, we store more
memories and it takes longer to
remember things.
*People with normal memory
changes can still follow written or
spoken directions.
*Many people forget a name
when they need it, but it may
come to them later that day.
*Illness, depression, stress, fear,
or worry make it hard for anyone
to remember.
Dementia




1.
is a chronic deterioration of
cognitive functions severe
enough to interfere with
daily living
Can occur at any age, but
mostly in elderly
affects >15% of people 65
years or older1
affects 47% of people 80
years or older
Larson EB, Kukull WA, Katzman RL. Cognitive impairment: dementia
and Alzheimer’s disease. Annu Rev Public Health. 1992;13:431-49.
Types of Dementia
Reversible Dementia: This is
temporary.
Some causes may be:

Problems with heart, liver, lungs or kidneys.
 Moves: home, hospital, nursing home
 Thyroid or diabetes
 Dehydration
 Nutrition deficiencies
 Acute illness or infection
 Alcohol
 Medications
 Brain Tumors
 Environmental chemicals
 Abuse--Physical and/or mental
 Depression
 Trauma-- such as falls.
Types of Dementia
…Continued
Irreversible Dementia
Is
not curable
The brain cells have become permanently
damaged.
3 most common types of Irreversible
Dementia
Alzheimer’s Disease
Vascular Dementia-Frequent small strokes
Mixed Dementia-A combination of both
Vascular dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease
A memory problem which is NOT caused by alcohol
abuse or head injury, and worsens with time..
Language problems: difficulty naming objects, or
finding the right words.
Zips and buttons are difficult to fasten.
Hygiene
Extreme mood swings
Impaired Judgement
Many people with AD may get lost in familiar places.
Even recognition of their own family and friends
becomes difficult.
Recalls memories of childhood at times but cannot
remember anything that happened that same day.
Suspicious of other people.
Psychiatric
Complications of
Dementia
Most
dementia patients have behavioral or
psychiatric problems.
One in four hears false voices or sounds.
One in four sees false images
One in three has false beliefs.
Some patients threaten to strike out.
One in four makes false accusations.
Many patients develop short tempers.
Many psychiatric symptoms improve with
medication.
Arguing does not help.
This is Alzheimer’s disease talkingnot the person.
Law Enforcement
Officers
What You Should
Know
Alzheimer’s Disease, A
Neurological Disorder.
The primary symptoms Are:
Memory Loss
Impaired Judgment
Carelessness In Appearance
(especially in over/under dressing)
Absentmindedness
Inability To Communicate
Poor Concentration Abilities
(especially in response to an officer’s line of questioning. It is quite
common for the victim to ask the same questions over and over again.)
Certain Types of Law
Enforcement Encounters
Wandering
Auto Accidents
Traffic Violations
Indecent Exposure
Victimization/False Reports
Shoplifting
Intoxication
Homicide/Suicide
Identification Jewelry
Identification worn by the individual indicating
memory loss.
Usually the words “memory impaired” distinguish this
individual from other types of medic alert
categories.
Safe Return Program
1-800-272-3900
When Encountering an
Alzheimer’s Victim…...
Preferably, approach them from the
front and provide a distraction, such as
a cup of coffee, to keep the person’s
hands and mind busy.
 Employ a non-threatening tone of
voice and maintain a sense of humor.
 Maintain a calm environment and
be aware of voice level. Avoid
scolding or lecturing.
 Do not assume the individual is
hearing impaired unless otherwise
indicated.

Attempt to Remove the
Individual from noisy or
stressful situations.
Excess stimuli may trigger a
catastrophic reaction which is
exhibited by increased
symptoms of restlessness,
pacing, agitation, and anxiety.
Sirens should be turned off if
possible and radio volume
and squelch turned down.
Avoid, if possible, the
Use of restraints.
This action may trigger an
increase in the patient’s
symptoms. Restraints should be
used only as a last resort or
when necessary for the safety of
the patient and others.
The Ability to communicate (both
sending and receiving messages) is
greatly impaired with Alzheimer’s
Disease.
A. First, identify yourself as a Law Enforcement officer and state
the purpose of you being there no matter how obvious it may
seem.
B. Speak slowly and maintain a low-pitched voice.
C. Use short familiar words.
D. Ask “yes” or “no” questions.
E. Ask one question at a time, allowing plenty of response time.
F. If necessary, repeat the question with the exact previous
wording. Victims with AD may grasp only parts of the initial
question.
G. Maintain good eye contact while communicating.
H. If available, solicit help from the care giver. If you are having
trouble communicating, try using your partner to establish
contact.
Wandering
Wandering behavior may pose serious life threatening
concerns, especially if the patient wanders off
during inclement weather, into remote areas, or into
an area of high traffic intensity.
Water related mishaps often resulting in fatalities, may
occur in areas which have ponds or rivers. Search
and rescue efforts should begin immediately.
Family members or caregivers may provide valuable
information about previous wandering episodes.
Use of media broadcasts requesting assistance from
the public is often very helpful.
Intoxication / D.U.I
Erratic driving and failure to obey
traffic signs may be caused by
Alzheimer’s Disease.
Failure of the officer’s assessment to
identify any positive signs of
alcohol or drug use may warrant
the need to recognize the
possibility of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Auto Accidents
Rules and regulations as they relate to
highway safety are forgotten by
Alzheimer’s victims resulting in the
failure to obey street signs, traffic lights
and the maintenance of safe driving
speeds.
Individuals involved in accidents may
even flee the scene unaware of
personal injuries or mishaps.
Victimization
False Reports
Alzheimer’s victims fall easy prey to con
artists ; however, lost or misplaced
items may be reported stolen.
Often burglary attempts or strange
intruders turn out to be long -time
family members or spouses whom the
victim has forgotten.
Shoplifting
Memory Impairment will likely hinder the
ability of Alzheimer’s victims to pay for
their merchandise. Victims may
casually walk out of a store without
paying, unaware of any wrongdoing.
Confrontation with the victim is not
recommended and the officer is
encouraged to work this out with the
store owner if given the latitude.
Homicide / Suicide
Unfortunately, without a cure for
Alzheimer’s Disease, caregivers may
find themselves unable to bear the
burden of dealing with this devastating
disease and may choose to take the
law into their own hands.
Several cases of homicide/suicide
involving Alzheimer’s victims are
reported each year.
Sexual Behavior
Indecent Exposure
Societal norms associated with dress and impulse
control or erased or forgotten. Repetitive
behavior exhibited by Alzheimer’s victims such
as fidgeting with zippers or buttons maybe
misinterpreted as deviant behavior.
Because judgment is often impaired with
Alzheimer’s Disease victims, undressing in
public or leaving the house without proper
attire are common occurrences.
The officer should be alerted when individuals are
dressed inappropriately for summer or winter.
Contact Us
New Mexico
Alzheimer’s Association
505-266-4473
Help-line: 1-800-272-3900