Patient #2

Emma, Collena, Mallory, and Hannah

Background
Mark
Age: 78 years old
Gender: Male
The patients daughter stated that he used to be a mathematician and now could not
solve simple equations. He could no longer remember things for the short or long term
and was excessively emotional. He can not recognize familiar faces well any longer and
is confusing family members names as well. She believes this is not a symptom of
normal aging and is concerned for his mental health.

Diagnosis

Alzheimers Disease

Death of brain cells causes memory loss and cognitive decline.

Symptoms of Disease

Memory loss
Confusion
Forgetfulness
Inability to complete simple tasks
Difficulty with self care

Symptoms of Patient

Memory loss
Confusion
Inability to solve simple math
problems
Refusing to bathe

Prognosis
Alzheimers is a terminal illness, meaning that there is no cure; only medications to
control symptoms such as confusion and emotional stress. So far, there are only five
FDA approved medications to manage symptoms of alzheimers.
The average life expectancy for this disease is 4 to 8 years after being diagnosed.
However, if it is caught early, patients have been known to live up to 20 years after
being diagnosed.

Visual Error

The blue shaded region represents plaques and tangles, collections of proteins, that are the initial
catalysts of the cell death in the brain. The lobes of the brain are essentially eaten away preventing
function. This mostly occurs in the temporal lobe and frontal lobe affecting memory.

Treatment- Medication
There is no cure for Alzheimers Disease, however there are two types
of medication to inhibit the continuation of memory loss and learning
issues.
Memantine: A drug used for moderate to severe Alzheimers that temporarily
inhibits progression of symptoms by regulating glutamine which is the chemical
involved in memory and learning.
Cholinesterase inhibitors: Drugs(Donepezil, Rivastigmine, Galantamine) that
treat mild cases of Alzheimers that prevents the breaking down of the chemical
messenger acetylcholine which is involved in learning and memory.

Treatment- Professional

Neurologist

Specializes in treating diseases of the nervous system

Recommend procedures for diagnosis and treatment

For this patient

Diagnosis
Medical history and neurological exam
Blood tests
Brain scans (CT, MRI, PET)
Treatment
Medications
Exercise
Therapy

Treatment- Professional

Home Health Care Worker

As the disease progresses, it is helpful to have someone in the home to care for the
patient as their coordination and capabilities falter.
Depending on the severity of the case, a home healthcare worker may be needed 24/7
to aid in daily routines such as bathing, eating, and administration of medication.

Sources
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_standard_prescriptions.asp
http://brain.northwestern.edu/dementia/ad/treatment.html
http://www.healthline.com/health/neurologist#Procedures4
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/home/ovc-20167098?utm_s
ource=Google&utm_medium=abstract&utm_content=Alzheimers-disease&utm_campaign=K
nowledge-panel
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp
http://www.everydayhealth.com/alzheimers/alzheimers-care-team.aspx