Respond to this student with one reference Alzheimer’s Disease is an irreversible neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory and cognitive impairment ( Mendiola-Precoma, berumen, Padilla, &...


Respond to this student with one reference Alzheimer’s Disease is an irreversible neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory and cognitive impairment ( Mendiola-Precoma, berumen, Padilla, & Garcia-Alcocer, 2016). It has proven to be a multifactorial disease with both environmental and genetic predispositions contributing to the pathology. Modifiable risk factors have been identified as hypercholesterolemia , obesity, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus ( Mendiola-Precoma, berumen, Padilla, & Garcia-Alcocer, 2016). In an aid to fight the prevention of AD, maintaining optimal cholesterol levels have been proven to provide neuroprotection ( Mendiola-Precoma, berumen, Padilla, & Garcia-Alcocer, 2016). As a provider all other modifiable risk factors should be addressed proactively also. Treatment of AD is focused on improving symptoms and slowing the rate of progression for this disease. Ultimately there is no cure, therefore prevention is better. The current treatments of this disease are based on cholinesterase inhibitors and a glutamate antagonist, aiding to provide symptomatic relief. Cholinesterase inhibitors work by slowing down the process in breakdown of key neurotransmitters. Glutamate antagonists’ work by regulating the activity of glutamate, an important neurotransmitter in the brain involved in learning and memory. Combined therapies with both medications have been advised. According to Up To Date guidelines (2017), patients with mild to moderate AD who seek therapy with vitamins, a supplementation of Vitamin E 2000 IU daily is also recommended. Utilizing both a cholinesterase inhibitor and Memantine, vitamin E benefits can sometimes be offset. Medications should be adjusted according to patient’s tolerance, symptoms and benefits. In cases of advanced dementia Memantine should stand alone, as it is proven to slow the progression of the diesease(Press & Alexander, 2017). Patients with AD can present in an acute care setting when issues of decreased mentation may cause a fall at home or something as simple as catching a community acquired pneumonia resulting in respiratory insufficiency. As advanced nurse practitioners we must be able to recognize the course of the disease and the current state of progression. By having an idea of the medications, we can address which ones are appropriate to continue or cease while in the acute care setting as to not further worsen their current disease path and prognosis with AD. Mendiola-Precoma, J., Berumen, L. C., Padilla, K., & Garcia-Alcocer, G. (2016). Therapies for Prevention and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease. Biomed Research International, 20161-17. doi:10.1155/2016/2589276 Press, D., & Alexander, M. (2017) Treatment of Dementia. UpToDate. Retrieved from: https://www-uptodate-com.ezproxylocal.library.nova.edu/index.html#!/contents/treatment-of-dementia#H23





Oct 07, 2019
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