Dementia due to old age

Alzheimer Disease Discharge Instructions

Alzheimer's is a disease that causes changes in brain function. It is a type of dementia that affects your behavior and judgment. It also affects how you process information. You may have problems talking with others or remembering things. Some people have trouble solving problems and finding words when speaking. Alzheimer disease is not a normal part of aging. The disease gets worse over time. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer disease. Treatment includes drugs to improve memory and slow down the worsening of the disease.

Improve memory,Slow worsening of the disease,Treat tension or distress

Daily exercise is important. This may help some of your patient's signs, and will help keep muscle tone and balance.,As the disease progresses, activities like driving and working with machines should be limited. This can keep the patient and other people safe.

Offer foods that include a balanced diet, with lots of vegetables, fruits, and grains.,Have your family member drink lots of water and other fluids.

Change in behavior − Your patient may lose interest in things they once enjoyed. They may be irritable and have very high and low moods. They may show sexual behavior that is upsetting to others.,Loss of memory − Getting lost in familiar places happens often. So does forgetting common recipes. Your patient may miss meetings or leave the stove on. They may lose their keys or glasses.,Loss of ability to function − Your patient may have trouble with bill paying or other household chores. Shopping or other things in a normal daily routine may be unfamiliar.,Loss of ability to communicate − They may have problems finding the right word. This may progress to not being able to express needs. The patient may not be able to understand directions or instructions.,Harm towards others and self − This is often not planned but may be a problem. It may be a result of changes in balance or depth perception. A decline in skills or how to stay safe can also cause injury.,Injuries and illnesses − Lung infections or bedsores may happen because of limited activity or a drop in function.

You are worried the patient may harm himself or someone else,Patient has a sudden change in mental status or function,Patient cannot eat or sleep,You are no longer able to care for the patient safely at home,Health problem is not better or the patient is feeling worse

Adult,Central Nervous System,Geriatrics,Mental Health,Therapy (Occupational, Physical, Speech, etc)

AD,Alzheimer Dementia,Alzheimer's Dementia,Alzheimer's Disease,Alzheimers Dementia,Alzheimers Disease,Degenerative Neurologic Diseases,Presenile Dementia,Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer Type,Vascular Dementia

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider’s advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.

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