Alzheimer's Counselling

Alzheimer’s

Normal

-          lose memory, brain cells, difficult to retain information

Alzheimer’s

-          more pronounced

-          changes in brain structure (plaques, tangles, loss of mass) and reduced chemicals involved in transmission of signals

How?

-          familial (early position)

-          basically unknown

Does it get better?

-          progressive

-          starts with forgetfulness/wandering

-          problems with cooking, cleaning, dressing

-          speech

-          difficulty recognising people

Tx

-          no cure

-          just slow progression of disease, reduce anxiety and memory loss

-          Donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine (Ach-esterase inhibitors)

Side Effects (resolve within few weeks)

-          sleep disturbance

-          nausea

-          loss of appetite

-          diarrhoea

-          muscle cramps

ECG before & regular review

Support

-          community nurses

-          home carer

-          social worker

-          occupational therapist

-          respite care

-          Day Hospital – group Tx

-          Alzheimer’s society

-          Dementia Relief Trust