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Persons with Down Syndrome and the Alzheimers Connection

Persons with Down Syndrome and the Alzheimers Connection. Memory. Just a line to say I’m living, that I’m not among the dead; though I’m getting more forgetful and mixed up in my head.

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Persons with Down Syndrome and the Alzheimers Connection

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  1. Persons with Down Syndrome and the Alzheimers Connection

  2. Memory Just a line to say I’m living, that I’m not among the dead; though I’m getting more forgetful and mixed up in my head. For sometimes I can’t remember when I stand at the foot of the stairs if I must go up for something or I’ve just come down from there. And before the refrigerator, so often my poor mind is filled with doubt, have I just put food away or have I come to take some out? I’ve got used to my arthritis, to my dentures I’m resigned, I can manage by bifocals, but, Oh God, I miss my mind!

  3. What is Alzheimers?

  4. Definition • Progressive, degenerative disease of the neurological system • Irreversible deterioration of the intellect and emotions • It affects over 4 million American adults • It is the fourth leading cause of death in adults after heart disease, cancer, and stroke • Pre-senile and senile dementia are used to describe any diminished capacity to think and to understand

  5. Symptoms • Cells of the brain are affected, causing severe intellectual impairment and changes in mental and neurological functioning • Changes occur in the cerebral cortex – the outer layer of the brain • An accumulation of protein called “tangles” occur in the area of the brain that control recent short-term memory. This area of the brain is the “hippocampus”. This protein is located in the skin and intestines as well as the brain.

  6. Healthy Neuron Synapse Axon Nucleus Cell Body Bendrites

  7. Plaques Granulovacuolar Degeneration

  8. DISINTEGRATION

  9. Stages There are stages for the generic population There are Stages for persons with Down Syndrome Each stage can last up to years

  10. Stage One • Anxiety or depression over memory loss • Decreased efficiency in performance • Defensiveness

  11. Stage Two • Marked disorientation • Reduced capacity for speech • Decreased motor dexterity

  12. Stage Three • Loss of self-help skills • Incontinence • Seizures develop • Delusional, persectory and hallucinatory behavior is exhibited

  13. Causes • The cause is unknown • Suspected causes are: A gene in the 21st gene Slow virus or other infectious agent Accumulation of aluminum or other toxins Changes in immune system relating to aging

  14. Diagnosis • There is no single clinical test to identify Alzheimers Other conditions must be ruled out: Depression Head injuries or brain tumor Adverse drug reaction Nutrition deficiencies Menopause

  15. Diagnosis • A diagnosis of Alzheimers can be confirmed only after death by performing an autopsy

  16. Alzheimers Losses Language skills Short Term Memory New learning ability Judgment, planning and foresight Inhibition/impulse control Reasoning and abstracting Sense of intimacy

  17. Behavioral Changes Pacing Fearfulness Rummaging Sexual comments Hand wringing Hallucinations/Delusions Agitation Withdrawal Insistence Public Masturbation Repeating questions

  18. Physical Factors • Urinary tract infections • Bowel impaction • Dehydration • Seizures • Pain/discomfort • Mood swings

  19. Strategies • Provide quiet time • Alleviate boredom • Avoid many changes • Keep choices simple • keep consistent schedule • Reduce stimuli • Provide decaf beverages • Limit length of conversation

  20. Communication Techniques • Make direct eye contact • Identify yourself • Use calm, clear voice • Eliminate background noise • Use short, simple sentences • Use one-step commands • Ask yes/no questions • Use word cues

  21. Written Communication Label the environment Keep a schedule of the day Use notes as reminders Non-Verbal Communications Use an open, gentle approach Hold out items Wave goodbye Use expression of concern Nod your head

  22. Increasing Quality of Life

  23. Use the R’s • Remain calm • Respond to feelings • Reassure the person • Remove yourself • Return later

  24. And Also: • Be aware of client needs, information and resources available • Identify aspects of disease and screen their problems • Provide treatment through program development • Advocate and refer for further treatment

  25. Programming • Reality Orientation:Brings information regarding time, place, person, and things • Sensory Stimulation: Activities are presented to accentuate a particular sense • Re-socialization: Uses group techniques to stress interpersonal relationships

  26. Attitude!

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