WK8AssgnDeAngelisM.docx - 1 Running head ALZHEIMERu2019S...

1
Running head: ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Pharmacology for Psychological Disorders
Mara-Lynn DeAngelis
Walden University
Introduction

2
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Mr. Akkad, a 76-year old Iranian male presents to the clinic accompanied by his son. Mr.
Akkad’s son reports that Mr. Akkad has been displaying strange behavior. The behaviors started
approximately 2 years prior to him coming to the clinic but have recently progressed. The son
reports personality changes, decreased interest in religious activities, forgetfulness, difficulty in
finding the right words or phrases, and Mr. Akkad has been more critical of the family.
Laboratory testing and diagnostic imaging were normal, and any organic cause was ruled out.
Mr. Akkad was diagnosed with major neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer’s disease
(Laureate Education, 2019).
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. The treatment goal for Alzheimer’s disease is to
improve symptoms and reverse cognitive decline however, there are no drugs that can do such a
thing. Current drugs approved for Alzheimer’s disease may slow memory loss and cognitive