for the elderly can be partially assessed based on the ApoE genotype. There are also
other genetic risk factors that have not been found yet. Possibly, whether an
individual with ApoE4/4 gets an AD at 70 or 75 years, depends on the general
environment and health conditions (Murray, 2012).
Old age with no clinical dementia is associated with the loss of synapses and
neurons and the overall reduction in the weight of the brain. However, there is also
the compensatory dendritic sprouting (Hammer & McPhee, 2014).
Alzheimer is also associated with the genetics of an individual. When a person is
under diagnosis, information on the family history is obtained to determine whether
it is the cause of the disease (Hammer & McPhee, 2014).
Symptoms of Alzheimer
Memory Loss, impaired learning
The placement of important items in odd places such as keys,
wallet and dishwashers.
Forget the names of the family members and even the very
common objects or even substitute words with inappropriate ones.
Frequent forget entire conversation
Dressing regardless of the weather, for instance wear several skirts
on a warm day or even shorts in a snow storm.
Inability to follow the precise recipe directions
Can no longer manage check books, solve problems, balance
figures and at times think abstractly (Huether & McCance, 2017).
Alzheimer Diagnosis
Thorough history of the symptoms, family and including the past and present functioning.
The history can help in determining and eliminate other causes of the disease and also
distinguish the disease the other dementia forms (Huether & McCance, 2017). Neurological
and physical exam and these include cognitive test in order to asses orientation, processing
speed of information, attention span and mood (Curran & Wattis, 2012).
