Alzheimer's Disease Well, I am former president and California governor, Ronald Reagan. I died in 2004 from Alzheimer’s Disease. You might say I’m the world’s most famous victim of that terrible disease. So, let’s start by forming into small groups and listing what you know about Alzheimer’s Disease. Students will be able to explain the causes, symptoms and long-term effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

I’m Simoncini’s mother-in-law, Cherie, another Alzheimer’s victim I’m Simoncini’s mother-in-law, Cherie, another Alzheimer’s victim. What did you recall? Students will be able to explain the causes, symptoms and long-term effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer's Disease Alzheimer’s Disease is a brain disorder named for German physician Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906. It is a progressive and fatal brain disease > 5 million Americans Destroys brain cells Causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior Worsens over time; is fatal 7th leading cause of death in USA Students will be able to explain the causes, symptoms and long-term effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer's Disease Most common form of dementia Students will be able to explain the causes, symptoms and long-term effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer's Disease Most common form of dementia (general term for loss of memory and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life.)

Alzheimer's Disease No current cure Current treatments can make life better Parts of cells’ “factories” stop running well Scientists not sure what causes the cells to malfunction Eventually the cells die Students will be able to explain the causes, symptoms and long-term effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer's Disease Two abnormal structures called plaques and tangles are prime suspects in damaging and killing nerve cells. Plaques: build up between nerve cells Tangles form inside dying cells Most people develop some plaques and tangles as they age; but those with Alzheimer’s tend to develop far more While scientists aren’t exactly sure what roles plaques and tangles play in the disease, most believe they block communication among nerve cells and disrupt activities that cells need to survive. Students will be able to explain the causes, symptoms and long-term effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer's Disease Risk factors: Greatest: age Likelihood of developing the disorder doubles every 5 years after 65; after 85, the risk is 50% Family history—evidence that it may be hereditary Genes are involved Strong link between serious head injury and a future risk of developing Alzheimer’s New (2011): link with Type II Diabetes Strong evidence linking brain health to heart health Students will be able to explain the causes, symptoms and long-term effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer's Disease Ten warning signs of Alzheimer’s Memory Loss Difficulty performing familiar tasks Problems with language (forget simple words) Disorientation to time & place Poor or decreased judgment Problems with abstract thinking Misplacing things Changes in mood or behavior Changes in personality Loss of initiative Students will be able to explain the causes, symptoms and long-term effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer's Disease In medicine, sundowning, also known as sundown syndrome, is a syndrome involving the occurrence or increase of one or more abnormal behaviors in a circadian rhythm. Sundowning typically occurs during the late afternoon, evening, and night, hence the name. It occurs in persons with certain forms of dementia and psychosis, such as seen in Alzheimer's disease. Although not widely surveyed, sundowning is estimated to occur in 45% of persons diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. A person who is sundowning may exhibit mood swings, become abnormally demanding, suspicious, upset or disoriented, and see or hear things that are not there in the late afternoon and evening. After wandering, sundowning is the second most common type of disruptive behavior in institutionalized persons with dementia. Sundowning often co-occurs with wandering, and the combination of these two syndromes is an important contributing factor to an emergency situation: elopement at night. The cause of sundowning is unknown, but may be related to disturbed circadian rhythm. Students will be able to explain the causes, symptoms and long-term effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer's Disease Students will be able to explain the causes, symptoms and long-term effects of Alzheimer’s disease.