1. EMS Alzheimer’s Training Alzheimer’s Association of NENY Hollie Gray

2. What is Alzheimer’s?  Progressive brain disorder  Gradually destroys a person’s memory, ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate, and carry out daily activities.

3. How is Alzheimer’s changing the brain?  Alzheimer’s Disease leads to nerve cell death.  AD causes tissue loss throughout the brain  Overtime the brain shrinks dramatically.

4. More changes in the brain…  The cortex of the brain shrivels up.  Hippocampus shrinks severally.  Ventricles in the brain grow larger.

5. What is causing these changes?  Scientists are not 100% sure what is causing cell death and brain shrinkage, but they have suspects.  Prime suspects are plaques and tangles that occur in the brain of person with AD.

6. Lets talk about plaque…  Formed by beta-amyloid protein buildup.  This protein comes from a larger protein that is involved in mylenation of cells.  The abnormal clumps of protein that form we call plaque may be blocking cell to cell signaling.  Scientists believe it may also trigger an immune response that causes the disabled cells to be destroyed.

7. Lets talk about tangles…  Tangles destroy a cell transport system made of proteins.  The tau protein keeps the tracks straight.  When tau fails to do it’s job transport can not take place and cell death results.

8. Progression through the Brain  Plaques and tangles tend to spread through the brain in a predictable pattern.  First -Learning and Memory  Second-Speaking, Understanding, and understanding relation of ones self to things around them.  Third- Communication, recognizing family and friends, and care for ones self is lost.  *** NOTE THIS IS A GENERAL PATTERN

9. Brain of Normal Elderly Person

10. Brain of Alzheimer’s Patient

11. Normal Elderly Brain vs. Brain of AD Patient Large Brain Size Cell Functioning Normal Brain activity Brain Shrinkage Cell Death Plaque Build Up Abnormal Brain activity

12. Symptoms of AD  Memory loss  Disorientation  Problems doing complicated tasks  Language problems  Lack of concentration  Loss of visuo-spatial skills

13. How many people are affected by AD Nationally?  4.5+ have AD  2+ million have another Dementia  Year 2030 40-70% increase expected.

14. How many people are affected locally?  Within the 17 county region of NENY 1.5 million people are living.  Of the 1.5 million it is estimated that 40,000 are suffering from the challenges associated with AD.

15. Mortality Rates  7th leading cause of death.  65,829  Number does NOT reflect any of the “other” dementia’s.  45,000  4 th leading cause of death in women.

16. Risk Factors  AGE  Heredity  Sex  Lifestyle  Environment  Head Injury

17. Prevention?  NO way to prevent ad  NO Vaccine  ARE ways to reduce risk factors.

18. Reducing Risk Factors  Adopt a Brain Healthy Diet  Numbers Count  Remain Socially Active  Remain Mentally Active  Exercise

19. Complications Sometimes Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease  Pneumonia  Infections  Falls  Pulmonary Embolism  Violent Behavior  Wandering (Person may get lost)

20. Things to consider when Assessing A Person with AD…  Several medications.  Unreliable informant.  Easily overwhelmed or frustrated.  Ask simple yes or no questions

21. Things to consider when Assessing A Person with AD continued…  Tell the person who you are and why you are there even if it seems obvious.  Give Positive Instructions.  Approach using a non-aggressive stance.  Use your NON Verbal communication.  Avoid over stimulation.  Check for a Safe Return bracelet that will indicate the person has a memory impairment.  Smile and Keep eye contact.  Be patient a person with AD may take longer to assess.

22. How we communicate Body Language 55% Verbal 7% Pitch and Tone 38%

23. Guidelines for Communication 1.Call the person by the name she prefers 2.Talk to him or her as an adult 3.Give simple directions, one step at a time 4.Use the same words 5.Avoid pronouns. 6. Speak slowly and clearly 7. Don’t argue 8. Ask for what you want 9. Say exactly what you mean 10. Offer multiple cues

24. Making a Positive Physical Approach  Come from the front  Go slow  Get to the side  Get low  Offer your hand (palm up)  Use the person’s preferred name  Wait for a response

25. Community Based Services To Help Individuals and Families dealing with AD…  Adult Day Programs  Home Health Agencies  Hospice  Meals on Wheels  Respite (Companion) Care  Safe Return  Support Groups  Transportation Services

26. QUESTIONS??? 1-800-272-3900 24 Hours a Day, 7 days a week  24hour helpline  Information and referral  Care consultation  Safe Return  Support Groups