What it means
The most common cause of dementia. Abnormal proteins build up in the brain and nerve cells die, so the brain slowly shrinks. It starts with forgetting recent events and gets worse over years, until the person needs help with all activities of daily livingak-TIV-ih-teez uv DAY-lee LIV-ingThe basic self-care tasks of everyday life, such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting and moving about.Full entry . It is named after Alois Alzheimer, the German doctor who described it in 1906.
For the nurse
Keep a calm, simple routine and a safe setting; use short, clear sentences and give one step at a time. Watch for wandering, falls and poor nutrition, and support the caregiverKAIR-giv-erA person who looks after someone who needs help, such as a family member, friend or paid helper.Full entry . Sudden new confusion is not the disease getting worse: it may be deliriumdih-LEER-ee-umA sudden state of confusion and poor attention that comes and goes over hours or days.Full entry and is reported.
In a chart
"Client with Alzheimer disease oriented to self only; redirected easily; wander alarm on."
At a glance
| Spanish | enfermedad de Alzheimer |
|---|---|
| Also written | Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's, Alzheimers, alzheimers-disease, Alzheimer |
Related terms
activities of daily living
The basic self-care tasks of everyday life, such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting and moving about.
delirium
A sudden state of confusion and poor attention that comes and goes over hours or days.
mental status
A person's state of mind at a given time: how alert they are, what they know and how they think, speak and behave.
caregiver
A person who looks after someone who needs help, such as a family member, friend or paid helper.