Question

Which of the following should the nurse use as a basis for explaining the etiology of alzheimer's disease to the family of a patient with this disease?which of the following should the nurse use as a basis for explaining the etiology of alzheimer's disease to the family of a patient with this disease?

O it is a secondary dementia indicated by loss of recent memory and disorientation to time and
O is a primary dementia that is incurable, irreversible, and fatal. it is associated with the presence of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the
O is a secondary dementia that is treatable with analysis of the diet and removal of toxic substances in the
O is a primary dementia characterized by stepwise decreases in cognitive abilities.
O it is irreversible if not treated with antihypertensive medications.

Answer 1

Alzheimer's disease is a primary dementia characterized by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, leading to neuron loss and cognitive decline. It is incurable and irreversible, with certain genetic factors contributing to its onset.

Step-by-step explanation:

The etiology of Alzheimer's disease should be explained to the family of a patient based on its characterization as a primary dementia that is currently incurable, irreversible, and ultimately fatal. This neurodegenerative disease is associated with hallmark features in the brain such as the development of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, which contribute to the loss of synapses and the death of neurons, particularly in the hippocampus.

Furthermore, a genetic component may also play a role in the pathology of the disease, with certain genetic mutations contributing to early-onset Alzheimer's in a small percentage of cases, and variants of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene being associated with an increased risk of late-onset Alzheimer's.