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Based on the presenting clinical manifestations, it is likely that Mr. M suffers from Alzheimer considering that he has memory issues. According to the presenting symptoms, he shows symptoms of dementia, and he is unable to recall his family members’ names, which suggest that he could have contracted an Alzheimer. Besides, the patient shows signs of agitation as well as aggressiveness with fear every time he becomes aggressive.
Besides, the fact that he wanders at night, and he gets lost to the extent that it becomes difficult for him to trace his room, further demonstrates his loss of memory. Because Alzheimer’s patients tend to experience difficulty making correct judgment and carrying out activities of daily living (ADLs), the fact that he becomes dependent carrying out these tasks demonstrates how his memory lapse has worsened (Budson & Solomon, 2015). As a 70-year-old, it is probable that old age could be a factor that exacerbates the patient’s dementia.
The diagnosis of the Alzheimer follows the standard primary as well as secondary diagnostic procedures. When determining whether the Alzheimer is present, it is imperative to conduct an assessment of the memory problems with specific focus on carrying out tests on the patient’s mental status. Interviewing the patient’s family, guardian or even a friend is important because it could provide details concerning the patient’s behaviors.
Considering the essence of the biological tests on the diagnostics process, it is recommended that the diagnostic process include an analysis of the lab tests. In addition, it is important to perform an imaging of the brain (Budson & Solomon, 2015). Given that conditions such hypothyroidism as well as the deficiency of the vitamin B12 are known to cause memory loss, the blood tests have to be part of the diagnostics.
The body’s normal white blood cells (WBC) count ranges from 4,000/uL to 10,000/uL , and at WBC count of 1,000/uL, it is probable that the patient has deficiency of the vitamin B12. A blood protein reading of 7.1 g/dL; AST: 32 U/L; ALT 29 U/L shows a low blood protein level. The fact that the lymphocyte level in the patient’s blood reads below 6700 cells/ uL rules out the presence of the thyroid disease.
One would expect to find some abnormalities in the event that they perform assessment. One of the sources of these abnormalities is the classification of the condition as a disease that affects the thyroid because of the lab test results. This is because of the fact that the low WBC count is both an indication of the presence of the Alzheimer as well as a thyroid disease. Thus, one needs to take these issues to perspective when conducting the assessment of the disease to prevent error in diagnosis of the disease.
Alzheimer comes with serious issues which may psychologically and physiologically affect the patient as well as their family members. Reflecting on the disease’s psychological impact, Alzheimer patient may develop depression given that the condition may cause the isolation of the patient. This isolation particularly could occur because of the patient’s aggressive behavior as well as because of the memory problem.
However, the patient may also contribute to their social alienation especially if they develop preference to be in seclusion. On the other hand, the physiological impact of the medical condition range from difficulty carrying out ADL s to the risk of developing serious health issues associated with falls. In addition, the disease may psychologically affect the patient’s family by causing them to develop stress and depression (Ganda, 2013).
For a patient suffering from Alzheimer, certain interventions which extent help to the patient’s family may be of significant importance to the advancement of the health objectives. As part of the process of developing a therapy schedule, it is imperative to involve the patient’s family to plan for the treatment. This will ensure that the treatment plan integrates the elements of the patient’s or family’s spiritual and cultural beliefs which could be essential to the provision of holistic care.
Family participation in the treatment may also involve reminding the patient to take their medications, and being in constant communication with the caregiver to update them on the patient’s progress (Ganda, 2013). While the prescription of the medication is important, it is equally imperative that the support incorporate an educational program in which the family learns about how to emotionally and physically support the patient.