Compares and contrasts the pathophysiology between Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia.

Week 7: Discussion
11 unread reply.11 reply.
Purpose
The purpose of the graded collaborative discussions is to engage faculty and students in an interactive dialogue to assist the student in organizing, integrating, applying, and critically appraising knowledge regarding advanced nursing practice. Scholarly information obtained from credible sources as well as professional communication are required. Application of information to professional experiences promotes the analysis and use of principles, knowledge, and information learned and related to real-life professional situations. Meaningful dialogue among faculty and students fosters the development of a learning community as ideas, perspectives, and knowledge are shared.

Activity Learning Outcomes
Through this discussion, the student will demonstrate the ability to:

Compares and contrasts the pathophysiology between Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia. (CO1)
Identifies the clinical findings from the case that supports a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. (CO3)
Explain one hypothesis that explains the development of Alzheimer’s disease (CO3)
Discuss the patient’s likely stage of Alzheimer’s disease (CO4)
Due Date
Initial post is due on Wednesday by 11:59 p.m. MT. All posts are due by Sunday, 11:59 p.m. MT

A 10% late penalty will be imposed for discussions posted after the deadline on Wednesday, regardless of the number of days late. NOTHING will be accepted after 11:59pm MT on Sunday (i.e. student will receive an automatic 0). Week 8 discussion closes on Saturday at 11:59pm MT.

Total Points Possible: 100
Requirements
Read the case study below.
In your initial discussion post, answer the questions related to the case scenario and support your response with at least one evidence-based reference by Wed., 11:59 pm MT.
Respond to at least one peer and all faculty questions directed at you, using appropriate resources, before Sun., 11:59 pm MT.
Case Scenario
A 76-year -old man is brought to the primary care office by his wife with concerns about his worsening memory. He is a retired lawyer who has recently been getting lost in the neighborhood where he has lived for 35 years. He was recently found wandering and has often been brought home by neighbors. When asked about this, he becomes angry and defensive and states that he was just trying to go to the store and get some bread.

His wife expressed concerns about his ability to make decisions as she came home two days ago to find that he allowed an unknown individual into the home to convince him to buy a home security system which they already have. He has also had trouble dressing himself and balancing his checkbook. At this point, she is considering hiring a day-time caregiver help him with dressing, meals and general supervision why she is at work.

Past Medical History: Gastroesophageal reflux (treated with diet); is negative for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, stroke or head injury or depression

Allergies: No known allergies

Medications: None

Family History

Father deceased at age 78 of decline related to Alzheimer’s disease
Mother deceased at age 80 of natural causes
No siblings
Social History

Denies smoking
Denies alcohol or recreational drug use
Retired lawyer
Hobby: Golf at least twice a week
Review of Systems

Constitutional: Denies fatigue or insomnia
HEENT: Denies nasal congestion, rhinorrhea or sore throat.
Chest: Denies dyspnea or coughing
Heart: Denies chest pain, chest pressure or palpitations.
Lymph: Denies lymph node swelling.
Musculoskeletal: denies falls or loss of balance; denies joint point or swelling
General Physical Exam

Constitutional: Alert, angry but cooperative
Vital Signs: BP-128/72, T-98.6 F, P-76, RR-20
Wt. 178lbs., Ht.6’0″, BMI 24.1
HEENT

Head normocephalic; Pupils equal and reactive to light bilaterally; EOM’s intact
Neck/Lymph Nodes

No abnormalities noted
Lungs

Bilateral breath sounds clear throughout lung fields.
Heart

S1 and S2 regular rate and rhythm, no rubs or murmurs.
Integumentary System

Warm, dry and intact. Nail beds pink without clubbing.
Neurological

Deep tendon reflexes (DTRs): 2/2; muscle tone and strength 5/5; no gait abnormalities; sensation intact bilaterally; no aphasia
Diagnostics

Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE): Baseline score 12 out of 30 (moderate dementia)
MRI: hippocampal atrophy
Based on the clinical presentation and diagnostic findings, the patient is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s type dementia.
Discussion Questions
Compare and contrast the pathophysiology between Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia.
Identify the clinical findings from the case that supports a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Explain one hypothesis that explains the development of Alzheimer’s disease
Discuss the patient’s likely stage of Alzheimer’s disease.
Category Points % Description
Application of Course Knowledge

30%

The student:

Compares and contrasts the pathophysiology betweenAlzheimers disease and frontotemporal dementia.
Identifies the clinical findings from the case that supports a diagnosis of Alzheimers disease.
Explains one hypothesis that explains the development of Alzheimers disease.
Discusses the patients likely stage of Alzheimers disease.
Support from Evidence-Based Practice

30%

Initial discussion post is supported with appropriate, scholarly sources; AND
Sources are published within the last 5 years (unless it is the most current CPG); AND
Reference list is provided and in-text citations match; AND
All answers are fully supported with an appropriate EBM argument.
Interactive Dialogue

30%

In addition to providing a response to the initial post due by Wednesday, 11:59 p.m. MT, student provides a minimum of two responses weekly on separate days; e.g., replies to a post from a peer; AND faculty members question; OR two peers if no faculty question. A response to faculty could include a question posed to a student or the entire class or a faculty question directed towards another student. AND

Evidence from appropriate scholarly sources are included; AND
Reference list is provided and in-text citations match

90

90%

Total CONTENT Points= 90 pts

DISCUSSION FORMAT