The daughter of an 80-year-old client recently diagnosed with Alzheimer disease (AD) says to the nurse, "I guess I can anticipate getting this disease myself at some point." What is an appropriate response by the nurse?

Question

The daughter of an 80-year-old client recently diagnosed with Alzheimer disease (AD) says to the nurse, "I guess I can anticipate getting this disease myself at some point."  What is an appropriate response by the nurse?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The development of Alzheimer disease (AD) is related to a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Clients with AD are usually diagnosed at age ≥65. Early-onset AD is a rare form of the disease that develops before age 60 and is strongly related to genetics. Children of clients with early-onset AD have a 50% chance of developing the disease. For late-onset AD, the strongest known risk factor is advancing age. Having a first-degree relative (eg, parent, sibling) with late-onset AD also increases the risk of developing AD (Option B). Trauma to the brain has been associated with the development of AD in the future. Brain trauma may be prevented by wearing seat belts and sports helmets and taking measures to prevent falls. Research suggests that healthy lifestyle choices (eg, smoking cessation, avoiding excessive alcohol intake, exercising regularly, participating in mentally challenging activities) reduce the risk for developing AD (Options A and C). (Option D) Research has failed to confirm that exposure to aluminum products (eg, cans, cookware, antiperspirant deodorant) is related to the development of AD. Educational objective: Research suggests that healthy lifestyle choices (eg, smoking cessation, avoiding excessive alcohol intake, exercising regularly, participating in mentally challenging activities) reduce the risk for developing Alzheimer disease.

The Daughter of an 80-Year-Old Client Recently Diagnosed with Alzheimer