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

Week 7: Discussion

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:

1. Compares and contrasts the pathophysiology between Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia. (CO1)

2. Identifies the clinical findings from the case that supports a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. (CO3)

3. Explain one hypothesis that explains the development of Alzheimer’s disease (CO3)

4. Discuss the patient’s likely stage of Alzheimer’s disease (CO4)

Due Date

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

1. Read the case study below.

2. 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.

3. 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. 178 lbs., 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

1. Compare and contrast the pathophysiology between Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia.

2. Identify the clinical findings from the case that supports a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.  

3. Explain one hypothesis that explains the development of Alzheimer’s disease

4. Discuss the patient’s likely stage of Alzheimer’s disease.

Category

Points

%

Description

Application of Course Knowledge

30

30%

The student:

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

2. Identifies the clinical findings from the case that supports a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

3. Explains one hypothesis that explains the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

4. Discusses the patient’s likely stage of Alzheimer’s disease.

Support from Evidence-Based Practice

30

30%

1. Initial discussion post is supported with appropriate, scholarly sources; AND

2. Sources are published within the last 5 years (unless it is the most current CPG); AND

3. Reference list is provided and in-text citations match; AND

4. All answers are fully supported with an appropriate EBM argument.

Interactive Dialogue

30

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 member’s 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

Category

Points

%

Description

Organization

5

5%

Organization:

1. Case study responses are presented in a logical format; AND

2. Responses are in sequence with the numbered questions; AND

3. The case study response is understandable and easy to follow; AND

4. All responses are relevant to the case topic.

Format

5

5%

· Discussion post has minimal grammar, syntax, spelling, punctuation, or APA format errors.*

(*) APA style references and in text citations are required; however, there are no deductions for errors in indentation or spacing of references. All elements of the reference otherwise must be included.

10

10%

Total FORMAT Points= 10 pts

100

100%

DISCUSSION TOTAL=____ out of 100 points