Mr. J. is a 75-year-old widower and quite active. He has a
history of elevated blood pressure, which he controls effectively
with diet and exercise at the local community center. Recently he
has been neglecting his appearance and hygiene and his friends at
the community center have noted his absence from many activities.
He has missed appointments with his nurse practitioner at the local
clinic stating that he thought the appointments were “next week.”
While playing cards with his friends, he becomes angry and throws
his cards down, saying, “This is a stupid game!” His adult daughter
visits him while on a business trip in a nearby city and notes his
confusion and irritability. When the nurse practitioner refers him
to a gerontology assessment unit, a preliminary diagnosis of early
Alzheimer’s disease is made.
1. What are the possible causes of Mr. J.’s irritability?
2. How will early Alzheimer’s disease affect his ability to
control his weight and blood pressure as he has done in the
past?
3. What problems does Mr. J. face if medication is prescribed
for his elevated blood pressure?
4. What potential complications could occur if Mr. J.’s weight
increases to 20% over the desirable weight?