Vital signs include a patient's blood pressure; heart rate or pulse; temperature; and respiratory, or breathing, rate. Heart rate is based on the number of beats per minute while respiratory rate is based on the number of breaths per minute. Alzheimer's disease sometimes causes alterations in vital signs. Medical personnel are trained to monitor and treat unhealthy changes in these signs.
Significance
Science Daily reports that patients with Alzheimer's disease sometimes have lowered blood pressure, which may be directly related to their decline in brain function. In a 2007 article in "Gerontology," lead author Andis Klegeris, Ph.D., reports that Alzheimer's patients have a slightly increased temperature compared to a control group without the disease. The increase corresponds to 0.18 degrees Fahrenheit, which was theorized to be due to inflammation in the brain. Heart rate and respiratory rate are not commonly known to be affected by Alzheimer's disease.
Medication-Induced Alterations
Many individuals with Alzheimer's disease take cholinesterase inhibiting drugs, such as donepezil hydrochloride, rivastigmine tartrare and galantamine hydrobromide to help preserve cognitive function. PhysOrg.com reports that these individuals are at increased risk of developing a slow heart rate, called bradycardia, commonly defined as a heart rate below 60 beats per minute. Memantine, a drug prescribed for moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease, may cause high blood pressure, according to the "2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide."
Effects of Acute Problems
The individual with Alzheimer's disease may be unable to articulate how she feels or what she needs. Sometimes, vital signs are the only noticeable indication a problem exists. An increased blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate may signal pain or fear, while an increased temperature and heart rate may be due to an infection. Severe anger or psychological distress may cause high blood pressure and a rapid heart rate.
Considerations
Patients with Alzheimer's disease are at risk of malnutrition and dehydration. This may happen in the individual who lives alone or refuses to eat and drink properly despite encouragement. Mild dehydration may cause a mild increase in heart rate. Severe dehydration may cause fever, an increased heart rate and lowered blood pressure, indicates MayoClinic.com. Breathing may become heavy or rapid as dehydration worsens.
Warning
Changes in vital signs should be reported to the patient's health care provider, as these changes often signal a present or upcoming medical problem. The provider or nurse can instruct the caregiver about normal parameters for the patient's vital signs.
References
- Sceince Daily: Why Sufferers From Alzheimer's Disease Might Have Lower Blood Pressure
- "Gerontology": Increase in Core Body Temperature of Alzheimer's Disease Patients as a Possible Indicators of Chronic Neuroinflammation; Andis Klereris, Ph.D. et al.; 2007
- Physorg.com: Risk of Abnormally Slow Heart Rate Twice as High in Those Taking Drugs to Slow Alzheimer's
- MayoClinic.com: Dehydration: Symptoms
- "2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide"; Amy M. Karch, R.N., M.S.; 2010
