More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and eventually fatal brain disorder characterized by loss of memory, cognitive loss and behavioral problems. Anyone who has a family member with Alzheimer's disease knows it's devastating to the patient and family members. But nursing interventions help make the patient more comfortable and easier to care for, and can even help the patient become more independent.
Memory
Memory problems are the first sign of Alzheimer's disease. Patients may not remember recent events, names of children or family members, or to turn the stove off after cooking. Memory cues, such as written notes put in strategic places where the patient can easily see them while attempting certain tasks, are helpful, according to the Journal of Neuroscience Nursing. Reminders should be short, clear and to the point. Alzheimer's patients are often confused, anxious and fearful, so the clearer and more calming the reminder notes are, the less anxiety the patient will feel.
Nursing interventions should also allow the patient to keep to his regular routine all the time, which means meals are at the same time every day, as are routine personal care tasks such as showering. Establishing a routine helps the patient understand what is going on around him.
Have the patient keep written track of recent visitors and recall past events important to him, such as a birth of a child or marriage. This exercise serves as a memory booster.
Social Interaction
Boredom and a lack of self-esteem are common in Alzheimer's patients. It's important that nurses take the time to respect the patient and to provide activities to help stimulate the mind and alleviate boredom. According to the National Alzheimer's Association, studies show significant improvement in mood and behavior of Alzheimer's patients when activities and exercises are included in a nursing home setting.
Another helpful nursing intervention is engaging Alzheimer's patients in social activities, such as listening to music and singing with others, taking a walk or playing games. Role-playing games involving real-life situations, including possible emergencies, allow patients to remain in their homes longer, because training via role-playing helps them maintain their independence. In addition to keeping them occupied, interactive games geared to the capabilities of the patients keep them feeling safe and less anxious.
Music chosen by the patient is another useful intervention. Studies show that when music is played during routine exercises such as eating dinner or bathing, there are fewer incidents of agitated behavior and the mood of the patient is improved.
Home Care
Family members and caregivers have their work cut out for them when working with Alzheimer's patients. Creating living conditions that are as stress-free as possible will help keep the patient calm and help strengthen his cognitive abilities, but that can be a tall order.
Agitation, anger, confusion and other behavior problems in Alzheimer's patients can make the role of caregiving a challenging one. Alzheimer's patients can become very frustrated because of their condition, so it's important for nurses and caregivers to be very patient with them, talk with them, ask them how they feel or what they want to eat. Interaction like this shows respect, which is something every Alzheimer's patient needs and deserves.
Tags: Alzheimer patients, Alzheimer disease, , patient keep, with Alzheimer disease