Nursing care plan for alzheimer disease

Introduction

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder that slowly gets worse over time. It is the most common type of dementia and causes memory loss, confusion, and a decline in cognition. It is estimated that 5.6 million Americans are currently living with AD.

Assessment

The diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease includes a complete neurological evaluation, psychological testing, and an assessment of functional and cognitive abilities. Tests used may include imaging studies such as a CT scan or MRI, lab tests, and mental status examinations.

Nursing Diagnosis

The nursing diagnosis for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease should focus on cognitive impairment including short-term and long-term memory loss, disorientation and confusion, difficulty with problem solving and executive functioning, and difficulty communicating. Other nursing diagnoses can include self-care deficits, risk for falls, risk for injury, and difficulty meeting nutritional needs.

Outcomes

The goal of nursing care for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease is to help maintain the patient’s safety and highest level of functioning while providing comfort and support. Outcomes may include improved independence in activities of daily living, increased ability to communicate, improved safety, and increased social interaction.

Interventions

Interventions for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease should involve an individualized plan to address their unique needs. Interventions may include teaching about the disease, providing telephone follow-up, discussing wills and advanced care planning, providing caregiver support and education, and providing referrals to community resources.

Rationales

Nursing interventions for Alzheimer’s Disease should be based on evidence-based practice. An individualized plan must be developed to meet the unique needs of each patient, taking into account their stage of the disease and their safety needs. Supporting the family caregivers is essential to ensure the patient is receiving the best possible care.

Evaluation

Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease should be regularly evaluated to assess progress and adjust care plans as needed. Evaluations should include assessing the patient’s ability to perform activities of daily living, communication abilities, and social support. Evaluations can also include referrals to specialists and follow-up visits.

Conclusion

Alzheimer’s Disease is one of the most common causes of dementia and has no known cure. Nursing care should focus on maintaining safety and the highest possible level of functioning, while providing comfort and support. Comprehensive assessments and individualized plans are essential for providing quality care to patients with Alzheimer’s Disease.

FAQs

• What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
  Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder that causes memory loss, confusion, and a decline in cognition.
• What is the prognosis of Alzheimer’s Disease?
  There is no cure for Alzheimer's Disease and it gets worse over time. However, treatments can help slow the progression of the disease and provide support for the patient and their family.
• What is the goal of nursing care for Alzheimer’s Disease?
  The goal of nursing care for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease is to help maintain the patient’s safety and highest level of functioning while providing comfort and support.
• How often should patients with Alzheimer’s Disease be evaluated?
  Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease should be regularly evaluated to assess progress and adjust care plans as needed.
• What types of interventions are used for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease?
  Interventions for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease should involve an individualized plan to address their unique needs and may include teaching about the disease, providing telephone follow-up, discussing wills and advanced care planning, providing caregiver support and education, and providing referrals to community resources.