Caring for Patients With Dementia and Alzheimer’s: Tips & Resources for Nurses

Over 55 million people across the globe live with dementia. According to the World Health Organization, dementia, which includes the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, is one of the leading causes of disability for the world’s elderly population and ranks as the seventh leading cause of death among all diseases. The demand for nurses with the training and sensitivity to care for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients has never been greater.

Whether you have just started your nursing career or have already decided to specialize in gerontological nursing, this guide describes what to expect working with dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. It also offers tips and resources to help you provide high-quality dementia patient care and maintain your own well-being in this stressful field.

Dementia mainly affects the elderly, but aging does not necessarily lead to a diagnosis. Risk factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices, and underlying health conditions also play a role. However, as life expectancy increases, the prevalence of dementia among the aging population has emerged as a major challenge to caretakers and healthcare providers. One in three seniors dies of some form of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease causes more fatalities than prostate cancer and breast cancer combined.

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“One in three seniors dies of some form of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease causes more fatalities than prostate cancer and breast cancer combined.”

–alz.org

Ann Kriebel-Gasparro, a faculty member in Walden University’s master of science in nursing program, describes dementia as a group of symptoms rather than a particular disease. This term encompasses a variety of conditions that affect memory, problem-solving, and decision-making. The loss of cognitive functions associated with dementia symptoms interferes with the ability to carry out everyday activities such as driving, paying bills, or living alone. Alzheimer’s, the most common type of dementia, affects 60-80% of all patients diagnosed with dementia.

Because the early warning signs can be mistaken for normal age-related behaviors such as forgetfulness or misplacing items, family members and caretakers may not know how to recognize the symptoms.

Kriebel-Gasparro emphasizes that nurses who have training in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease with gerontological patients can provide quality medical care to help track and manage symptoms. Early detection of dementia and treatment of other health issues can help people maintain their independence longer and slow the progression of symptoms.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s share many of the same symptoms in the initial stages. These are among the most common warning signs.

The population pool of older people has steadily increased across the world. The elderly not only have longer life expectancy than ever before, but many live with chronic conditions that require healthcare services provided by geriatric specialists. Consequently, the demand for Alzheimer’s and dementia nursing care continues to grow. Nurses with gerontological specialties and training in these conditions play a crucial role in helping these patients maintain their quality of life and remain independent as long as possible.

Because there is currently no cure for dementia, patients rely on the care management provided by nurses in both clinical and home-based settings. Nurses provide direct care to patients, helping to relieve the burden placed on family members and other caregivers. An important component of Alzheimer’s and dementia nursing care involves education and communication about treatments, progression of symptoms, interventions, and coordination of services with other specialists.

Among all healthcare providers, nurses caring for patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s face some of the most challenging conditions. They need patience and understanding as the disease progresses while also taking time to care for themselves. These practical tips can help improve the quality of patient care and minimize caregiver stress.

As dementia progresses, Kriebel-Gasparro reminds nurses not to make assumptions about a patient’s ability to communicate and comprehend. The symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease affect each person differently from the early to moderate states. Patients need to be treated with kindness and support, using these communication techniques:

The importance of routines and familiarity for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients cannot be underestimated. Creating a nursing care plan helps to reduce restlessness, anxiety, and other challenging behaviors.

Before making a structured daily plan, nurses need to get to know their patients, taking into account their abilities, likes, and dislikes. They should consider what times of day the patient functions best and when they need breaks or distractions.

While most care plans include regular times for waking up and going to bed, meals, and bathing, they should be flexible enough to allow nurses to adjust and experiment with activities that provide enjoyment and meaning. The best care plans include activities that help patients stay connected to their pre-dementia lives, such as watching a favorite TV show or movie. As the disease progresses, nurses should make sure the activities fit their patients’ ability levels.

Nurses should also include their own self-care needs when creating a daily plan, by incorporating activities that reduce their patients’ stress and their own, such as listening to music or taking a walk.

Nurses providing dementia and Alzheimer’s care often work for the same patients over long periods of time, becoming personally attached to them and their families. As their patients progress through the disease, nurses may experience a range of emotions—anxiety, sadness, guilt, anger, and depression.

Nurses need to manage their self-care by recognizing and managing these feelings. If left untreated, stress can lead to physical problems such as headaches and high blood pressure, or emotional and behavioral changes such as irritability and inability to sleep. If these kinds of symptoms emerge, nurses should consult with their doctor or a mental health specialist. Nurses can be proactive in managing their stress by routinely engaging in relaxation techniques and arranging with the patient’s family to provide temporary respite care when time off is needed.

Many caretakers manage their stress by connecting with other caretakers and joining professional organizations. The Alzheimer’s Association offers networking opportunities and caregiving resources. ALZConnected, an online community that provides access to resources, programs, and community services, also provides support and encouragement to caregivers.

Nurses who take time for themselves are more likely to provide their patients with consistent and quality care. Nurses also need to recognize that patient needs change through the stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Nurses should prepare for these transitions by accepting that their patients will require other kinds of healthcare options that they may not be able to provide, including more assistance with home care to placement in a residential facility.

As the population ages and the number of patients with all types of dementia increases, healthcare providers will need to become familiar with new techniques and treatments. Kriebel-Gasparro suggests that nurses can provide the best possible care to their patients through professional development and continuing education that focus on dementia and Alzheimer’s. She also recommends that nurses pursue advanced practice nursing graduate degrees that offer adult-gerontology specialties in acute care and primary care.

Several professional organizations offer continuing education credits and certification that help nurses keep current with changes in treatment and care options:

Nursing care for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients becomes especially critical during the final stages when patients experience memory loss, depression, hallucinations, and psychosis. Kriebel-Gasparro emphasizes the importance of skilled nurses with extensive dementia and Alzheimer’s knowledge at these severe stages. Nurses not only provide treatment to patients but also help families prepare for end-of-life decisions.

While families may find it difficult to face these issues, nurses with gerontological training can help them make important end-of-life decisions. These nurses can facilitate conversations with family members about hiring elder-law attorneys and preparing necessary documents such as living wills, medical power of attorney, and end-of-life directives. They also provide emotional support to family members and suggestions for preparing emotionally for the final stages.

Many organizations offer educational materials, helplines, and diagnostic and treatment guides that focus on dementia and Alzheimer’s. The resources provided by these websites are representative of the types of services available to nurses and caregivers.