November is considered to be the Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to heighten awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and show support for those afflicted.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects older adults, leading to memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioural changes. It is increasingly making its presence felt as the global population ages. Geriatric nursing care plays a critical role in supporting individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, helping them maintain quality of life, dignity, and comfort through each stage of the disease.
This disease is marked by stages where it progressively affects the patient more and more. It begins with subtle memory lapses but gradually progresses to more severe cognitive impairments, including difficulty recognising loved ones, loss of language skills, and confusion about time and place. Ultimately it becomes so bad that individuals may require full-time care as they cannot even perform basic daily activities like eating, bathing, or dressing.
What exactly causes this dread disease is still not clear or fully understood but it is suspected that it involves a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. This disease is characterised by the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, which disrupt normal brain function and communication between neurons.
As is probably evident from a perusal of the above, nurses specialising in geriatric care are indispensable for managing Alzheimer’s disease effectively. Trained to assess the physical, emotional, and social needs of older adults they are hands-on and well placed to create individualised care plans that ensure safety, comfort, and dignity. The following are some essential aspects of geriatric nursing care for Alzheimer’s patients:
Subtle changes in memory and behaviour are often the earliest indicators of Alzheimer’s. Geriatric nurses are among the first healthcare providers to spot these. The importance of this is paramount as early detection allows timely intervention and helps families plan for the future. Nurses also conduct thorough assessments, including cognitive testing, to evaluate the patient's condition and decide on the best course of care.
Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s is irreversible and cannot be cured. However, medication can help manage symptoms or slow the progression of the disease. certain medications can help manage symptoms or slow disease progression. Hence, timely and regular intake of medicines is crucial – something that is ensured by geriatric nurses who also monitor for any side effects. Nurses also educate families on the importance of adherence to prescribed treatments.
This disease is distressing and takes a heavy emotional toll on booth the patient and family. Nurses provide emotional support, offering reassurance and understanding to patients and also support caregivers, helping them manage stress and maintain their own well-being.
As the disease gets worse and progresses, patients will require assistance with basic daily activities such as eating, dressing, and bathing. This makes it crucial to have Geriatric nurses who assist them with these. Thanks to their training and empathy, they last try to maintain the patient’s dignity and comfort at the same time.
Alzheimer’s makes it essential to make the home environment safe and secure for the patient. Geriatric nurses can advise families on how to do so by making adjustments that will help reduce fall risks and prevent the patient wandering off.
They are also qualified and capable of recommending strategies for managing agitation or confusion.
Alzheimer’s disease is both distressing and challenging for patients and their family alike. But geriatric nursing care can help patients have a better quality of life while simultaneously supporting and advising the family. Indeed, nurses are much more than just healthcare providers.
As the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease continues to rise, the importance of specialised geriatric nursing care cannot be overstated. These professionals are at the forefront of supporting both patients and their families in managing the complex and diverse needs of Alzheimer’s disease,