General Nursing©

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder in which the nerve cells of the brain are destroyed and the brain substance shrinks. It is a severe disorder of cognition and widespread brain atrophy that is receiving increase attention. The disease is the most common form of dementia (disorder of the mental processes) which, over a period of years, leads to a gradual decline in all areas of personal, mental, and intellectual ability. This accounts for memory loss, the disease’s primary feature.

The course of the disease is different for each individual but may last for 2-20 years (the average being 5-10 years), and is not part of the normal aging process.
A person who has Alzheimer’s disease and their significant others need a lot of support to safely manage the person at home for as long as possible.

Here are some guidelines for the care of a person with Alzheimer’s disease:

Stabilizing Environment:

• Establish definite routines for care, patterned after home care if possible
• Give explanation of care
• Provide person with list of things to do and give specific times
• Display familiar objects from home such as pictures of significant others
• A calendar and a clock should be in the room to keep the person oriented
• Label articles,door to bathroom, etc.

Hygiene and Dressing:

• Encourage independence
• Assist and supervise only when necessary,i.e., baths or showers
• · Suggest clothing that slips on easily; avoid zippers, buttons, and ties
• · Label clothing, drawers, personal items.