THE ROLE OF A NURSE IN CARING FOR ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE: PRACTICE ANALYSIS

Abstract

Globally, Alzheimer's disease stands out as the leading cause of dementia. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting the central nervous system, characterized by specific clinical and pathomorphological features. Alzheimer's disease manifests through various cognitive impairments, encapsulated in the "5 A's" schema: amnesia, aphasia, apraxia, agnosia, and associated symptoms. The impact of Alzheimer's disease extends beyond the patients themselves to include their close relatives. The burden on families is substantial, and recognizing that family members are also victims of this condition becomes crucial for alleviating this hardship. Caregivers, often close relatives, not only bear physical and economic challenges but also grapple with significant emotional stress. The nursing process represents a scientifically grounded methodology for delivering professional nursing care centered on patient needs. This approach involves five consecutive stages: patient assessment, diagnosis of the patient's condition (identifying needs and problems), planning care to meet identified needs and address problems, executing the nursing care plan, and evaluating outcomes. Caring for elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease poses primary challenges, including difficulties in communication, ensuring patient safety, maintaining hygiene, providing support in their environment, and managing patient aggression. Elderly individuals with Alzheimer's disease particularly struggle with enjoying music from their youth, watching television programs, and viewing photographs of loved ones. Conversely, there is minimal interest in reading books and using cosmetics and jewelry. Nurses perceive inadequate funding, threats to patient safety, and a low percentage of item preservation as the main obstacles to fulfilling these needs. Relatives of elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease encounter significant difficulties related to memory problems, self-care deficits, wandering and elopement, and issues with personal hygiene. Nursing care plays a crucial role in significantly restoring the ability for self-care among elderly patients with dementia. The goal is to maintain patients' independence in a hospital setting and subsequently in a home environment, preventing the progression of the decline in self-care ability and reducing dependence on caregivers. When caring for patients with Alzheimer's disease, nurses should focus on providing proper care from three perspectives: the nurse herself, the patient, and the patient's family. Success in addressing this task relies on knowledge of care standards and consistent communication with the patient's close ones.