Helping Families through Alzheimer's Disease: A Nurse Practitioner's Guide

Date of Award

2007

Document Type

Thesis

College/School

College of Nursing

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Program Concentration

Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic, progressive illness diagnosed in 4.5 million Americans today. The number of persons with AD will reach 14 million by 2030. Persons with AD and their caregivers are often seen and treated in primary care (outpatient settings). There are a number of guidelines available regarding the management of the clinical components of Alzheimer's disease, but guidelines are lacking regarding the everyday implications for patients and caregivers. There are many resources available for persons with AD and caregivers, but they may not know how to access these resources. The purpose of this paper is to identify evidenced based areas of information essential for AD patients and caregivers to know during various stages of disease progression and to compile this information into a concise pamphlet with a checklist for Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) to use during visits with AD patients and their caregivers. APNs that are aware of the needs of patients and caregivers, as well as available resources, can make an impact in the lives of these families by assisting them in their needs throughout the course of the disease.

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