Alzheimer\u27s : The Disease, Its Human Impact, and Implications for Acute Care Nursing

Alzheimer\u27s disease is a devastating neurological impairment that can affect the physical, psychological, cognitive, arid social well-being of elders. Unfortunately, the cause of the disease has not yet been discovered, there is currently no known cure, and the incidence of Alzheimer\u27s disease is expected to climb dramatically in the next few decades. Therefore, there is an urgent need for nurses to fully understand the disease, and its human impact. The purpose of this essay was twofold. First, to explore the literature regarding the history, prevalence, physiology, diagnosis, course of the disease, and current treatments. Second, to analyze and synthesize the nursing literature in terms of assessment and management of the Alzheimer\u27s patient in the acute care setting. Acute care nurses can apply the content of this essay to their practice in two ways. First, it can augment the nurse\u27s knowledge of the disease, its treatment, and current scientific research. Secondly, it is a practical guide to assist with the identification of possible nursing diagnoses, assessments and interventions appropriate for the patient with Alzheimer\u27s disease in the hospital setting