32620 Nursing Considerations for Patients with Dementia

Course overview

Discussion of nursing considerations for patients with dementia, including distinguishing between cognitive impairment and dementia, risk factors for the two, the burden of Alzheimers disease and dementia on individuals, caregivers, healthcare providers, and society, and how nurses can provide holistic care to individuals with dementia. Alzheimers disease (AD) and other types of dementia are major healthcare concerns worldwide, having great consequences for individuals, their families and loved ones, and the healthcare system. There are 5.8 million Americans living with Alzheimers disease, and that number is expected to increase to nearly 14 million by the year 2050. In the United States, AD is a leading cause of death, hospital admissions, skilled nursing facility admissions, and home healthcare. The costs of health services and the informal costs of unpaid caregiving for individuals with dementia are high and growing. In addition, caregivers for individuals with dementia also experience increased emotional stress, depression, financial issues, and physical difficulties. This program discusses cognitive impairment and dementia, including risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, burden and impact, and nursing considerations when caring for individuals with dementia.