Definition: This disabling degenerative disease of the nervous system is characterized by dementia and failure of memory for recent events, followed by total incapacitation and eventually death.

Clinical Findings:

Stage I: Loss of recent memory, irritability, loss of interest in life, and decline of abstract thinking and problem-solving ability.

Stage II: (Most common stage when disease is diagnosed) profound memory deficits, inability to concentrate or manage business or personal affairs.

Stage III: Aphasia, inability to recognize or use objects, involuntary emotional outbursts, and incontinence.

Stage IV: Nonverbal status and complete withdrawal; loss of appetite leading to emaciation; cessation of all boidily functions, and death ensuing quickly.

Nursing Focus

• Monitor vital signs and LOC, and implement collaborative care as ordered.
• Keep requests simple and avoid confrontation.
• Maintain a consistent environment and frequently reorient Pt.

Reinforce Patient Teaching

• Provide Pt and family with literature on AD.
• Advise family that, as AD progresses, so does need for supervision of ADLs such as cooking and bathing.
• Advise family to lock windows and doors to prevent wandering.
• Explain that Pt should wear an ID bracelet in case he or she becomes lost.
• Explain actions, dosages, side effects, and adverse reactions of meds.