Family Involvement in Care Study

Overview

Alzheimer's Disease is a common and very serious health problem for the elderly. Recently reported epidemiological data indicate that past estimates of prevalence of Alzheimer's Disease have been underestimated. Approximately 4 million nursing home residents are afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease. Further, there is a higher prevalence of cognitive deficits and dementias in some populations (compared to Caucasian), most notably African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans.

Persons with Alzheimer's Disease experience progressive mental and functional impairment. In the early disease stages, memory impairment may be the only apparent symptom. However, this is followed by losses in judgment and logic, and by subtle personality changes such as reduced spontaneity, increased anxiety, and increased apathy and withdrawal. The second stage is characterized by greater deficits in memory, concentration, and orientation; changes in appearance caused by poor self-care; and inappropriate eating behavior and toileting. As the disorder progresses, secondary mental symptoms may develop. Emotional outbursts and catastrophic
reactions are common. Finally, the person shows marked deterioration and may become mute, incontinent, inattentive, and incapable of ambulation or self-care.

Special care units for the care of Alzheimer's residents have been proposed as a key solution for these difficult to manage residents. However, little attention has been given to families of institutionalized Alzheimer's Disease residents in the literature. In addition to research to evaluate the effects of the special care unit approach, there is need for clinical nursing research to develop and test interventions for problems arising in the care of the Alzheimer's Disease resident. Designing and testing nursing interventions that assist families in coping with their feelings and the stress that often results from role changes that accompany the institutionalization of their Alzheimer's Disease relatives is a specific need. A further need is to develop and test interventions that include family members as partners with nurses in providing care for Alzheimer's Disease residents.