EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE and ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Introduction As defined in 2012 by the American Nurses Association, “nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations. “To deliver the best optimal treatment when performing their duties, nurses are taught to follow evidence-based practices (EBP). Following EBP when dealing with clients especially those affected by Alzheimer’s disease facilitates the nurse in performing his/her main responsibilities …show more content…
Late onset Alzheimer’s disease vs. early onset Alzheimer’s disease Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic, progressive, degenerative cognitive disorder that accounts for more than 60% of all dementias (Lewis, 2011). “Early-onset Alzheimer's is an uncommon form of dementia that strikes people younger than age 65” (“Alzheimer’s disease,” 2011). Early AD usually results from cerebral arteriosclerosis. Late onset AD usually occurs after age 60; it is the most common type ("Alzheimer’s disease,”2011). “The risk of having AD increases greatly with age. About 10% to 12% of the population will have dementia by the time they are 65 years old (“Alzheimer’s disease: what is Alzheimer’s disease,” 2011). Factors such as environmental agents, accumulation of neurofibrillary tangle and neuritic plaques, history of head trauma and minor strokes, and being Down syndrome patients increase the risk of contracting AD. Some genetic factors can also cause early onset AD; late onset Alzheimer’s disease may or may not be hereditary (Nettina, 2010).
Applied evidence-base practice in the treatment and care for Alzheimer’s diagnosed