Perianesthesia Care of the Alzheimer's Patient

Surgery can be a confusing and traumatizing experience for the patient with Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The perianesthesia nurse can better care for the AD patient by acquiring knowledge of the symptoms and stages of the disease, communication skills specific to AD patients, and techniques useful in dealing with AD behaviors. An understanding of AD factors related to anesthesia administration, pain and pain management, as well as general post-operative care, is necessary to create a plan of care that focuses on the AD patient's unique needs. It is important that there be thorough communication along the continuum of care. The health care professional, using well-established nursing skills, paired with Alzheimer's Disease educational resources, can make the challenge of caring for the AD surgical patient less stressful and, hopefully, more satisfying for both the AD patient and the nurse.