The Role of Nursing in Enhancing Quality of Life for Individuals with Dementia

Abstract

Chronic dementia is a neurological disease that severely impairs a person's emotional state, cognitive function, and general quality of life (QoL). As frontline healthcare professionals, nurses are crucial in coordinating the overall care requirements of patients with dementia. They achieve this by promoting seamless, person-centered care in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home care. This review of the literature examines the various ways that nurses can improve the quality of life for people who have dementia, highlighting important treatments, challenges, and suggestions for improving dementia care. A total of ten (10) articles were used for the thesis and content analysis was employed as the method of data interpretation. The core of dementia care is a person-centered approach that values each person's autonomy, preferences, and uniqueness. To enhance emotional well-being and lessen behavioral issues, nurses employ a range of evidence-based interventions, including music therapy, sensory stimulation, memory therapy, and cognitive-behavioral techniques. Research has demonstrated that individualized care planning greatly improves patient outcomes by lowering anxiety, depression, and agitation. Additionally, nurses have a critical role in interdisciplinary collaboration with doctors, occupational therapists, and social workers as well as in managing medications and comorbidities. Incorporating palliative care principles into dementia treatment guarantees dignity and comfort in the final stages of the illness.