Neurology, Addiction and Psychiatry Conference

Geriatric neurology nursing addresses issues related to the elderly neurology patient. As the population in the world is aging, the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases continues to increase over dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's. A geriatric neurology nurse can impact the care of the elderly patients with dignity and comprehensive care. The guidelines help address the difficult needs of the geriatric patients with neurological-related issues.

Geriatric neurology is dominated by the screening and evaluation of cognitive impairment early on. One of the key guidelines given to nurses is routine assessments since the early manifestations of Alzheimer's, dementia, or any neurodegenerative condition tend to be asymptomatic. Probably the most widely used assessment tools in investigating memory, attention, and problem-solving skills would be the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Early diagnosis enables interventions and appropriate treatments that help slow these conditions' disease progressions.

Medication management is an important part of geriatric neurology care. A patient with dementia might be prescribed a cholinesterase inhibitor, and levodopa for Parkinson's disease. Older patients are more sensitive to adverse effects and drug interactions because of polypharmacy and alterations that occur with aging in drug metabolism. Nurses will closely monitor how a patient responds to medications, when these need to be adjusted, and will educate patients and their families as to what side effects may be expected.

Mobility problems are another critical aspect of care. Neurological conditions such as Parkinson's are associated with tremors, stiffness of the musculature, and loss of balance. Such an indication leads to falls besides this aspect. Moreover, it makes falls prevention strategies an indispensable part of any guidelines in geriatric neurology. In addition to balance exercises and use of assistive devices, environmental modifications in the patients' homes can be applied. Nurses collaborate with physical therapists to develop recovery plans for the elderly that will help the elderly either restore mobility or at least not lose it.

Besides the physical and biological aspects, the psychological and social care of patients under geriatric neurology is just as important. Patients and families with neurodegenerative disorders face various emotional challenges. Nurses are educated to provide psychological support by assisting clients with developing coping mechanisms and through referring them to counselor services and support groups.

Such guidelines help geriatric neurology nurses to provide patient-centered care about the physical, cognitive, and emotional needs of the geriatric patients. Nurses will better manage the quality of life in the elderly with neurological diseases by following best practices.