Of the 1.5 million adults residing in state and federal prisons, the 55-plus demographic accounts for about 12% - a 300% spike in the elderly population since 1999. As this population ages, nurses may be the first to recognize signs of a patient's decline. Care for these patients can be frustrating and difficult. This session will describe recognition, nursing care challenges, and advocacy issues related to dementia and Alzheimer's patients.

Educational Objectives:

Define diseases characterized by a decline in a person's ability to perform activities of daily living

Review symptoms of diseases that affect a person's ability to perform activities of daily living

Describe nursing care for this population of patients

Level: Basic