Upload
joshua-pascasio
View
213
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
8/13/2019 Alzheimers Dementia Caregiver Case Study
1/9
1
Case Study: Mrs. Allenan Alzheimers dementia caregiver
Author: Olimpia Paun, PhD, PMHCNS-BC, Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago, IL.
Overview: Mary Allen is a 70-year-old African American woman who appears her stated age and is
very engaging in conversation. She reports that she stayed home to raise the eight children she had
with Mr. Allen. After all children grew up, Mrs. Allen worked as a certified nursing assistant in a
long-term care facility near her home. She retired a few years ago, around the time her husband
started to show the first signs of Alzheimers disease. They live in the house they have owned since
getting married and share it with one of their daughters and her two teenage sons. Mrs. Allen is a
devout Baptist and is actively involved with her faith community as a volunteer. In addition to his
newly diagnosed Alzheimers disease, her husband has a history of stroke, prostate cancer, and
hypertension. Mrs. Allen has no history of chronic illness, but was recently diagnosed with elevated
blood pressure (140/80). Currently, she is reluctant to take antihypertensive medication, but is
deliberate in making dietary (low fat, low sodium) and physical activity (walking with a group of
women 2-3 times a week) changes.
Monologue: During her weekly home visits to manage Mr. Allens chronic conditions, the visiting
nurse (case manager) sets aside time to talk with Mrs. Allen and to answer her questions. Mrs. Allen
shares her own experiences in taking care of patients with Alzheimers dementia and acknowledges
that it is different taking care of your own.
Simulation Scenario 1 occurs in the Allen home during a regularly scheduled home visit by a nurse
who is following up on Mr. Allens adjustment to newly prescribed medication and assessment of his
8/13/2019 Alzheimers Dementia Caregiver Case Study
2/9
2mental status and safety in the home environment. During this visit, the nurse notices some
changes in Mrs. Allens appearance compared to amonth prior: she is thinner, looks tired, and she
reports a decrease in sleep to about four hours per night. When asked about these changes, Mrs.
Allen replies: I have a lot of things on my mind and in my heart, but does not elaborate. The nurse
assesses Mr. Allens sleeping pattern and finds out that he is not up at night except for an occasional
trip to the bathroom. The nurse expresses her concern about the recent changes in Mrs. Allen and
schedules her next visit in the evening, to also meet with Mr. and Mrs. Allens daughter.
Monologue (visiting nurse) Mrs. Allens recent pattern of insomnia and weight loss coupled with
her comment: I have a lot on my mind and in my heart indicate that she may be experiencing
depressive symptoms related to her husbands gradual deterioration and the caregiving situation
overall. The nurse makes deliberate efforts to convey empathy, respect, and her true presence when
she is visiting this family but is hesitant to ask direct questions regarding Mrs. Allens feelings.
Simulation Scenario 2 occurs in the Allens home, a month later, during the evening, with daughter
present throughout the visit. At the next visit, the nurse meets with Mrs. Allen and her daughter
and finds out that she and her sons are consistently participating in the care of Mr. Allen. The
daughter is also concerned about her mothers weight loss and decreased sleep. While Mrs. Allen
explains that her weight loss is related to the changes she has made in her diet and physical activity,
she agrees that her stress level has recently increased. Her daughter encourages her to share her
worries with someone she trusts (i. e. her pastor) if not with her or the nurse. Mrs. Allen replies that
she is always busy and barely has any more time to continue her involvement with her church
activities, as it is.
Monologue (visiting nurse) the nurse realizes that Mrs. Allen is reluctant to share her feelings not
only with her family members but also with a trusted religious figure (it turns out later that this is a
8/13/2019 Alzheimers Dementia Caregiver Case Study
3/9
3new, younger pastor, recently assigned to her church). She is concerned about the weight loss,
persistent insomnia, and the fact that Mrs. Allens blood pressure is steadily increasing (todays value
146/82), while she is refusing medication. The nurse carefully conveys her concerns to both Mrs.
Allen and her daughter, emphasizing that at this pace she may not be able to remain an effective
caregiver for her husband. She suggests a referral for a consult with a Nurse Practitioner (NP)
specializing in Geriatric Mental Health. At first, Mrs. Allen replied that there was nothing wrong
with her mental health and dismissed the suggestion. The visiting nurse explained that this NP is
familiar with issues related to dementia patients and their caregivers and that she is also prepared to
treat medical conditions such as hypertension. After some deliberation and encouraging from both
visiting nurse and her daughter, Mrs. Allen agrees to follow through with the referral.
Simulation Scenario 3 occurs in the NPs office, a few weeks later. Sally Perry has worked as a
Geriatric Mental Health NP in this community-based clinic for the past five years and is familiar
with the neighborhood where Mrs. Allen resides. Mrs. Allen comes to her appointment wearing a
neat summer dress and a cotton hat. She introduces herself and shakes Sallys hand, making eye
contact. Sally invites her to sit down and asks her if shed like a bottle of water. Mrs. Allen declines
and states that she is used to summer temperatures, as she grew up in the South. Sally sits next to
her desk, facing Mrs. Allen, slightly leaning forward. She invites Mrs. Allen to tell her briefly what
brought her in. Mrs. Allen states: My daughter is worried about my health, me not sleeping I am
taking care of my husband who has dementia and his nurse is also worried about my blood pressure
creeping up. Sally asks a few brief questions about her medical history, her family heart disease
history, diet and exercise. She finds out that Mrs. Allen has a significant family history of heart
disease (both parents and siblings). Based on this history, she has drastically reduced animal fat and
salt intake and she is walking with a group of women from church 2-3 times per week at a local mall.
Mrs. Allen denies any history of smoking, drinking alcohol or using illicit drugs. She also denies any
8/13/2019 Alzheimers Dementia Caregiver Case Study
4/9
4chronic conditions (diabetes, lung, kidney disease). Currently she is taking only calcium 1200
mg/day. She had eight pregnancies that resulted in eight live births.
Her vital signs at the time of the visit are: BP 148/86 (sitting) and 146/82 (standing), HR 90, strong,
regular, with a knee pain level of 2/10. She is 54 and weighs 135 pounds. She acknowledges recent
weight loss, but is unable to state exactly how much. Sally notices the dress fits slightly loosely on
Mrs. Allens body. Sally also asks about Mrs. Allens caregiving responsibilities for her husband, how
she feels about the situation, and about her sleeping pattern. Mrs. Allen becomes slightly guarded
when asked about her own feelings, but states she cant complain because her children are consistent
in their help. She mentions support from her faith community and states her conviction that: God
will not give you more than you can bear. In addition, Mrs. Allen describes a regular pattern of
waking up around 2AM with inability to continue restful sleep afterwards.
Sally concludes the visit praising Mrs. Allen for her caregiving work and emphasizing a need to
maintain her health. She also emphasizes Mrs. Allens significant cardio-vascular family history and
discusses a need to start antihypertensive medication. She prescribes Lisinopril po, 5mg/day for the
next two weeks, with follow-up for dose adjustment. She also orders lab work.
Mrs. Allen agrees to take the prescription and is reassured by the fact that this is a generic
medication that will not cost her an arm and a leg. She sets up her next clinic appointment in two
weeks.
Monologue - PMHNP notes
Presentation: 70 year old retired, African American woman, caregiver to husbandwith Alzheimers.
Referred by visiting nurse. Chief c/o: elevated BP, insomnia. Currently taking no medication.
8/13/2019 Alzheimers Dementia Caregiver Case Study
5/9
5Family hx. significant for cardio-vascular disease. No other significant health hx.; denies ETOH,
tobacco, illicit drugs use . Labs pending.
Mental status exam: Carefully dressed,well groomed, poised,with good eye contact. Cooperative
throughout interview, somewhat guarded when discussing feelings. Speech well modulated with
slight Southern accent. Smiling appropriately, carefully choosing her words when answering
questions. Emphasizes gratitude when asked about her feelings. Mood is stable and affect is
appropriate, overall congruent with mood; slightly constricted when asked how she feels. No
evidence of delusions/hallucinations with coherent thought process. Thought content includes
religious/spiritual overtones in reaction to caregiving situation. Alert, oriented to time, place, and
person, with good short and long-memory recall. Insightful with appropriate judgment when
presented with rationales for antihypertensive medication initiation. Sensorium and cognition
appear intact.
Further diagnostic studies:Full blood count (FBC), Lipid panel, Electrolytes, Renal, Liver and
Thyroid functions , Blood glucose levelfasting (BGL), electrocardiogram (EKG) and urine
analysis (UA).
Summary of findings: Client is in no apparent distress, but has a steady pattern of elevated BP in
spite of dietary and physical activity recent changes. She is a caregiver to husband with Alzheimers
and has support from co-resident adult daughter and her two sons. Treatment with Lisinopril po, 5
mg/day initiated today. F/u for med adjustment and further PMH diagnostic evaluation scheduled
in two weeks.
DSM IV assessment:
Axis I: 311.0 r/o Depressive Disorder NOS; minor depression
8/13/2019 Alzheimers Dementia Caregiver Case Study
6/9
6Axis II: Deferred
Axis III: Hypertension
Axis IV: Spousal dementia caregiver for past five years. Husbands condition is deteriorating.
Axis V: GAF=80: insomnia, no more than slight impairment in social functioning with meaningful
interpersonal relationships
Prognosis: Hypertension: good with medication compliance and maintenance of low sodium,
low fat diet and regular physical exercise.
Depression NOS: fair ; client voices no suicidal/homicidal ideation, she appears to have a strong
support system at home and has strong spiritual/religious beliefs; her symptoms are related to her
dementia caregiving situation and it is very likely they will exacerbate as her husbands condition
worsens. Mrs. Allens prognosis depends on the support shereceives in her role as dementia
caregiver.
Recommendations: 1) Initiate antihypertensive medication with close monitoring
for gradual dose adjustment
2) Psychosocial support: individual therapy (interpersonal approach);
family meetings; referral to caregiver support group
3) Consider antidepressant medication if symptoms exacerbate
Simulation Scenario 4 occurs in the PMHNPs office two weeks later. Mrs. Allen reports
compliance with Lisinopril and denies any unusual signs and symptoms. Her BP today is 142/72
(sitting) and 140/70 (standing). She reports maintaining her diet and the same level of physical
activity. Her appetite is unchanged and so is her weight. Her night sleep remains limited to 4-5 hours
8/13/2019 Alzheimers Dementia Caregiver Case Study
7/9
7per night, but she reports taking a nap at the same time Mr. Allen dozes off in the afternoon. Sally
reviews Mrs. Allens lab results which are within normal limits.
The following dialogue ensues:
Sally: What thoughts come to mind in the middle of the night? (leaning forward and following
clients gaze)
Mrs. Allen: I worry about the future, I know how much dementia can take away from a person,
Ive seen it first hand when I used to work in a nursing home.
Sally: You worry that you may have to make a decision about placement soon?
Mrs. Allen: Yes, that I wont be keeping my promisealthough there was a time when I kicked
him out of the house when I found out he had someone on the side
Sally: Some time ago? (nodding her head)
Mrs. Allen: Many years ago, we were in our 40s, but he repented and I found it in my heart to
forgive him and now he needs us he was never a lazy man, he provided for us and now he cant
even take care of himself.
Sally: A heavy load to carryall these thoughtshave you talked with someone in church,your
pastor?
Mrs. Allen: Hes a youngster, just fresh out of school, I dont know him wellI used to talk with
the old pastor before he passed a year ago
Sally: I am sorry to hear about his passing, you must be missing him, what was it like talking to your
old pastor?
8/13/2019 Alzheimers Dementia Caregiver Case Study
8/9
8Mrs. Allen: I did feel relief, he was an understanding man and he knew us from way back, he knew
our difficultiesI cant believe Im telling you all this stuff
Sally: Do you feel some relief when talking to me? (smiling)
Mrs. Allen: Right now, I do, I dont know about later? I dont like to stir things up from the past
Sally: Thank you for sharing these deep thoughts and feelings you are having about Mr. Allen, it
really helps me see what your needs are as a caregiver.
The visit concluded with setting up a new appointment in another week, for further monitoring of
medication and planning further support of Mrs. Allen in her caregiving role.
Monologue (PMHNP)
Differential diagnosis:
Depression NOS/minor depressive disorder
Mrs. Allen meets only one item on criterion A for minor depressive disorder: insomnia nearly every
day; most items under criterion A do not apply to her or are debatable. For example, her weight loss
may be due to her dieting; her weight did not change in the two week interval since first
appointment. Some fatigue may be due in part to lack of restful sleep at night and to demanding
hands-on care provided for her husband. Criteria B, C, and D do not apply to Mrs. Allen, as she has
no history of mental illness.
Mrs. Allens brief statements about her husband indicate her longing for who he used to be.
Although he is physically alive, dementia has taken a lot out of him as a person, husband, father and
grandfather. Mrs. Allen is grieving these losses. In addition, there is a tinge of guilt in her story about
kicking him out of the house for his indiscretions.
8/13/2019 Alzheimers Dementia Caregiver Case Study
9/9
9Although there are no available DSM IV-TR criteria, it is safe to say that Mrs. Allen suffers from
chronic grieving related to years of providing care for a spouse with dementia. Recommendations
for treatment include f/u for antihypertensive medication adjustment and grief-focused supportive
individual, family and group counseling.
Readings:
Ott, C.H., Kelber, S., Blaylock, M. (2010). Easing the way for spouse caregivers of individuals withdementia: A pilot feasibility study of a grief intervention. Research in Gerontological Nursing , 3, 89-99.
Ott, C.H., Sander, S., & Kelber, S. (2007). Grief and personal growth experiences of spouses andadult child caregivers of person's with Alzheimer's disease. The Gerontologist , 47, 798-809.
Ott, C.H., Lueger, R., Kelber, S., & Prigerson, H. (2007). Spousal Bereavement in Older Adults:Common, Resilient and Chronic Grief with Defining Characteristics . Journal of Mental and NervousDiseases , 195, 332-341.
Ott, C.H. (2003). The impact of complicated grief on mental and physical health at various points inthe bereavement process. Death Studies , 27, 249-272.
Prigerson HG, Horowitz MJ, Jacobs SC, Parkes CM, Aslan M, et al. (2009) Prolonged GriefDisorder: Psychometric Validation of Criteria Proposed for DSMVand ICD-11. PLoS Med 6(8):e1000121. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1000121
Sanders, S., Ott, C. H., Kelber, S. (2008). The Experience of high levels of grief in caregivers ofpersons with Alzheimer's disease. Death Studies, 31, 495-523.
Created: 2011