STUDENT: Emma Kernoschak

ADVISOR: Khalid Almasloukh

ABSTRACT:

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, sleep, symptom management, exercise, Alzheimer’s patients

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia that displays detrimental symptoms serious enough to interfere with the patients daily life (Alzheimer’s Association, 2022, para. 1). In a normal brain, 100 billion nerve cells work to communicate messages through the brain and body. In Alzheimer’s disease, abnormal structures called plaques and tangles form on the brain, killing healthy nerve cells (Alzheimer’s Association, 2022). The incidence of Alzheimer’s disease has become more prominent over the past two decades (Alzheimer’s Association, 2021a). Although there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions that can aid in symptom management in order to improve the quality of life for patients. While both sleep and exercise are an essential component of a healthy lifestyle, this research will focus on their contribution to symptom management in Alzheimer’s patients (Newsom, 2020). This research will aid in improving the quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients, reduce Alzheimer’s caregiver burnout, and provide positive nursing interventions for nurses caring for Alzheimer’s patients.