Nursing Practice for Dementia Patients with Apathy

Abstract

Apathy, a frequent behavioral and psychological symptom of dementia patients, is often overlooked due to its low priority in care. This study clarifies the nursing practice of skilled dementia nurses for dementia patients with apathy.

We conducted a semi-structured interview survey with 11 skilled dementia nurses, which included psychiatric nurse specialists. The research was conducted from the perspective of “nursing practice for dementia patients with apathy” and the data was analyzed qualitatively and inductively.

Consequently, six categories were generated: “Waited patiently for a response and believed that the intentions and feelings were alive,” Provide opportunities for people to express their individuality,” “Used strengths and familiar relationships to promote recovery,” “Intentional stimulation to elicit emotional responses,” “Assessment that considered the possibility that the symptoms were not apathy,” and “Support for daily life to maintain minimum function.” For dementia patients with apathy, it is important that nurses assess them with the frequent occurrence of apathy in mind and work with them in a way that respects their personality.