Neurobiological bases for Alzheimer's disease.
The ever-increasing number of persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD) will create a greater demand for neuroscience nurses in the 21st century. There are approximately 4 million Americans with AD, and this number is expected to increase to approximately 15 million by the year 2050. As neuroscience nurses encounter more patients with AD in their daily practice, a better understanding of this neurodegenerative disease is important in order to provide high-quality nursing care. An insight into the neurologic bases for cognitive and behavioral manifestations of AD enables nurses to implement effective nursing interventions.