A nurse is assisting with a community health program for caregivers of clients who have Alzheimer's disease. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

Dementia is characterized by progressive memory impairment, including difficulty remembering recent events, names, and familiar faces. This memory loss can significantly impact the client's ability to perform daily tasks independently.

While dementia is typically a chronic and progressive condition, it is not uncommon for individuals with dementia to experience acute episodes of confusion, often referred to as "sundowning." These episodes tend to occur in the late afternoon or evening and can involve increased agitation, restlessness, and disorientation.

Illusions are perceptual distortions where a person misinterprets real sensory stimuli. In dementia, individuals may experience illusions, such as mistaking a coat hanging on a door for a person or misinterpreting shadows as threatening figures.

Catatonia, characterized by immobility and unresponsiveness, is not typically associated with dementia. It is more commonly seen in conditions such as schizophrenia or certain neurological disorders.

Stopping dialysis is a significant decision made by the client, and it is important for the nurse to respect and support the client's autonomy and right to make decisions about their own healthcare. The nurse should provide emotional support, validate the client's feelings and concerns, and ensure that the client has access to appropriate resources and support systems. It is not the nurse's role to persuade or encourage the client to continue or reconsider the decision.

The other options are incorrect:

Tell the client she should discuss this decision with her family: While family involvement and support are important, the decision to stop dialysis ultimately rests with the client. It is the client's decision to make, and the nurse should respect the client's autonomy.

Discuss alternative treatment methods with the client: If the client has made an informed decision to stop dialysis, it is not appropriate for the nurse to discuss alternative treatment methods at this point. The focus should be on supporting the client in their decision and providing comfort and care.

Ask the facility chaplain to visit the client: Spiritual and emotional support can be valuable for clients facing end-of-life decisions, but it should be based on the client's preferences and requests. The nurse can offer spiritual support if desired but should not assume that it is necessary or appropriate in every case.