Nurses' Attitudes Toward Innovative Neurotherapies in Memory Disorders: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Nursing

Background:

• The aging population is increasing, leading to a higher prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and other memory disorders.
• Emerging neurotherapies offer new hope for treating these conditions.
• Nurses play a critical role in patient care, yet their knowledge and perspectives on innovative therapies are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate nurses' attitudes, expectations, concerns, and perspectives toward innovative therapies for memory disorders.
• To assess the current level of nurses' familiarity with novel neurotherapies.
• To explore factors influencing nurses' views on these emerging treatments.

Main Methods:

• A 24-item multiple-choice questionnaire in Finnish was developed to assess nurses' views.
• The questionnaire was distributed via email to nursing homes in North Savo, Finland.
• Composite scores were generated for perceived benefits, barriers, enabling factors, professional responsibilities, and worries for statistical analysis.

Main Results:

• 132 nurses responded, primarily practical nurses in nursing homes.
• Overall familiarity with innovative neurotherapies was low.
• Nurses expressed varied opinions on the future role of these therapies, with significant concerns about efficacy and side effects. Lower composite scores were associated with being a student, having some familiarity, and shorter work experience.

Conclusions:

• Nurses currently possess limited familiarity with innovative neurotherapies.
• There is cautious optimism among nurses regarding the future potential of these therapies for memory disorders, including Alzheimer's disease.
• Further education and research are needed to address nurses' concerns and enhance their understanding of neurotherapies.