Final answer:
Nursing assistants can support residents with Alzheimer's by encouraging intellectual activity, social engagement, a healthy diet, and keeping abreast of emerging research and therapies that can slow the disease's progression.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nursing assistants can encourage residents with Alzheimer's disease (AD) to engage in activities that may help slow the progression of the disease. Since there is no cure for AD, the objective is to manage symptoms and maintain quality of life. This can be achieved through medications like cholinesterase inhibitors, which improve communication between brain cells by increasing neurotransmission of acetylcholine. In addition, cognitive rehabilitation and psychosocial development play a critical role.
Encouraging residents to stay intellectually active and socially connected through games, reading, and interaction can reduce the risk of further cognitive decline. Furthermore, a balanced diet such as the Mediterranean diet and managing health factors like heart health, obesity, and avoiding harmful practices like smoking can also contribute to slowing down AD.
Lastly, staying informed on the latest research, which includes early detection and assessing environmental factors, can help caregivers provide better support and potentially utilize emerging therapies as they become available.