The Progressively Lowered Stress Threshold Model

Today, with the prolongation of human life, the elderly population has increased and the frequency of diseases seen in old age has increased due to this situation. The most common of these diseases is Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease which causes cognitive decline and various neuropsychiatric behavioral disorders and disorders in daily living activities. The emergence of these symptoms of Alzheimer's disease leads to an increase in the costs of care provided and a great distress for caregivers. In the literature, it is recommended to use nonpharmacological approaches as the first choice in the treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms. One of the non-pharmacological approaches is the interventions according to the Progressively Lowered Stress Threshold Model. In this method, taking into account the individuality of the patient, focusing on the interaction of the Alzheimer's patient with the environment and the rearranging of the environment for the reduction of cognitive abilities, focuses on creating a less stressful environment. Since this model uses the steps of the nursing process, home visits are made. This study will be carried out with Alzheimer's patients and caregivers from Aksaray University Education and Research Hospital's Home Health Services unit. In this study, it is aimed to determine the effect of interventions according to Decreased Stress Threshold Model on the level of neuropsychiatric symptoms and agitation of Alzheimer's patient and caregivers care satisfaction and life satisfaction.