A continuum of care in Alzheimer's disease.

This article describes the care and service needs of persons with Alzheimer's disease. In particular, it discusses the advanced nurse practitioner's clinical, educational, and research roles in maintaining the health of these individuals with cognitive impairments over the disease trajectory. Four stages of the disease are identified: early, middle, late, and terminal. Patient symptoms, family caregiver needs, and the role of the advanced nurse practitioner during each stage are articulated.