People living with Alzheimer's disease: Understanding the emerging phenomenon of retrograde plunge with the story theory—An inquiry method

Abstract

Aim

This study aims to (1) introduce the emergent concept of the retrograde plunge experienced by people living with Alzheimer's disease and (2) illustrate how nurses can accompany those experiencing this phenomenon, as well as their family and formal carers, using the seven-phase inquiry process proposed by Smith and Liehr.

Design

Discursive paper.

Methods

After describing the phenomenon and the Story Theory, the 7-phase Inquiry Process presents the fictional story of Mrs. Lurie, a nursing home resident.

Results

Story theory allows nurses to accompany Mrs. Lurie. The emergent concept of retrograde plunge is explained. Different tools such as genograms, story paths and eco-maps are presented. This discussion demonstrates how some perspectives can contribute to a better description of the retrograde plunge phenomenon. The narrative care approach can help give voices to people experiencing retrograde phenomena. The adoption of a perspective that considers embodied language could help to better understand the needs of a person.

Conclusion

There is a lack of consistency and uniformity regarding the understanding of the retrograde phenomenon. This impacts the quality of care for people and the scientific knowledge, research and education of healthcare professionals. This issue should be addressed in future studies.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

This article shows how story theory helps nurses accompany those facing a retrograde plunge phenomenon, helps them tell their own stories and finds a way to resolve the situation.

Impact

This article paves the way for further developments that must now be realized by the international community of experts involved in the care of people with Alzheimer's disease, from practical, academic and research perspectives.

No Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public was involved in the design or drafting of the discursive paper.

What Problem did the Study Address?

The retrograde plunge is a phenomenon in which people living with Alzheimer's disease return to their past lives and re-experience with certain events. The retrograde plunge is a well-known concept that is poorly described in scientific literature and is sometimes misunderstood by families and professional caregivers. This discursive article explains the retrograde plunge phenomenon experienced by people living with Alzheimer's disease.

What were the Main Findings?

This article demonstrates how story theory helps nurses and families support people with retrograde plunges. This highlights the lack of consistency and uniformity in this phenomenon, which has implications for the quality of care, education and research. Story theory and the seven-phase inquiry process proposed by Smith and Liehr (in Middle-range theory for nursing, Springer Publishing Company, 2023) help to better understand and explain the retrograde plunge phenomenon.

Where and on Whom will the Research have an Impact?

This article advances nurses' knowledge in the different fields of practice, teaching and research. This article proposes links among the retrograde plunge phenomenon, embodied language and narrative care approach; this could offer further ways to develop nursing knowledge. This study has the potential to advance the knowledge of practice and education and offers new opportunities for research.

Trial and Protocol Registration

There was no trial or protocol registration as this article is a discussion.