Publications

PURPOSE

To review cognitive impairment and explore current measurement concerns faced by nurse practitioners caring for individuals with heart failure.

DATA SOURCES

Review of peer-reviewed research articles published on the topic.

CONCLUSIONS

Cognitive impairment is prevalent among individuals with heart failure. Impairment frequently involves one or more domains, including attention, memory, and executive function. No gold standard screening measure was identified from the reviewed literature.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

It is imperative that clinicians are aware of cognitive impairment and its implications for their patients with heart failure. Cognitive impairment likely contributes to multiple clinical implications, including a decreased ability to attend to and comprehend patient education materials and an inability to appropriately assess and self-manage symptoms.