What is the primary purpose of advance directives in managing care for patients with advanced Alzheimer's?

The primary purpose of advance directives is to outline the patient's wishes regarding future medical care. Advance directives are crucial in managing care for individuals with advanced Alzheimer's disease because they provide a framework for medical decision-making that respects the individual's preferences and values when they may no longer be able to communicate those wishes themselves.

These documents can include living wills and durable powers of attorney for healthcare, which specify the types of medical treatments an individual does or does not want, as well as who will make decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so. This ensures that care aligns with the patient's desires, enhancing their dignity and autonomy, especially in conditions like advanced Alzheimer's, where cognitive decline can impede communication.

Other options may suggest different focuses, such as control by family members, financial considerations, or legal documentation for caregivers, but the essence of advance directives is centered on honoring the patient's own requests regarding their healthcare preferences.