...Alzheimer's Disease: A Family Dilemma According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death in the country and the only cause of death among the top 10 in the United States that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed” (n.a., 2012, para. 2). This offers little encouragement to family members who must stand helplessly by and watch the deterioration of a loved one. It is no wonder Alzheimer’s is called the family disease. To help families better understand and cope with the changes manifested in the different stages of the disease, improved diagnostic and counseling support is badly needed. At this juncture, an explanation of Alzheimer’s disease may be helpful. The Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry (2009) states, “Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes cognitive and functional disability” (Grossberg, et al., 2009, para.6). In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, even before current technology can identify symptoms, “plaques and tangles” (2012) form in the areas of the brain that control thinking, learning, planning, and memory. Watching a loved one mentally and emotionally disintegrate is especially hard on spouses and adult offspring, who for the sake of expediency, will be referred to as Caregivers. The change in a loved one’s behavior and personality causes emotional strain for Caregivers, and one of the first signs is a loss of appetite in the patient, triggered by a diminished...
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...Dementia is a syndrome that affects twenty five percent of individuals over the age of eighty five. Dementia causes several cognitive deficits, such as; behavioral disturbance and a change in personality. dementia is directly linked to elderly suicide attempts. It is important for us to become educated on dementia and its signs so that it can be detected earlier. The sooner dementia is detected the sooner the patient can receive professional care. We must ask ourselves what can be done to help the elderly suffering from dementia? Is it dementia that causes elderly depression and even suicide attempts? There are many unanswered questions on dementia that with a little extra research could be answered. Dementia has been around since the dawn...
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...Music Therapy: Different Ways Music Can Help Heal People. When dealing with emotions, we all have ways to escape from the stresses of life. One of the most common ways of escaping from our stress is through music. Music can sometimes have a very calming and soothing quality to it. Other times music can inspire us and pump us up for certain situations in our lives. Music is also used as therapy for illnesses. Whether their illness is a psychological disorder or cancer, music has been proven to ease some of the symptoms that these people may have. People who are suffering from any kind of illness are under tremendous stress, confusion, and sometimes they can feel lost. Music therapy can help with all of these problems. Music has been used in medicine for thousands of years. Ancient Greek philosophers believed that music could heal both the body and the soul. Native Americans have used singing and chanting as part of their healing rituals for millennia. The more formal approach to music therapy began in World War II, when U.S. Veterans Administration hospitals began to use music to help treat soldiers suffering from shell shock and to help cope with the tragic events they witnessed during that time. In the remainder of this paper I will be discussing music therapy and the effects it can have on people that are suffering from an illness. Music therapy is becoming a very common practice around the world. In 1944, Michigan State University established the first music therapy...
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...In most cases the physician will typically recommend the non-drug route to begin with in order to avoid potent chemicals everyday (Burns, 2009). Since Alzheimer’s is fatal and there is currently no cure, it is vital to have many forms of treatment as possible to potentially stop or reduce the amount of brain cell...
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...The client wish for the agencies to provide additional services because of the quality services the agency provides and so they do not have to deal with the hassle of dealing with other providers for these services. The clients are inquiring if the agency could also provide personal care aids, referrals for therapy, and Activities of Daily Living Counseling. While the CEO has acknowledged the needs and wants of each client the agency is currently not looking to expand the agency to include these services. The CEO feels that any additional services would create additional responsibilities, plus require more funding and staff. Also, considering these services can be accessed within the community by other agencies DTCG would rather invest in client linkage and referral rather than provide these services in-house, DTCG continues to maximize all of the neighboring resources and agencies surrounding the geographic location ensuring the clients the referring agency is competent and will meet their needs. Critical and rational decisions like this have aided in the agencies’ success as well as prevented...
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...Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease: Current Challenges Prepared by Ms. Rawan Al-Juweed Introduction Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is a degenerative disorder of the brain that leads to memory loss1. AD affects 5.3 million Americans and is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. There are two main forms of the disease. Familial AD affects people younger than 65, accounting for nearly 500,000 AD cases in the United States alone1. The remainder of AD cases occur in adults aged 65 and older and is classified as sporadic AD. The prevalence of AD varies among many different factors, including age, co-morbidities, genetics, and education level. There is no way to definitively diagnose AD without performing an autopsy. There is no cure for AD, however promising research and development for early detection and treatment is underway. Abstract Alzheimer’s disease was discovered in 1906 by Alois Alzheimer, a German neurologist and psychiatrist2. The disease was initially observed in a 51-year-old woman named Auguste D. Her family brought her to Dr. Alzheimer in 1901 after noticing changes in her personality and behavior. The family reported problems with memory, difficulty speaking, and impaired comprehension. Dr. Alzheimer later described Auguste as having an aggressive form of dementia, manifesting in memory, language and behavioral deficits3. Dr. Alzheimer noted many abnormal symptoms, including difficulty with speech, agitation, and...
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...of the continued stress that is placed upon caregivers in their day-to-day dealings with the suffering. More research must be conducted to examine ways to provide awareness to the caregiver and to provide awareness training to physicians and mental health professionals who are consulted by those who are experiencing symptoms associated with caregiving. Furthermore, research must be conducted to ensure that caregivers are made aware of the resources available to them through religious institutions, healthcare providers, and social support so they may reach out and be helped. Caring for the Caregiver The purpose of this research paper is to examine the impact that caring for others has upon those within the caregiving profession. Many studies have been conducted that link caregiver stress with negative effects upon the emotional, mental and physical health of the caregiver. The American Journal of Nursing (2008) states that "the increasing numbers of family caregivers and their associated burdens and costs are a national public health concern.” Compassion fatigue, or burnout, is predominantly found among those professions that interact with pain, death, trauma, and mental health issues on a routine basis. The helping professions of clergy, doctors, teachers, first responders, social workers, and others who are primarily work with people are...
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...to link the target clients to the unique resources that are required to improve their well-being. Their major focus is always the individuals and families that need these resources; they are commonly referred to as clients. Their main function is to provide these clients with hope, assistance and encouragement to thus facilitate the transition towards a new life. Among the functions of social workers includes educating clients on various aspects such as the development of skills like budgeting, communication, preventing violence among others. They work as advocates who mobilize necessary resources, convince the community and if need be, fight for equal rights for the clients in the society. Often, many social workers offer direct counseling to mental and chronic illness patients and their families and serve as a liaison between institutions and health professions that ensure the patients’ wellness. Another function is research and identification of necessary services and making such services easily and equally accessible to all. Therefore, the functions of a social worker revolve around the improvement of the well-being of the needy, vulnerable, discriminated, or people with chronic conditions. Their functions are vital in ensuring overall community development and well-being. The current social problems that present the greatest concern to me are linked to the numerous activities of cyber-crime that have resulted from the fast technological and internet advancement. The...
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...symptoms related to the malfunctioning of various neurons in the central nervous system. Onset of symptoms usually begin with patients complaining of clumsiness, tremor, “balance trouble”, or jerkiness. These movements, which develop into Huntington’s Chorea, is characterized by continuous, jerky, irregular, and writhing limb movements, which also can affect the trunk. Other areas also affected include the respiratory system, larynx, pharynx, and oral cavity. Along with spontaneous movements, voluntary actions are usually impaired, slow, and uncontrolled. (1) (2). Symptoms can also begin with cognitive impairments. Cognitive speed and efficiency tends to lessen, and over time, dementia will become more global. Behavioral changes include irritability, hallucinations, moodiness, paranoia, and psychosis. As dementia sets in, disorientation, loss of judgment and memory, and personality changes will become more apparent. There are two populations of patients in which the disease can present. Adult-onset Huntington’s Disease is the most common form where life expectancy is usually about 15-20 years after presentation of signs and symptoms. A juvenile form will develop during childhood or teenage years, and include additional symptoms such as frequent falling, drooling,...
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...or stop the progression of ADL in children that’s only if the disease is diagnosed and treated early. Stem cells may be taken from bone marrow through bone marrow transplant. Adrenal insufficiency treatments, many people who have ALD develop adrenal insufficiency and need to have regular adrenal gland testing. Adrenal insufficiency can be treated effectively with steroids this is called corticosteroid replacement therapy. Medications, your doctor might prescribe medications to help relieve symptoms, including stiffness and seizures. Physical therapy, this may help relieve muscle spasms and reduce muscle rigidity. Your doctor will recommend wheelchairs and other mobility devices if needed. Lastly there is Genetic counseling; your treatment may include genetic counseling for you and your family. Specialists will explain your diagnosis and...
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...What Is An Alcoholic? What Is Alcoholism? An alcoholic is a man or a woman who suffers from alcoholism - they have a distinct physical desire to consume alcohol beyond their capacity to control it, regardless of all rules of common sense. According to Alcoholics Anonymous UK, who say they have no unique definition for alcoholism, it may be described as a physical compulsion, together with a mental obsession. Apart from having an enormous craving for alcohol, an alcoholic often yields to that craving at the worst possible times. The alcoholic knows neither when nor how to stop drinking. Definition - an alcoholic is a person, while alcoholism is the illness. An alcoholic suffers from alcoholism. Alcoholism is a long-term (chronic) disease. Alcoholics are obsessed with alcohol and cannot control how much they consume, even if it is causing serious problems at home, work, and financially. Alcohol abuse generally refers to people who do not display the characteristics of alcoholism, but still have a problem with it - they are not as dependent on alcohol as an alcoholic is; they have not yet completely lost their control over its consumption. Moderate alcohol consumption will not generally cause any psychological or physical harm. However, for some individuals, social drinking eventually leads to heavier and heavier alcohol consumption, which does cause serious health and psychological problems. Alcoholism in the UK - one in every 13 people in the United Kingdom is...
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...Dementia gradually robs people of their independence, dignity and loved ones. For the purpose of this assignment the author is going to use evidence based research to critically discuss the care of two couples who have lived together for a long time, because of the cruelty of Alzheimer’s disease they have been separated. For the purpose of confidentiality pseudonyms will be used in this assignment (National Midwifery Council, 2002). Jim Blake’s care will be discussed first followed by the care of his wife. An overview of Dementia will be explored first followed by Jim’s care. Analysis of risk assessment and management will be incorporated in the delivery of Jim and Mrs Blake’s care. Different psychosocial interventions will be applied in the care of the two couples. Throughout the assignment government directives will be used in support of these interventions. Lastly implications for clinical practice will be analysed prior to conclusion. Cantley (2001), Bates et al (2004) defines dementia as a deterioration in intellectual performance from a previous level accompanied by a significant decline in personal and social function. Dementia usually starts with relatively slight impairment but can progress to a point where all skills of communication and self care are lost (Whaley & Breitner, 2002). According to Wilbourn & Prosser (2003), Cantley (2001) dementia is caused by the cortical atrophy, enlarged ventricles and softening of brain tissues. There are different types of dementia...
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...Supporting significant life events Introduction The social change such as passing away of a loved one makes a lot of impact on the behavior and the individuals, especially when they are aged or disabled. The case study points out to an elderly lady, who is mentally disadvantaged and the impact of the passing away of her spouse of 40 years. In this short reflection, we are going to assess the Physical, Psychological and Social Impact of Bereavement on Individuals, look at the different group responses to the bereavement of individuals and the impact and implication of the people in health and social care when an individual is bereaved. 1.1 Explain the impact of significant life events on individuals. Bereavement is the condition of having being deprived of something or someone valued, especially through death. The individual feels yearning, pining and longing for the one who has died. The bereaved feels empty inside. It can greatly impact the way in which a person deals with events in later stages of life. We also call it grief. One of the biggest reasons of grief in humans is the loss of loved ones. The grief can have multifaceted effects on physical, psychological and social behavior of the people. When grief overpowers an individual, he can be adversely affected in various ways. If an individual hears the news of loss of loved ones, this shock causes the adrenal system to release adrenaline steroids in body causing a variety of physical reactions. It can cause...
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...their capabilities. There are over 3000 technologies that have been designed to enable these people live productive and fulfilling lives independently. However, when using these technologies, there are several ethical and safety considerations that require to be met. The assistive technologies have been beneficial both to the health and social care organizations and the users. This paper considers two case studies to explore the use of technology in facilitating independent living. How Technology Supports Living Independently The technologies that are used to support independent living can be broadly grouped into three. They include assistive, adaptive and communication technologies. Assistive technology Assistive technology refers to equipment or product that is used to improve the capabilities of users of health and social care services to promote or ensure independent living (Department of Health, 2001). They therefore make it possible for the users to carry out tasks that they were previously unable to accomplish by changing the way the tasks are performed. In the first case study, Sally complains of double vision and the specialist recommends an eye patch. This eye patch that is given to Sally to help her avoid further eye complications is an example of assistive technology that supports independent living. Sally is also given a hand held personal digital assistance called the pocket coach. This is also an assistive technology used fro independent living. Another example is...
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...individuals who are unable to achieve adequate nourishment orally because of various medical problems. However, the delivery of nutrients by tube feeding can cause ethical dilemmas in cases where the effectiveness of tube feeding diminishes and medical complications increase. The decision to tube feed is often influenced by regional and cultural preferences, as well as the high cost of providing mealtime assistance. The effectiveness and appropriateness of tube feeding has been the subject of much debate as it applies to those with severe cognitive impairments and those who are in a persistent vegetative state (PVS). Recent research shows that in these vulnerable populations, tube feeding alone does not necessarily prevent malnutrition and risk of infection or improve functional status and comfort. While advanced directives allow an individual to make decisions about his or her care at the end of life, court cases and religious doctrine examine the individual’s right to autonomous decision making in opposition to preserving the sanctity of life. As long as the outcome of this debate is largely undecided, the process of dying may be prolonged for those who can no longer advocate for themselves. Keywords: Enteral feeding, tube feeding, ethics, persistent vegetative state, dementia, palliative care Introduction Nutrients are introduced into the body in two ways: by enteral feeding through the digestive tract, and by parenteral feeding through a tube inserted in...
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