Abstract This paper examines Alzheimer?s; it's aetiology and symptoms, in order to question the orthodox and alternative treatments available. It discusses the considered main causes that include zinc, copper, iron and aluminium, as well as including a brief overview of the accepted commonest risk factors. It is concluded by considering and suggesting, that ginkgo biloba is the main contender as the alternative to orthodox medicine in treating and preventing, Alzheimer's disease.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Chapter 1
An Overview of Alzheimer's Disease ? Definition, Aetiology and Risk Factors
Associated Structural Abnormalities of AD
Beta Amyloid Plaques (BAPs)
Neurofibrillary Tangles
Risk Factors of AD
Chapter 2 ? The Biometals
The "Normal" role of Zinc
The Paradoxical Role of Zinc
Iron
Copper
Aluminium
Free Radicals and Oxidative Stress
The Cholesterol Theory
Chapter Three ? Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba as an Antioxidant and Preventative
Vitamin ?E? and Other Free Radical Scavengers
Chapter Four - The Role of Orthodox Treatments
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), One of the Neurotrophic Factors
Selegiline
Oestrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT)
Metal Chelation Therapy
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Chapter Five ? Conclusion
From the Paper "Copper is another essential trace mineral in the human body; it is a constituent of many enzymes and takes part in the absorption of iron and in melanin formation. Lack of copper may result in anaemia and bone changes. Estimated safe and adequate dietary intake is 1.5-3.0 mg/day for adults, and 0.4-0.6 mg/day for infants (Tortora and Grabowski, 2000). Copper plays a crucial role, with cholesterol, in nutrition and normal brain function. Recent evidence indicates that copper and cholesterol may both be important factors in the aetiology of AD. Sparks et al (2003) explains how trace amounts of copper (0.12 ppm) added to water and given to cholesterol-fed rabbits induced BAP accumulation, including senile plaque-like structures in the hippocampus and temporal lobe."
Abstract Developing an adequate system for long-term care in the United States poses a serious problem. Chronic disability in the elderly comes from many sources: Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, heart disease, and stroke, to name but a few. The paper shows that concerns about anticipated demographic changes escalate the financing problem. Today's Medicare and Medicaid solutions are not adequately equipped to face the future challenges of America's long-term care system. The paper shows that, as the Baby-boomer generation comes of age, the social and financial impacts on the United States' struggling economy could be devastating. The paper includes tables.
From the Paper "We as a nation should step back and see the big picture regarding the current and future long-term care needs of our nation. At approximately eighteen percent of our Gross Domestic Product, the amount of capital that is delegated to health care is enormous. A very legitimate solution or way to go to resolve the escalating problem is to go to a single payer national health insurance program. It would basically resolve virtually all of the major problems facing our health care system today. The single payer insurance is commonly defined as ?a single government fund within each state, which pays hospitals, physicians and other health care providers.? This system would completely replace the current multi-payer system of private insurance companies and health plans and would provide full insurance coverage for the other millions of uninsured Americans."
Abstract This paper explores the incidence of alcoholism and prescription drug abuse among the elderly. It examines why it occurs and how it is exacerbated. In addition, the paper explores things that are being done to try and treat the problem, both individually and as a society.
From the Paper "Alcoholism and prescription medication abuse are increasing among the elderly. As isolation, health problems, and depression continue to affect this population the problem of alcohol and pill abuse will continue. Programs to educate the elderly and provide social stimulation for them are being used to combat the issues. Future studies will be able to determine their effectiveness and plan continued treatment."
This paper discusses long-term health care industry, including mental health, social support, and residential services provided to temporarily or chronically impaired persons over an extended period.
Abstract This paper explains that the long-term health care industry has been affected by trends towards independence through assisted living and away from institutionalization of individuals with chronic health problems. Because more diseases are now treatable, there has been a significant reduction in the number of persons who require long-term care. The author points out that many older individuals are not prepared to face the costs of long-term care because they think it is already fully covered by Medicare. The paper relates that there is a division in the general health care setting between public and private funding; private funding comes from companies and involves a setting that takes market forces into a greater consideration, while public funding comes from the government and has a more regulatory effect on the general health care setting.
Table of Contents
History of the Provider
Current Role of the Provider in the Healthcare System
Current Provider Characteristics
Important Issues Facing the Provider
From the Paper "In terms of current provider characteristics, there are, as mentioned above, many different types of long-term care. Some examples in the current setting are adult day-care centers and nursing homes, but, also as abovementioned, long-term care is not just for the elderly, but is for all individuals with chronic conditions that mean constant care is necessary. Therefore, the general characteristics of long-term care differ in accordance to what is needed by the individual patient. Also, individuals have many options in allowing for long-term care expenses, but these options are narrowed according to the sophistication of the insurance coverage carried by the individual. Although many insurance companies are now providing better long-term allowances than ever, the premiums and deductibles on these policies are often prohibitive to certain individuals who have limited means."
Abstract This paper explains that care for the elderly and patients suffering from dementia has become a growing problem in the nursing and health care professions because of the patient's inability to adequately communicate his or her physical and mental condition. The author believes that the facility to assess correctly levels of pain and discomfort will lead to more comprehensive pain management protocols and techniques. The paper states that a multi-dimensional research methodology will be followed, including the assessment of the ADD and PIS formats.
Table of Contents
Research Problem, Literary Review, Research Question
Introduction
Research Problem
Literature Review
Pain Assessment and Management
Ethics
Research Question
Research Method, Design/Proposed Method, Sample, Data
Proposed Outcome of the Study, Time Scale, Resources
From the Paper "While there are many studies on the objective assessment and pharmacological treatment of pain in elderly patients in general, the emphasis in this proposed study is on Dementia. This implies that a more experiential modus operandi for assessment will have to be articulated to deal with the fact that communication is the main stumbling block to assessing patients? levels of pain and discomfort. Importantly for the criteria of this proposed study, the author of the above paper states that ?physical and affective pain in people with late-stage dementia are poorly assessed and inadequately treated."
Abstract This paper provides an analysis of the issues surrounding privatizing Social Security in the U.S. to determine what the experts say. The paper includes a discussion of the related issues and a summary of the research in the conclusion.
Introduction
Review of the Literature
A. Background and Overview
B. Changes in American Social Contract Affecting The Elderly Today
C. Plight of the Elderly Poor in America Today
D. Privatizing Social Security Would Help Poor Americans
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "They say that money can?t buy happiness, but it is clear from the research that income levels certainly affect the quality of life for older people in America. Despite the enormous strides made over the last 100 years in developing an unprecedented network of social programs, significant disparities remain in the quality of healthcare and living conditions for the vast majority of elderly Americans. For years policy experts have debated the merits of privatizing Social Security. In the wake of the 2000 presidential election, there is a unique opportunity for politicians to translate this theory into a real working system of individually owned, privately invested accounts. Such a system would be of particular benefit to America's elderly poor, and with polls indicating a 57 percent approval of privatization, the Bush administration is in an excellent position to push for this legislation."
Abstract This paper discusses the problem and causes of poor nutrition among older adults in America in an effort to offer a better understanding of their plight and some of the complications associated with the issue. The paper describes the various risk factors that these individuals face, the causes of their lack of nutrition, and possible solutions to the problem.
From the Paper "Low income and poor living conditions is but one of the difficulties that many of these older Americans face when it comes to proper nutrition (Sahyoun, 2002). Other factors include a lack of ability to prepare proper food, living alone, a lack of support from family and friends, and a lack of food that is deemed acceptable (Sahyoun, 2002). Some medications can also interact and cause a loss of appetite, which can lead to malnutrition (Sahyoun, 2002). In addition to these problems, senses such as taste and smell can be somewhat less sharp in older age, which causes older Americans to have less interest in the foods that they consume (Sahyoun, 2002). A further concern is oral health, as many older Americans have problems with their teeth and mouths that cause them pain, making it more difficult to eat many foods even if they are hungry (Sahyoun, 2002)."
Abstract Described as the new 'fountain of youth' and as a potential health hazard that is being increasingly abused, human growth hormone seems to promise to provide a number of far-reaching benefits for the elderly and those who are suffering from various diseases related to the endocrine system. This paper introduces the topic, provides a review and discussion of the relevant literature to determine what the human growth hormone is, how it works, and what the experts are saying about its benefits and drawbacks. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion.
From the Paper "The editors emphasize that the abuse of performance-enhancing drugs is not limited to professional athletes. They cite research by the National Institute on Drug Abuse which indicates that more than 500,000 teenagers (175,000 girls and 325,000 boys used steroids, in the past year alone). According to the Healthy Competition Foundation, one in four teens knows someone who has abused performance-enhancing drugs but only 50 percent of the teens who were surveyed were even aware of one potential side effect of the drugs involved (Bad sports, October 2000, p. 1). Of the various compounds available, Emma Davy says that probably the most popular performance-enhancing drug today is human growth hormone which is banned in most sports."
Abstract This paper explains that hoarding is characterized by a need to acquire and maintain a wide variety of possessions, which eventually clutter and fill living areas until they can no longer be used for the purpose for they were designed, creating a safety and health problem. The author points out that the psychiatric symptoms of hoarders included repetitive behaviors, hyperphagia, and pilfering. The paper relates that part of the difficulty in treatment of both elderly and dementia patients is the patients' attachment to their belongings; often this attachment is extremely emotional and even unreasonable.
From the Paper "The first study indicates hoarding behavior is relatively common in dementia patients. All the patients had been diagnosed with varying forms of dementia, and had been hospitalized for their illness. The 133 patients in the study were divided between those who hoarded and those who did not hoard. Twenty-two point six percent of the patients hoarded items, and the items varied from daily necessities to food, newspapers, and even cigarette butts. These items were stored in a variety of places around their homes, in boxes, in closets, or even carried with the patients."
Abstract This paper examines how the aviation industry forces its pilots to retire at a certain age because of the belief that older pilots will be less able to do the job well. This paper investigates the validity of these claims. The writer asks the following questions: Are commercial airline pilots really a special case? Are these highly trained professionals really so afflicted with issues of ill health and poor performance as they enter their "golden years?" If this is so, then there must be facts and figures to support the case. If not, then we are dealing simply with a matter of a prejudice that must be combated.
Outline
Introduction
Literature Review
Conclusion
From the Paper "The commercial aviation industry's current mandatory retirement age of sixty is based directly on FAA regulations. The FAA, like so many other government agencies, has as its primary purpose ensuring the safety and well-being of the general public. Its regulations are supposed to be based on clear, scientific evidence. If the FAA says it is not allowed, then one can assume that there is sufficient data to support the position that such and such an action would be dangerous. Yet in the case of the mandatory retirement requirement, the situation is not so simple. In fact it may even be said, that the current regulation, which was promulgated in 1959, was the result not of careful scientific inquiry, but of corporate pressure."
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze Alzheimer's disease. Specifically, the paper briefly describes the disease and then focuses on its causes, symptoms, and the population likely to suffer from the disease, as well as its prevention and treatments.
From the Paper "Alzheimer's disease affects the brain and causes dementia, usually in aging patients. It is usually a gradual procession, that systematically "destroys a person's memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate, and carry out daily activities" (Editors, 2004). Alzheimer's also affects the patient's loved ones and family, because normally they are required to care full-time for the patient, who usually cannot function effectively on a day-to-day basis. The patient's reasoning becomes impaired and even the most basic functions, such as eating or going to the bathroom are forgotten. Alzheimer's is expected to affect about 14.5 million people by the year 2050, according to current studies (Handy, Turnbull, Edwards, & Lancaster, 1998, p. 1)."
Abstract The paper explains that, with the doubling of the number of people age 85 years and older by 2040, the majority of families in the United States, at one time or another, will experience the devastating effects of chronic long-term illness. The author points out that gerontological nurse practitioners (GNP) are part of a growing field of highly trained paramedical personnel who provide clinical services to patients under the supervision of a physician and share with physicians the direct responsibility for patient care. The paper relates that GNP serves in the area of home health nursing, which is an illness-oriented service giving continuous care to the patient, and community health nursing, which is aggregate- focused, emphasizing wellness, health promotion, and primary prevention.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Definitions
Nurse Practitioner
Gerontological
Delineation of the Scope of Practice
Factors Facilitating and Constraining Role Development In Practice
Facilitating Factors
Obstacles
Aspects of Interdisciplinary/Multidisciplinary Collaboration and Consultation
Potential Practice Settings
Conclusion
From the Paper "Webster's (2003) defines gerontology as "the comprehensive study of aging and the problems of the aged." In many developed countries the increase in the relative size of the elderly, and more particularly the very old, population has been perceived as an issue presenting major challenges to governments, service providers, and society as a whole. In addition, the aging process in the individual is associated with declines in the homeostatic mechanisms that bring about adaptive responses to environmental challenges, and all indicators of health status, including service use, show strong associations with age According to Small (1994), as the term is applied specifically to nursing home care, a gerontological nurse practitioner should be prepared by virtue of both education and experience to focus on a particular age group such as older persons (the gerontological nurse practitioner) or, by contrast, on the life span (the family nurse practitioner)."
Abstract This paper explains that older workers, who are generally considered to be better employees, but usually receive higher salaries than younger workers because of their longevity in the company, are being exccluded from the work force by U.S. businesses. The author points out that, while it is legal to fire or lay off people as a cost-cutting measure, business decisions, such as downsizings, job insecurity, increased use of part-time and contract employees, and greater reliance on automation have created a corporate culture that makes older workers expendable. The paper relates that, in Europe, this problem is being handled in a more humane manner and states that, with the shortage of warm bodies to fill entry-level jobs in the U.S., and with the problems of balancing Social Security, it is unlikely age discrimination would be a feature of U.S. work life if the American population, as a whole, was not so dedicated to extolling youth.
Table of Contents
The Current Extent of the Problem
History of the Problem
Chart: Older Workers vs. Younger Workers
How the Aging Employee Issue Is Handled Elsewhere
Conclusion
From the Paper "IBM-Big Blue-has also been in the 'older worker' hotspot, although allegedly for a retiree, rather than a worker, problem. In 1999, IBM was switching its pension plan to a cash-balance plan rather than a traditional plan. Dave Finlay was calculating his future pension benefits and realized that he would receive more than 30% less under the new plan than under the old one. Finlay ran a spreadsheet program to compare the old and new retirement benefits. After spending what he calculated to be bout 2,000 hours on the project, he posted his spreadsheet process on a Web site so that other IBMers to calculate their own benefits potentials."
Abstract This paper discusses that the time and effort, both physical and emotional, required to provide compassionate, timely and appropriate caregiving to another person can assume mammoth proportions, but the hospice approach has been proven to be an invaluable asset for home-based caregivers. The author points out that hospice refers to a concept of care rather than a physical location. The hospice movement's goal is not cure, with all of its aggressive interventions, but palliation of symptoms to help manage the psychological and social difficulties encountered by terminally ill patients, their caregivers and family. The paper stresses that the burdensome, demanding and stressful caregiving responsibilities require that the caregivers take adequate time for themselves to prevent caregivers from engaging in abusive behaviors toward their patient.
From the Paper "In fact, by 2025, it has been estimated that there will be over one billion older people worldwide. This extension in life expectancy to well beyond 80 years of age is the result of better public health measures, improvements in living conditions, and advances in medical care. At the same time, there have been some fundamental changes in the American family that have created a wide range of variations, with numerous permutations of step-children, step-parents and step-grandparents being the norm rather than the exception. No longer is the family unit as cohesive as it was, say, in the middle of the 20th century, so the family members who assume caregiving responsibilities for the elderly may not even be directly related to the individual. Studies have shown that the relationships that exist before an individual requires caregiving tends to dictate what type of relationship will continue to exist, but the fact remains although there is universal agreement that full-time caregiving responsibilities are enormously stressful; some people make better caregivers than others."
Abstract When most Americans think of the term Equal Employment Opportunity, they think about racial discrimination. However, as the Baby Boom generation, the largest generation in American history, gets older, age discrimination is likely to become a larger and larger factor in the discrimination lexicon. This paper shows that more and more equal employment opportunity lawsuits are likely to be initiated because older workers think they have not gotten fair treatment by their employers. In order to assess the current status of both public and legal thinking regarding age discrimination as an equal employment opportunity issue at present, a number of these publications are researched in this paper for recent events and cases regarding age discrimination.
From the Paper "In denying the charges, Belk claimed that the changes were meant to consolidate operations from five division offices in the Southeast to the Charlotte headquarters (Dyer 2003). While that may make good business sense, it might also raise a red flag with observers, as most of the jobs in question where high-level jobs in the divisions which might be assumed to carry not only sizeable salaries, but would also be performed, in many cases, by older workers who were approaching retirement and would therefore be eligible for pensions. The attorney representing the employees noted "Many times in these kind of cases, the older employees who were making more money and bigger pensions are the first ones to go...You can't just decide to get rid of all of these old people just because they're making a lot of money." (Quoted by Dyer 2003)"
