Abstract This paper explains that Alzheimer's is a degenerative disease of the brain that has a profound impact on behavior and memory. It looks at how it is primarily a disease of individuals over 65 years of age and how it impacts on a significant portion of the population of the United States, either directly or indirectly. While the cause of Alzheimer's disease is unknown, and there is no current cure, on-going research and a number of new treatments are improving the outlook for those with Alzheimer's.
From the Paper "There are two main types of Alzheimer's disease: familial Alzheimer's, and sporadic Alzheimer's. Genes are directly linked in cases of familial Alzheimer's disease, which is often called early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Most cases of familial Alzheimer's occur before the age of 60, while cases of sporadic Alzheimer's mostly occur after the age of 60. Sporadic Alzheimer's disease, which is sometimes called late-onset Alzheimer"s, is not necessarily linked to genes. In familial Alzheimer's disease, individuals have a mutation or abnormal variation that is apparent in one of three genes: PS1, PS2, and APP. There is a 50% chance that an individual with one of these mutated or abnormal genes will pass the gene onto their children. All of these three genes influence the production of beta amyloid protein, which is seen in beta amyloid plaques in the brains of Alzheimer's patients (Alzheimer's Association, Facts About). In approximately 10% of Alzheimer's cases there is a genetic link (Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer"s)."
Abstract This paper describes retirement planning as an ongoing process that a person needs to keep up with if goals are to be met. The paper contends that for those at or near retirement age, the planning process goes from accumulation of wealth to making the right decisions about assets. While one will still continue to accumulate money from investments, one will also be looking at using that money for day-to-day living expenses. The paper explains that the right choices are imperative in order to have the retirement lifestyle one desires.
Table of Contents
Early Financial Planning for Retirement
Financial Planning for Retirement: The 30s
Financial Planning for Retirement in Middle Life
Financial Planning for Retirement in the Later Years
Financial Resources for Retirement Planning
Social Security
Pension and Profit-Sharing Plans
Other Retirement Accounts
Other Resources
Retirement Strategies
Summary
References
From the Paper "Credit card debt should also be evaluated when one is in their 20's. Many credit cards have interest rates of 20% or higher. Over time, a concerted effort should be made to lower balances on these cards. Continuing to maintain high balances and high interest rates delays
putting money aside for retirement. Financial goals should be shared with one's partner. It is of critical importance that each person is involved in the planning and agree on what type of lifestyle he or she wishes. Once the goals are mutually agreed on, both parties should be involved in carrying out the financial strategies necessary to achieve those goals. Each person should know and understand which investments to have and why. This is a critical period to educate oneself about how to handle finances."
Abstract This paper examines the efficacy of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) in helping the elderly overcome the deleterious effects of the aging process in terms of its impact on cognitive and physical functions, as well as their ability to remain in their own homes as long as possible in an independent living arrangement. The findings of the research are followed by a summary and recommendations in the conclusion.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of Study
Importance of Study
Rationale of Study
Overview of Study
Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature
Background and Overview
Physical and Cognitive Problems Associated with the Aging Process Gender and Racial Factors in Aging
Components of a Successful Aging Process
Impact of Aging Process on Caregiver and Family
Efficacy of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in Resolving Age-Related Problems
Chapter 3: Methodology
Description of the Study Approach
Chapter 4: Data Analysis
Table 1. Summary of Identified Benefits of Current Anti-Dementia Pharmacological Approaches.
Chapter 5: Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations
Bibliography
From the Paper "World-wide figures on aging reveal the increasing size of the global older population (Kinsella & Velkoff, 2001). The elderly, who are generally defined as over the age of 65 years, number approximately 420 million today and will exceed one billion world-wide by the year 2030. In virtually every country in the world, the elderly population is growing faster than the overall population (United Nations, 2000). This phenomenon is occurring in both developed and non-developed countries (Gort, 1988; Kinsella & Velkoff, 2001; United Nations, 2000). In terms of absolute numbers the United States, together with China, the former Soviet Union, and India, will have over half of the world's elderly population in the 21st century (Kinsella & Velkoff, 2001; United Nations, 2000). In fact, by 2025, it has been estimated that there will be over one billion older people worldwide. Social gerontologists and geropsychologists have also identified significant changes in the social contract and how the effects of globalization are increasingly impacting the elderly in America."
Tags: aging, alternative, america, elderly, graying, medicine, memory, security, social
Abstract This report addresses the problem that large portions of the elderly population are not happy with the social services that are available to them, do not know enough about them, or are otherwise blocked by departmental objectives, which have turned a war on poverty to a war on
fraudulent claims, compromising the social service presentation in many areas.
Outline
Definition of Problem/Objectives
Appraisal of Existing Information
Formulation of Hypothesis
From the Paper "Social epidemiology would not provide a basis for assuming that poverty is the only risk factor to be considered in the targeting of community health programs, for there are other societal circumstances that foster marginalization: from a holistic outlook, then, "Critical perspectives on emerging infections must ask how large-scale social forces come to have their effects on unequally positioned individuals in increasingly
interconnected populations" (Farmer, 1999). These inequalities may be expanded in a definitional manner to include the recognition that other social groups are also party to marginalized status in terms of age and gender, but overall, social epidemiology recognizes that, at least where the non-elderly are concerned, poverty and minority-group status combine to create the primary factor for promotion marginalization, which, in turn, is responsible for less favorable health outcomes in elderly individuals fitting these social and environmental parameters."
Abstract Assisted-living facilities offer a relatively new way to care for seniors who can't manage on their own. The facilities are typically a cross between an apartment building with services and a nursing home with various levels of personal assistance, which are all covered by a monthly rental fee. This paper examines literature on assisted-living facilities in the United States. It concludes with a summary of the research, which shows that, as the American population continues to grow older, increasing numbers of alternative and assisted-living arrangements are going to be required. Assisted-living facilities now represent the most rapidly growing type of residential care for elderly individuals in the United States.
From the Paper "Unfortunately for many older people, a fundamental constraint remains in the face of these growing trends towards assisted living facilities: they are not cheap. "The people who express most interest in relocating to an assisted-living community are those least able to afford it, earning on average less than $20,000 a year" (Horvitz 1997, p. 40). A typical assisted-housing unit may easily cost more than $2,000 or $3,000 a month (or more, depending on the region the country); in fact, only 27 percent of those who expect they might need long-term care services say they could come up with the money to pay for them (Horvitz 1997). Although some states have begun to seek waivers to allow Medicaid to pay for assisted living, the government generally restricts coverage to stays in nursing homes--even though assisted living costs 40 percent less. "It's a cheaper option than nursing homes--daily rates are lower," says Redding. "You pay only for what you need, not for what your neighbor needs." Policymakers do have reason to be wary. If assisted living becomes covered by Medicaid, hundreds of thousands of elderly people might take advantage of it, thereby placing an ever greater demand on scarce government resources (Horvitz 1997)."
Abstract This study examines the history and national trends of poverty rates for senior citizens and compares them to the statewide levels in Minnesota. Projections of the senior population and income levels are examined to see if they are increasing or decreasing. Poverty can be measured by any of the following: absolute, U.S. government (officially sanctioned level for means tested programs), and relative. This study examines official poverty levels of seniors in comparison to being able to purchase a median-priced home and the availability of the U. S. government's Section 8 subsidized housing programs.
Introduction
Research Question
Literature Review
Theoretical Framework
Results
Implications
Limitations
Recommendations
Conclusions
Bibliography/References
Appendix
From the Paper "The history of the current Federal Government's Section 8 housing programs can be traced to the civil rights movements in the early 1960's. The 1968 Housing Act states that everyone no matter race, color, age or religion is entitled to equal housing. This section 8 program gives vouchers to each state in the USA and the Federal Government funds these. Minnesota uses these vouchers to subsidize rent for means tested participants. These rental units can be in multi-family apartments or in single-family stand-alone homes. Property owners that participate in this program agree to meet certain minimum housing standards in exchange for rent and incentives (low rate of interest on mortgage or lower taxes)."
Abstract This paper discusses dementia and the types of alternative therapies that are currently being used and studied as ways to help dementia patients and their families without requiring medication. The introduction provides a brief look at dementia and addresses the main problem: these alternative therapies are very new to the medical field, and therefore, they are still largely suspect when it comes to whether they are safe and effective. The paper hypothesizes that alternative therapies are both safe and effective for dementia, based on current research and information, and that they can benefit patients when used either by themselves or in conjunction with medication.
From the Paper "Dementia has become a concern that is now more widely studied than it used to be. Typically seen in the elderly population, dementia is characterized by several factors, including forgetfulness and agitation. Currently, there is no cure for dementia, and it gets progressively worse as the patient continues to age. Despite the lack of a cure, however, there are some treatments that are just coming to light where dementia is concerned. In other words, doctors and researchers are working on ways to be able to slow the progression of the disease and to ease the symptoms of the disease, and there are some medications that do show some promise at this point."
Abstract This paper discusses arthritis and how it relates to the elderly individual. The paper discusses risk factors, treatment, why it is a problem, and what needs to be done. It includes citations and scholarly references.
Outline
Introduction
Why This Is an Issue/Problem
Predisposing Risk Factors
Treatment, Solution, Intervention
Review of the Current Literature
Summary and Conclusions
From the Paper "Arthritis is a very debilitating condition. "Arthritis is second only to heart disease as a cause of work disability (Arthritis Foundation 2004)." Arthritis is a systemic joint disease. The "arth" part of the word means "joint"-not muscle, tendon, ligament, or bone. The "itis" part means "inflamed." Thus, true arthritis affects the joints, and the affected joints are inflamed-red, warm, swollen, or tender when squeezed.(Taibi & Bourguignon 2003)"
Abstract This paper explains that, due to modern medicine and improved health awareness, people are living longer. However, it discusses that community health centers and other organizations that take care of the aging population need to be equipped to deal with an aging clientele in order to guarantee their quality of life.
From the Paper "The predominant service made available to disabled older adults with developmental disabilities is community-based care (Lewis 2002). But current attitudes related to the provision of health promotion services, some physicians seem reluctant to provide appropriate care for these patients. Add to these the lack of formal training and financial incentives in the delivery of such care. It is, thus seen that it may take time before the quality of this type of health delivery system improves. Likewise, efforts at improving such a system and implementing it are beyond the control of regional health centers but lie in the hands of the legislature to allocate adequate resources and the Department of Health Services to collaborate with the regional centers and the Department of Developmental Services in realistically improving the delivery of appropriate health services to disabled older adults (Lewis)."
Abstract In 1994, there were more than 29 million Americans aged 21 to 64 with some type of physical disability, meaning that they reported a substantial impairment in a major life activity (seeing, hearing, speaking, walking, climbing stairs lifting, and carrying), according to the Census Bureau's Survey of income and program participation. Currently, half of the 29 million disabled Americans aged 21 to 64 are working. However, the participation rate is lower, around 25 percent, for those who are severely disabled. Altogether, the disabled account for 14 percent of the employed population. The greatest number of the disabled population in America have impairments that are related to hearing, vision, or back problems (Mergenhagen, 1997). The levels of support services provided in the states of Florida and Texas are examined in this study to determine their availability and adequacy, as well as to project future demands for these services. Study includes two valuable appendices.
From the Paper "Statement of the Problem: In 1994, there were more than 29 million Americans aged 21 to 64 with some type of physical disability, meaning that they reported a substantial impairment in a major life activity (seeing, hearing, speaking, walking, climbing stairs, and lifting and carrying), according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Survey of Income and Program Participation. While almost half of the disabled people in America are employed to some extent, the population in the U.S. continues to age and experts caution that the social supports structures currently in place will not be adequate to address the needs of this growing segment of the population."
Abstract This paper discusses the use of music therapy to care for elderly patients suffering from dementia, in general, and Alzheimer's, in particular. The paper explains how nurses are at the forefront of the utilization of music therapy because they are the primary caregivers associated with the elderly. Guidelines based on understanding dementia and the effects of music therapy are used to design hypothetical programs for the treatment of Alzheimer and dementia patients.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Music Therapy: Origins and Generic Uses
Chapter 3: Understanding Dementia
Chapter 4: Music Therapy Literature Survey
Chapter 5: Nursing Guidelines for Music Therapy
Chapter 6: Conclusions
Chapter 7: Bibliography
From the Paper "The current President George W. Bush took the easy and political way out when he decided that government funds for his research would only be carried out on existing embryonic cell lines. (ABCNews, 2003) In any case, conservative commentators have called the younger Reagan's words disingenuous because they believed that he insinuated that a cure for the disease was just around the corner. The operative word that gets every body riled up is the word "embryonic." Abortion supporters and opponents weigh in on the matter. Dr. Bernadine Healy, former head of the National Institute for Health, opined in an editorial on a recent US News and World report asking that adult stem cell research be given a chance. (Healy, 2004)"
Abstract This study looks at the Medicare reform issue and determines whether there is merit to the desires of those that wish to change the reforms that will go into effect in two years. Chapter One takes into account the problem, the overview of the study to be conducted, and how significant this study is. Also included is the rationale and scope of the study, as it is necessary not only to show how and why the study is important, but also to show what will be proved and how this will be carried out. Chapter Two is a review of sources that give indication as to the feelings and beliefs about Medicare reform, as well as what kinds of changes will actually occur when Medicare reform takes place. Positive and negative aspects are discussed, as well as a description of the sources. Chapter Three is the methodology chapter, and it explains what kinds of tools were used to create this study. Chapter Four deals with the analysis of the data that was collected in Chapter Two, since the opinions and beliefs of the individuals that are dealing with this issue are very important. Chapter Five then examines the recommendations that can be made as to how the program can be improved and looks at the conclusions that can be drawn from the information already collected about the issue at hand.
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Overview of the Study
Significance of the Study
Rationale of the Study
Scope of the Study
Chapter Two
Review of Related Literature
Description of Sources Used
Positive Aspects
Negative Aspects
Literature Review
Chapter Three
Methodology
Research Design and Approach
Procedures Used and Data Analysis
Research Considerations and Limitations
Validity and Uniqueness of the Data
Summary
Chapter Four
Analysis of the Data
Chapter Five
Summary Conclusions and Recommendations
Bibliography
From the Paper "This study that will be conducted here is a simple one. A review of the literature will be undertaken in the following chapter, and this will allow for study of the plans that the government has and the ways that they have decided to change the Medicare system. Sources will be used to show both the positive and negative aspects of changing the Medicare system, as well as to show the positive and negative aspects of the system that Medicare currently uses.
Only by examining both of these can it truly be determined whether the changes that are to be made to Medicare are going to be good or bad for the majority of people in the long run. It is possible that the changes that will be made to Medicare will actually help some people, but if they do not help the majority of those that use the system, then they are not really what is needed to fix Medicare. It is safe to assume that the Medicare system, like so many other health care systems in the United States today, is broken and needs to be fixed. However, there is grave concern about whether the reforms that are planned for Medicare are actually the fix that Medicare needs."
Abstract This paper explains that, in this age of increased social diversity, the cultural aspects of end-of-life care have become increasingly important in the nursing profession; however, the cultural problems of extended life care through artificial means complicate this issue. The author points out that disparities in cultural backgrounds between patient and health care workers may become a problematic area. The paper relates that a strong cultural component of end-of-life nursing care is understanding the implications of spiritual and religious issues.
From the Paper "End-of life care nursing requirements are in themselves complex and an area in which more research is required. The research in palliative care has over the last decade focused on a holistic approach to the issue. This refers to care strategies that include the wider context of the patient's life; such as social, psychological and spiritual needs. More recently research in these areas have been extended to include an even wider range of contextual issues and a greater focus on the sensitive dynamics that culture plays in this form of nursing care."
Abstract This paper begins by explaining what the disease is and a history of its diagnosis. It then provides a brief guide of symptoms of the disease and warning signs. Current and future treatment options are then analyzed to provide a full survey of this disease which affects a person's mind and causes dementia.
From the Paper "Alzheimer's Disease was first discovered in 1907 by Dr. Alois Alzheimer (Cutler xi). One of Alzheimer's patients, a fifty-one year old woman, had been experiencing a deterioration of memory and personality. Upon her death and an autopsy of her brain tissue, Dr. Alzheimer discovered "tangles of neuron fibers and deposits of a peculiar substance--the Alzheimer plaque--in her brain" (Cutler xi-xiii). These neuron tangles had been seen before in older demented people, but due to the discovery of the deposits, Dr. Alzheimer believed it to be a new form of dementia (Cutler xiii). Thus, the disease involving these two trademark signs became known as Morbus Alzheimer, or more simply, Alzheimer's Disease (Cutler xiii)."
Abstract A number of studies have been conducted over the past decade that provide insights into the type of emotional problems that can occur in the caregivers. There is also research that is done to determine the means by which the emotional turmoil can be reduced if not eliminated. This paper offers example of both types of studies. Although any type of illness can be used, a number of these articles use the emotional problems resulting from having a parent who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. It explains that this illness can be very similar to dementia that often afflicts the elderly.
From the Paper "Increasing numbers of the babyboomer generation are having to take care of their aging parents in addition to other responsibilities, such as sending their children to college and working full time to pay for rising expenses. The degree of stress that occurs regardless when caring for someone who is ill, is aggravated because of emotions including guilt that one is not doing enough, fear that a loved one is suffering, sadness that a life is coming to an end and depression from frustration and exhaustion. Resources are another difficulty. In many cases, the older children do not even live in the same area as their aging parent and have to find services that are at a premium and vary considerably from one place to the next. Or, if living near one another, considerable time is required to run errands, go to and from the doctors, and respond to phone calls at all time day and night. It takes its emotional toll upon the strongest of individuals. Until recently, discussion of care giving focused on the recipients of care. However, increasingly specialists are addressing the needs of relatives and other informal caregivers."
