Alzheimer's in the Labyrinth

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that Alzheimer's disease is a cause for special concern since it is not only a chronic disease but automatically involves a diagnosis of dementia. Dementia is a condition that creates the most complex problems both for the patient and the family. The writer summarizes McGowin's chronicle of living with Alzheimer's disease, and then relates symptoms and the important issues to the literature. The writer analyzes the most significant psychosocial problems linked with Alzheimer's such as stigma and social isolation.

Outline:
Summary
Important Themes/Issues
Significance for My Nursing Experience
Impact of Story

From the Paper:

"Her advice to herself for the sake of meaning and courage was that she must hang in and remain strong. She did illustrate courage as she describes the course of the disease she was forced to endure. At the same time, she mentions in a sympathetic way her family's and friends' reactions. As the disease progressed, it meant losing many of her previous functions and abilities. Those losses led to even greater losses such as her role in the family. Loss of her roles came about at the same time as loss of her self-esteem and independence. It appears from the book that the very worst features of Alzheimer's disease for her consisted of frequent anxiety and depression. As well, she had to cope with stigma and social isolation. Although her children were supportive, they were unable to understand her; her husband was actually abusive in his reaction to her illness. McGowin makes a strong case for how health teaching is so important when a chronic disease involves dementia. She also exemplifies what it is to cope with such a disease."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Alzheimer's Association (2006). Behavioral and psychiatric symptoms. Information for Health Professionals. Chicago: Alzheimer's Association, 1-44. http://www.alz.org
• Feeney Mahoney, D. & Cloutterbuck, J. (2005). African, American, Chinese, and Latino family caregivers' impressions of the onset and diagnosis of dementia. The Gerontologist, 45 (6), 783-793.
• McGowin, D. (1993). Living in the labyrinth. New York: Delta.

More papers on Alzheimer's in the Labyrinth:

• Book Review # 131613 : "Living in the Labyrinth" - A Review"
• Analytical Essay # 88636 : "Living in the Labyrinth"
• Analytical Essay # 89098 : "Diana McGowin's "Living in the Labyrinth"

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