Abstract A descriptive essay about the effects of Alzheimer's Disease and how to best treat the patients. The author discusses the mental, behavioral and emotional difficulties experienced by carriers of the disease, exposing the roles to be played by the caretakers.
From the Paper "Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive disease affecting an estimated 4 million people in the United States. According to GW Small in a consensus view on Alzheimer's Disease, ?between 6% and 8% of all persons over 65 have the disease.?(1) Caring for a parent with Alzheimer's Disease can be one of the most challenging positions a person can experience. The person who was once the primary caregiver is now dependent on the child as their caregiver. Although the caregiver still loves this parent, she begins to dislike and resent the person her parent has become. The behavior changes associated with Alzheimer's Disease can cause embarrassment and anger at the parent's behavior. This confusion in emotions can cause much anguish for the caregiver. The immediate family will also be affected by Alzheimer's Disease as well. Children and spouses may feel neglected because they?re not receiving the caregiver's full attention. The caregiver should prepare herself by knowing what the impaired person can and cannot do and anticipating problems by planning ahead. The caregiver should also know where to go for help. Family or another means of support become a necessity. Alzheimer's Disease is a debilitating disease that can rob not only the quality of life from the victim, but the caregiver as well. Knowing what to expect and how to respond will help the caregiver function successfully in her role."
Tags: sick, ill, old, elder, care, patient, hospital, mental, emotional, slow, behavior, doctor
A persuasive paper describing the popular uneasiness revolving around genetic engineering. The paper provides counter examples to argue that genetic engineering causes more good than harm and that genetic engineering will lead society into the future.
1,845 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 15 sources, 2001, $ 59.95
Abstract This paper examines the harmful effects of cell phones. Backing statements up with facts, the author tries to prove that these ubiquitous little devices are, indeed, quite dangerous.
From the Paper "Cell phones, are suddenly being thought of as the cause for many health effects. Many cell phone industries, research teams, and government laboratories are conducting experiments to see whether or not cell phones are hazardous to human health. Cell phones are extensively popular and a much needed item. Almost every working individual uses a cell phone."
Abstract An analysis of PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder in Holocaust survivors. The author investigates the type of war-related stress experienced by Holocaust survivors including a diagnosis and assessment of this disease.
From the Paper "The atrocities surrounding the events known as the Holocaust are well documented. It is also well known that over 6 million Jews were executed during World War II. What became of the survivors, though, and how do they deal with their memories? By exploring the effects of the Holocaust on the people who were involved, one may also discover how to deal with the pain caused by their long-term suffering and severe trauma. The central goal of this work is to provide information on war-related traumatic stress, particularly in diagnosis, assessment, and forensic psychology."
Abstract This paper looks at all that is involved when changing genders. The author looks at both the surgical procedures along with the psychological implications. Detailed discussion of the surgical procedure is included -- and we therefore warn anyone before purchasing this paper that graphic accounts are given.
From the Paper "Transsexualism is defined in the Mosby's Medical, Nursing and Allied Health Dictionary as "a condition in which a person has an intense desire to discard one's biologic sex and live as a member of the opposite sex. It is considered a psychiatric disorder if the condition continues for more than 2 years. Some transsexual individuals crossdress and seek medical or surgical help to change their physical sex characteristics". Transexualism is marked by the belief of the individual that he or she was born into the wrong sex and should be the other. This is a conviction that usually dates back as far as the individual can remember and does not seem to be subject to change through life experiences. It can also be defined as extreme gender dysphoria. There is also a set of terminology created by the transgendered community that is now being adopted by the medical community. For example, a femisexual is a transsexual who crosses the gender barriers from male to female, having completed genital surgery whereas a mascusexual is a female-to-male transsexual who has completed genital surgery. Complisexual is a broad term to refer to individuals who are either femisexual or mascusexual. Treatment of transsexualism is aimed at helping the individual match their "inner sense" to their outward appearance and body, usually through hormone therapy and surgery. There are several theories as to what causes one to be a transsexual. Some are neurobiological while many older ones are psychosocial."
Abstract Each year, 17.4 million adults experience a mood disorder. Major depression is often called unipolar disorder, while manic depression is often called bipolar disorder. This paper looks at the causes, cures, and medications used in treating these disorders.
From the Paper "Research shows that there has been a dramatic and steady increase of mental disorders. ?An estimated 22.1 per cent of Americans ages 18 and older-about 1 in 5 adults-suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year.?1 This translates into 44.3 million people, according to the 1998 U. S Census residential population estimate. The burden of these mental disorders on health and productivity in the United States has been underestimated. Five of the ten leading causes of disability are mental disorders. Nueropsychiatric disorders such as unipolar or major depression, and bipolar depression, account for a combined 46.9 per cent of disease and disability in the world2. Depressive illnesses, and Bipolar disorder, are major contributing factors in disease and disability, affecting the productivity of American culture. Institutions such as the World Health Organization, World Bank and Harvard University, confirm that mental health problems account for 15 per cent of the burden of disease in established market economies.3 The World Health Organization along with the Division of Health and Human Services of the United States government, predict that in the year 2020, Depression will be the second leading cause of disability in the world."
Abstract This paper looks at the sickness, bulimia. The author shows how bulimia reflects the afflicted's need to feel in control. It is an ongoing battle they encounter with perfection. The characteristics of a bulimic and the disease itself are looked at in-depth.
From the Paper "Everybody eats. We do so both because we need to and because we enjoy it. However, as with all human behavior, there are huge differences between people. Some eat more, some eat less, some put on weight easily, others do not. And some people go to such extremes that they harm themselves, by eating too much or too little. As a result, they may harm their health and come to the attention of doctors. Here, we will discuss the issue of bulimia."
Abstract Cigarette smoking is the single most preventable cause of premature death. Men who smoke are most at risk of death from lung cancer. The author argues that smokers are in great danger of dangerous health effects from smoking and discusses the various impacts caused by smoking.
From the Paper 'Causing more than 400,000 deaths each year, tobacco usage is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Additionally, the direct medical costs amount more than $50 billion per year. More people are harmed and killed by smoking every year than they die of alcohol, drug abuse, AIDS, murders, car crashes, fires, and suicides. Nationally, more than 5 million years of potential life are lost each year as a result of smoking. Every day, nearly 3,000 young people under the age of 18 become regular smokers. Approximately 80% of adult smokers start smoking before the age of 18. Furthermore, approximately five million children presently living will die prematurely because of the decision to smoke cigarettes at adolescence."
Abstract This paper looks at the effect that Baby Boomer's will have on nursing homes and the future of long-term care. The author investigates the current inefficiencies and inadequacies of medical care services and the problems of adaptation that it may face in the future.
From the Paper "Long-term care has been on the government's back-burner since its institutionalization. The Medicare and Medicaid systems have only proven to be inadequate coverage while at the same time costs of services have been increasing. The long-term care system is also very inefficient and cannot effectively coordinate services (Evashwick 2001). The biggest problem with long-term care is the public's unwillingness to take an active role and change the system. There will be major changes take place when the next generation enters the long-term care system. Kobner (2001) had stated it correctly when saying that tomorrow's elderly population is going to be our "new" seniors. Hopefully all of these problems will be reversed when the "new" seniors become 65 years-old. These "new" seniors are also known as the baby boomers. The baby boomers are charging with a tremendous force toward the long-term care system. Healthcare and the aging population are changing dramatically in the United States and long-term care is going to be required to keep up (Mollica 1998)."
Abstract This paper looks at the effects of drugs on the brain. The author looks at the issue from the perspective of biology. Many diagrams, pictures and quotes are included.
From the Paper "There are many reasons why people take drugs, the most basic being that they like the way drugs make them feel. Pleasure, which scientists call reward, is a very powerful biological force for our survival[i]. If we do something pleasurable, the brain is wired in such a way that we tend to do it again. Many everyday activities, such as eating, activate a circuit of specialized nerve cells devoted to producing and regulating pleasure[ii]. One important set of these nerve cells uses a chemical neurotransmitter called dopamine. As it does with other substances, the brain usually keeps tight control over supplies of dopamine. The right amount of dopamine, scientists think, is responsible for our subjective feelings of happiness[iii]. "
A brief history of the discovery and early treatment of this disease followed by an in depth analysis at the molecular level, ending with a summary of treatments and the future of research.
1,345 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, 2001, $ 45.95
Abstract This paper details the various issues and describes the research surrounding Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a disease that affects children, primarily males and is characterized by the degeneration of muscular tissue. The essay discusses symptoms, causes, molecular and cellular defects, how symptoms are derived from cellular defects and possible treatments. The sections covering the molecular aspects of this disease are in depth and scientifically explicit.
From the Paper "Muscular Dystrophy is a debilitating disorder that is characterized by degeneration of muscle tissue. One of the most common forms of this disorder and one that is particularly severe is Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). This disease affects a far greater number of males, approximately 1 out of every 3 500 born, than females (Cooper 1997). The cellular defects associated with DMD are well understood; however, there is still some speculation over the actions that take place at the molecular level. The treatment available for DMD patients is very limited. However, there has been promising research done with stem cells, antibiotics and gene therapies that offer new hope for sufferers of DMD. Many of these studies have been done on mdx mice, an animal model for DMD that possesses the same genetic defect as humans who suffer with the disease (Agrawal et al. 1999). These studies offer a new ray of hope, not only for those suffering with DMD, but also for people who suffer from various types of muscular degenerative diseases."
Abstract This paper is based on the public role in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. The author uses statistics and examples to present the case of FAS. The paper examines what causes it, how it manifests itself, and preventions that can be used and future research needs to combat the problem.
From the Paper "In recent years the public has been made aware of a syndrome called Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. The syndrome has received publicity for many reasons including the fact that it is a completely preventable syndrome based on the pregnant mother's behaviors. The syndrome causes disabilities for the children and in recent court hearings mothers have been facing charges for causing the syndrome in their children. It is a life long syndrome that cannot be reversed once it is achieved. The public has a responsibility in trying to prevent the syndrome from occurring. The public pays the price each time it happens in the way of funding special education needs, funding welfare checks and funding the cost of foster care. It is in the public's best interest to use education and legal means to stop the incidence of fetal alcohol syndrome."
Abstract This paper discusses self-image and body-image dissatisfaction, and how they correlate with sex, nationality, age and other contributing factors. The author examines such diseases as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, and how psychological and physiological issues also coincide with body image and self-perceptions. The paper also looks at how society and the media contribute to body perceptions.
From the Paper "The effects of body image and dissatisfaction can be harmful and even deadly. Certain diseases such an anorexia and bulimia can be almost directly related with self body image. Researchers, Lautenbacher, Kraehe & Krieg did a study on recovering anorexic women. They say that the perception of body size is a contributing factor to anorexia. As evident, ?"perception of body size is involved in these processes that determine the cause of anorexia nervosa" , Lautenbacher, Kraehe & Krieg. Body size ties directly to body satisfaction. Even after many anorexic or bulimic people have recovered, researchers suggest they still are unsatisfied with their bodies and how they look. They may gain weight back but still are dissatisfied with their bodies."
Abstract This paper examines how certain genes, specifically BRCA1 and BRCA2 can be used in diagnosing and treating breast cancer. It outlines the possible causes of breast cancer, its symptoms, and treatment. It also discusses the issue of genetic screening, as an ethical issue and how it can help to treat breast cancer.
From the paper:
"Breast cancer is a disease characterized by the growth of malignant cells in the mammary glands and can actually can strike both men and women, although women are about 100 times more likely to develop the disease than men. Most cancers in female breasts form shortly before, during, or after menopause, with three-quarters of all cases being diagnosed after age 50. Generally, the older a woman is, the greater is her likelihood of developing breast cancer. Worldwide, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, and in North America and Western Europe, where life spans are longer, the incidence is highest."
Abstract This essay discusses the eating disorder orthorexia. The author defines orthorexia as the fixation on eating too healthy. The paper discusses what orthorexia is, its hidden causes, how it can be cured, statistics, and the dangers of the disorder.
From the paper:
"Orthorexia nervosa refers to the fixation on eating healthy food. It is referred to as correct appetite. Orthorexia is a long-term behavior pattern, not short term. Paying attention to food for a few weeks during dietary transition is not Orthorexia; constantly obsessing on food over the long run is. There are many reasons that eating disorders develop. Issues with control, a craving for perfection, and a vision of an unrealistic body image can be a few."
Tags: disorders, eating, weight, diet, health, cooking, raw
