This paper discusses the article "Exercise Plus Behavioral Management in Patients with AlzheimerDisease: A Randomized Controlled Trial," by Teri, L., Gibbons, L. E., McCurry, S. M., Logsdon, R. G., Buchner, D. M., Barlow, W. A., Kukull, W. A., LaCroix, A
Abstract In this article, the writer analyzes the study by Teri, Gibbons, McCurry, Logsdon, Buchner, Barlow, Kukull, LaCroix, McCormick, and Larson, entitled "Exercise plus behavioral management in patients with AlzheimerDisease: A Randomized Controlled Trial," that was published in JAMA, 290(15): 2015-2022. The writer explains that the purpose of the study was to develop a home-based exercise program combined with caregiver training in behavioral management techniques. The writer notes that this home-based exercise program was designed to reduce functional dependence and delay institutionalization among patients with Alzheimerdisease. Older adults can benefit from exercise through the improvement of cardiovascular function, flexibility, balance, and strength. Exercise has also been demonstrated by several studies to reduce depression among elderly patients, as well as alleviate depression of patients with dementia. The writer concludes that this study has promising potential in the management of Alzheimerdisease.
From the Paper "A total of 153 patients and their corresponding caregivers were randomly selected from an ongoing, community-based Alzheimer disease patient registry and through referrals from physician practices. The study, from enrollment to the end of follow-up, occurred from June 1994 to April 1999. Written consent was obtained from both caregiver and patient. All patients underwent comprehensive evaluation by a geriatrician, neurologist, psychologist, and epidemiologist, nurse, and research staff. The caregivers were spouses or adults who lived with or spend at least 4 hours with these patients. Their ages ranged from 24 to 91 years old, and 70% were female. Eighty percent of the caregivers were spouses.
"Patient-caregiver groups were randomly assigned to the RDAD program or routine medical care. At first, patient and caregiver were seen in their own homes by experienced health professionals for 12 hour-long sessions at 2 sessions per week for the first three weeks, then weekly sessions for 4 weeks, and then twice a month. This was to ensure proper training of caregivers at home. Follow-up was done three times over the next 3 months. "
Abstract This is an epidemiological research paper on the "Case Control Study of Risk Factors for Alzheimer's Disease". It discusses the background of this disease, study design, survey instrument, risk factor involved, statistical analysis and potential biased information about this disease. This paper briefly reviews biological evidence suggesting that alcohol use may be associated with this disease. It also focuses on the evidence from epidemiological studies that link people's consumption of alcohol to whether they develop AlzheimerDisease, considers the influence of tobacco use on the relationship between alcohol use and Alzheimer's Disease, and examines the epidemiological evidence of the connection between alcohol consumption and types of cognitive impairment other than Alzheimer's disease.
Abstract This paper provides an intensive exploration of Alzheimer's disease. The writer approaches it from the field of psychology and discusses the signs, symptoms, causes, risks, medications and treatment for the disease from a psychological perspective. The paper examines how Alzheimer's disease is being addressed and discusses the signs and symptoms that can indicate its onset. The paper analyzes the mental health issues that come with a diagnosis of the disease and treatments that dovetail with the current drugs being used. The paper concludes that, while Alzheimer's disease is still significantly stressful, there are great strides being made to combat its progression and effects.
Outline:
Introduction
What Is Alzheimer's?
History Of Alzheimer's Disease History Of Alzheimer's Disease Causes
Symptoms
Treatment
Conclusion
References
From the Paper " Mood stabilizers have been found to be useful. Some of the drugs used to treat disease include "tacrine (Cognex), donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), or galantamine (Razadyne, previously known as Reminyl) may help prevent some symptoms from becoming worse for a limited time. Another drug, memantine (Namenda), has been approved to treat moderate to severe AD, although it also is limited in its effects. Also, some medicines may help control behavioral symptoms of AD such as sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety, and depression. Treating these symptoms often makes patients more comfortable and makes their care easier for caregivers(Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet
http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/adfact.htm).""
Abstract This paper discusses alternative therapies for Alzheimer's disease patients and analyzes if these treatments work better on their own or in conjunction with the more traditional therapies that are more generally used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Music, hand massages and a combination of both are looked at as therapies to treat the pain and mental confusion that Alzheimerdisease patients often have. The paper also reviews literature and examines the different methods that are used in order to determine whether an elder that is suffering from Alzheimer's disease is in pain and if treatment for that pain is necessary.
From the Paper " Likewise, the effectiveness of the treatment must also be considered, because no treatment, regardless of how safe it actually is, will be worthwhile if it does not work for the patient. This is part of the reason that there are different medications available that all treat the same thing, since not all patients respond in the same way to the same medication. The same is true of alternative therapies for Alzheimer's disease and the way that people with Alzheimer's are treated for pain and other issues that elderly people often develop in conjunction with the disease. Both safety and effectiveness have to be very strongly considered to find the right treatment for the patient in question, instead of treating everyone with Alzheimer's disease in the same way."
Abstract The paper relates that approximately 4 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease. The paper explains that this is a disease that affects a person's memory and often makes it impossible to do everyday activities such as eating or dressing. The paper discusses how today scientists know more about this disease, but they do not have a cure for the illness. The paper explains the importance of knowing the definition of Alzheimer's disease with its many symptoms, as well as studying the best treatments for the disease.
Abstract The topic of this study is Alzheimer's disease, especially issues related to the treatment of this particular disease. Alzheimer's disease is not only a chronic, debilitating and progressive disorder, but it is also one that is expected to escalate on account of the aging of the population. When one adds the fact that there currently is no cure for the disease, and that total care is required for people who are in the final stages, then one is left with perhaps one of the most significant health issues in our society. Also, the fact that care giving is such an important aspect of treatment, one is faced with the effects that are experienced by caregivers. This final point makes the topic of profound interest to the author on account of the author's own involvement in care giving.
Abstract This paper describes the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and examines possible causes for the condition. A description of the discovery of the disease is followed by a discussion of its symptoms. A significant portion of the paper is a review of current literature regarding causes of Alzheimer's disease. The paper concludes with a description of populations at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Table of Contents
AD History
Suspected Causes of AD
Is AD Contagious?
Is it Caused by Something we Eat?
Other Risk Factors
Conclusion
From the Paper "Proteins, not necessarily those consumed but rather those made in the body, have also formed a basis for AD research. Pathologist George C. Glenner, in 1983, examined the molecular structure of [beta]-amuloid, a structure that constitutes the tip of the plaques present in AD, and discovered that the concentration of these amyloids is particularly high, appearing like strips of sticky substance spilled on a floor and gumming up the works (Odle, 2003). Since Glenner's work, new research indicates that [beta]-amyloid is toxic to neurons, and could therefore easily lead to cell destruction."
Abstract This paper examines the research article "Cerebrospinal Fluid Beta-Amyloid(1-42) in AlzheimerDisease: Differences Between Early- and Late-Onset Alzheimerdisease and Stability During the Course of Disease" by Teipel, Hampel, Pietrini, Alexander, Horwitz, Daley, Moller, Schapiro and Rapoport (1999) which investigates region-specific corpus callosum atrophy in relation to the pattern of cortical glucose metabolism in Alzheimer. It shows how the reviewed material examines the authors' primary research questions, their justification for the study, the general methods and main findings. The review ends with a statement of whether confidence can be placed in the findings.
From the Paper "Methods involved a two-group comparison of AD patients (N=12) and healthy controls (N=15). It is noted that controls were volunteers but no mention is made of how any of the subjects were recruited into the study. Further, AD patients were not authenticated as having the disease; rather it was noted that some patients were suspected of "possibly" having the condition while others were viewed as "probably" having AD. Tests of cognitive functioning were administered to the AD patients showing that they ranged in degree of dementia from mild to severe."
Abstract This paper presents an examination of the impact that music has on Alzheimer's disease. The writer explores the reduction of Alzheimer's symptoms that have been shown with the use of music therapy and explores future use of the therapy. The author concludes that music therapy has proven itself to be a mainstay in Alzheimer's patients comprehensive treatment plans.
From the Paper "In recent years medical science has made advances that have provided a longer lifespan than ever before, however, with that lifespan increase comes a higher incidence of Alzheimer's disease. While Alzheimer's disease can strike at any age it is typically seen in the elderly and the symptoms can be devastating. People watch their parents lose their memories, forget who they are and become a danger to themselves with their forgetful actions. "
Abstract This paper examines research worldwide on the cultural and ethnic influences on the recognition, treatment, and care of Alzheimer's disease patients. The paper begins by reviewing the basic nature of the disease. Next the paper discusses how diagnosis, treatment and care are approached by various cultures. The paper then focuses on reviewing several peer-reviewed journal articles, which make up the bulk of the references.
From the Paper "In Alzheimer's disease, the mind dies first. Names, dates, places, the interior scrapbook of an entire life fade into mists of nonrecognition..."
Abstract This paper relates that, although there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, treatments are available. The author explains the way cognitive function can be preserved as long as possible in these patients. The paper discusses the options available for long-term patient care when the patient has progressed too far to be cared for at home by the family.
From the Paper "Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia among older people and initially affects the areas of the brain, which control thought memory and language. Alzheimer's disease usually begins after age and the risk increases with increasing age."
Abstract This paper examines cognitive theories and the cognitive approach to treatment of patients with Alzheimer's Disease. The paper focuses on the psychological aspects of treatment.
From the Paper "The paper begins with a brief review of the nature of Alzheimer's Disease. It is then noted that, while historically it has been thought that there was little to be done in order to improve the functioning of people with this disorder, cognitive theories and cognitive interventions have changed this view. The paper then discuses how cognitive theories have helped to produce greater insight and understanding into the..."
Abstract This paper highlights recent findings of an experimental drug, AF267B, which halts both the progression of Alzheimer's disease by treating both senile plaque and neurofibral tangles and also reversing the damage that was caused. This paper further presents statistics on Alzheimer's disease along with information specific to the pharmaceutical treatment options currently available.
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 This paper is a literature review of an article on advanced practice nursing in the care and management of Alzheimer's disease. It cites statistics and focused briefly on the pathology of the disorder, diagnostics and is primarily interested in the needs based management of the patient, caregivers and family members, with the author stressing quality of daily life.
From the Paper "With the gradual lengthening of the human lifespan, geriatric medicine is faced with new problems: Alzheimer's disease, loneliness and depression, elder abuse and failing senses. For the registered nurse, the problems are compounded as the role of the nurse is to provide care and comfort. Alzheimer's disease presents a difficult set of complex issues which make it difficult for the RN in practice. Traditionally the Advanced Practice RN was there to help educate the family, and bring some comfort to the patient, comfort on an ever changing concept to the patient of what that comfort entails. This paper presents a literature review on management techniques that are patient oriented and seen from a "needs that are unmet" basis of disruption. Following the review, a patient assessment is presented."
