Abstract This paper discusses vascular dementia, a cerebrovascular disease that results in dementia. The paper includes an evaluation of the nature of the disorder, information about which age group it is most common in, and a discussion of its significance.
From the Paper "The following literature review presents the topic of vascular dementia. A statement of the disorder and its significance, descriptions of methods overview of the literature, and a summary of findings are presented. Within this discussion..."
This paper discusses dementia, a chronic and usually progressive deterioration of mental abilities and intellectual capacity due to changes in the brain such as widespread loss of nerve cells and the shrinkage of brain tissue.
Abstract This paper explains that, since dementia is most commonly seen in the elderly, it is often erroneously considered to be part of the normal aging process; however, it is important to remember that dementia is a condition that is a result of a disease or trauma and does not occur in a healthy person simply because of old age. The author points out that the two most common forms of dementia are Alzheimer's disease and multi infarct dementia; both types are irreversible and cannot be cured, although there progress can be slowed with proper treatment. The paper relates that people with multi infarct dementia can be helped by controlling their blood pressure, blood cholesterol and diabetes to prevent further strokes; by using medications for reducing agitation, anxiety, depression, or sleeping problems; by avoiding alcohol and smoking and by continuing physical and mental activities.
Table of Contents
Is Dementia an Inevitable Part of the Aging Process?
Differentiating Dementia and Normal Aging Process
Types of Dementia Diagnosing Dementia and the Role of the Cognitive Psychologist in Diagnosis
Helping Patients to Cope with Dementia Conclusion
From the Paper "Dementia affects our memory, decision-making, judgment, spatial orientation, thinking, reasoning, and verbal communication. Its symptoms may include asking the same questions repeatedly; becoming lost in familiar places; being unable to follow directions; getting disoriented about time, people, and places; and neglecting personal safety, hygiene, and nutrition. Similar symptoms are sometimes displayed by older people due to emotional problems, which can be mistaken for dementia. These emotional problems may be triggered in the older people due to the trauma of major changes in their lives such as at the time of retirement or having to cope with the death of a spouse, relative, or friend. Such emotional upheavals leave an old person feeling sad, lonely, worried, or bored. Adapting to these life-changing events can confusion and forgetfulness in some people-the classic symptoms of dementia. Fortunately, emotional problems can be eased by supportive friends and family, or by treatment from professional doctors, psychologists or counsellors and are not a permanent feature. Furthermore, certain physical conditions such as high fever, dehydration, vitamin deficiency and poor nutrition, bad reactions to medicines, problems with the thyroid gland, or a minor head injury may also result in dementia-like symptoms but the resulting condition is not dementia and needs to be treated differently."
Abstract Dementia, allied with depression and alcohol or substance abuse, increases challenges for the elderly and their caregivers. Wernicke's disease and Korsakoff's syndrome are the most recognized types of alcohol-dementia. The paper shows that symptoms of alcohol or substance abuse can be disguised as depression, dementia or other problems associated with aging. Dementia is a condition that does not have a cure; however, depression and alcohol or substance abuse are treatable and may reverse some types of dementia. The paper shows that the best approach to treatment is a combination of therapies, which may provide help and support to the caregiver as well as manage symptoms. Disease case management along with effective outpatient treatment approaches may postpone or reduce nursing home placement.
Paper Outline:
Abstract
Dementia Allied with Depression and Alcohol or Substance Abuse
Dementia Depression
Dementia and Depression
Substance Abuse
Alcohol-Related Dementia Treatment
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Depression coexisting with dementia has often been overlooked because of the emphasis on distinguishing the two conditions; however, it should be recognized that depression is a shared concomitant of dementia (Woods, 2001, p. S10). Depression may be a predictor of some forms of dementia and is considered a major health risk in the elderly (Tierney, Boyle, Lam, & Szalai, 1999, p. 1). Studies show that depression is the most common psychiatric disease in individuals 65 years and older, commonly occurring in more than 30% of the frail and disabled elderly (Polidori, Menculini, Senin, & Mecocci, 2001, p. 533)."
Abstract This paper explains that the term "dementia" is used by the medical community to describe patients with impaired intellectual capacity; dementia patients may also be labelled as having "presenile" or "senile" dementia, "chronic" or "organic brain syndrome," "arterio-sclerosis," or
"cerebral atrophy". The author points out that two of the most common forms of dementia are Alzheimer's disease, which causes the brain to lose its ability and makes it stop functioning normally, and multi-infarct dementia in which a blockage in the blood vessels causes damage to different parts of the brain resulting in minor strokes. The paper concludes that patients suffering from dementia become in many ways like children losing control over their mind and become strongly dependant on others to function normally; hence, the people who care for these patients must do so with love, understanding and patience.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Dementia Clinical Presentation
Cognitive Changes
Psychiatric Symptoms
Personality Changes
Problem Behaviors
Changes in Day-to-Day Functioning
Charlie
The Work Environment
Management and Treatment
Dealing with Inappropriate Behavior
Conclusion
From the Paper "With staff that worked with Charlie, I will step into the world of Charlie who is suffering from dementia for the past 6 years; he is 54 years old and at first glance would pass of as an extinguished old gentleman, greying at the temples having an air of aristocracy about him. When
Charlie first started to exhibit symptoms of dementia, his family put it down to mood swings and thought he was going through a period of depression and tried to help him. At first there were upset over his forgetfulness but soon realised that something was happening to Charlie which he had no ability to control and soon they found out that he
was suffering from dementia."
Abstract Dementia is a deficiency of mental ability acute enough to hinder with normal actions of daily living, which persists for more than six months, which is not present from birth and which is not connected with loss or modification of consciousness. This paper examines the causes, influences and treatment of dementia and looks at how taking care of people with dementia is a physically, mentally and emotionally strenuous task.
Outline
Introduction
Causes for Dementia Dementia Related Behaviors
Dementia Influenced by Environment
Environment Modifications to Treat Dementia Conclusion
From the Paper "The term Dementia is used for a range of states that include loss of mental ability and so is the reason for problems with memory, language, behavior and emotions. In the elderly people, Dementia is common. To some extent this affects people above the age of 65. Dementia is caused by problems in the manner in which the brain functions. The cause for Dementia is the non-functioning or dying of neurons. This often alters the levels of different neurotransmitters, which affect the function of the brain. Dementia is not a standard part of ageing. It is different from the slight poor memory that occurs in the elderly."
Abstract In this article, the writer maintains that, as several research studies have indicated, there is a definite relation between Down's syndrome and dementia. The writer notes that dementia typically follows as a co morbid condition among adults with Down's syndrome and has a severely crippling effect on the patient. The writer points out that though some studies show the neurobiological pathways associated with the onset of dementia in DS patients, we are still a long way from a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms involved. The writer discusses that several researchers have focused on studying Down's syndrome and dementia as comorbid conditions and this has contributed to an improved understanding of these disorders and ineffective management of DS patients. The writer presents a brief review of existing literature on the association between these two comorbid conditions in order to provide a better understanding of the complications and the latest treatment modalities.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Downs Syndrome - Brain Structure
Genetic Factors For Dementia In DS
Cognitive Functioning and Dementia Proactive Screening for Dementia Conclusion
From the Paper "Earlier studies among healthy population have revealed that many years of education have an effect of slowing down the onset of Alzheimer's. Therefore in this study the researchers compared DS patients exhibiting symptoms of dementia and those without such symptoms and correlated them with other factors such as levels of education, recreational activities, employment, etc. In all, 35 adult subjects in the age ranging between 26 and 67 years were included for the study. All the subjects were periodically observed over 3 years and assessed for their decline based on Neuropsychological tests, reports from caregivers, and the Dementia Scale for Down syndrome. Applying the statistical tool of regression analysis, the researchers found that decline was directly related to cognitive functioning and that higher cognitive functioning implied lesser decline. It was also identified from the study that the level of cognitive functioning was by itself related to the other variables such as education, employment and other activities. "
Abstract This paper describes what happens to a patient suffering from dementia, including the physiological changes that occur to the brain as well as the symptoms and behavior commonly displayed by patients suffering from dementia. The paper also describes how dementia is presently diagnosed, the importance of obtaining an accurate diagnosis of the disease so as to differentiate it from other treatable illnesses and the different types of dementia.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Diagnosis
Types of Dementia The Impact of Dementia Data Analysis
Conclusion
From the Paper "Dementia refers to a trouncing of cognitive task due to changes in the brain caused by infection or pain. The changes might take place steadily or rapidly; moreover how they crop up might resolve whether dementia is reversible or irrevocable. Dementia is a type of common intellectual injury observed in aged people. More or less 10 percent of all people more than 65 years of age have clinically essential intellectual injury. Even though about 20 percent of these cases may be due to treatable causes such as toxic drug reactions, nearly all cases are what is identified as Alzheimer's ailment. It starts with fading concentration and reminiscence, loss of numerical capability, tetchiness and failure of sense of humor, and deprived orientation in space and time. Alzheimer's infection is persistently progressive and leads to fatality in 5 to 15 years. Studies of the brains of persons who have died of Alzheimer's illness illustrate typical warped fibers, known as neurofibrillary tangles, in definite areas of the brain, and cores of abnormal protein, called neurotic plaques, interspersed between nerve cells. No treatment is identified for dementia. A structure of this ailment strikes younger persons, in whom it is recognized as dementia.( Andrews and Roy, 2003)"
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 looks at legal recommendations for laws relating to care options for senior citizens with dementia and Alzheimer's disease from the perspective of a representative of a congressional district, which has a large senior population. The paper presents the background, statistics and costs relating to both of these conditions. The paper also reviews three care options and recommends a law that restricts the number of family members formally assigned to care for an elderly relative with Alzheimer's or dementia.
Table of Contents:
Problem Statement
Background
Dementia Alzheimer's Disease
Landscape
Pertinent Statistical Data
Cost of Alzheimer's Disease
Options
Subsidize Specialized Diagnostic Testing for Alzheimer's Disease
Allow Limited Opportunities for Employment
Restrict the Number Of Family Members Formally Assigned to Care for an Elderly Relative with Alzheimer's or Dementia.
Recommendation
From the Paper "Similar to the tenets of the Ryan White Act, the congressional district could allow certain individuals below the retirement age who are diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's disease closely-monitored employment opportunities. These should target specific areas of the Alzheimer's patient which have been least affected by the disease. This option will not only ease the financial burden associated with Alzheimer's but will also delay the individual's confinement to an elderly institution as he or she is still contributing significantly to society."
Abstract This paper defines a caregiver, both primary and secondary caregivers, as anyone who is able and willing to carry out the numerous tasks associated with managing an Alzheimer and Dementia Disease (AD) patient and specifically describes California caregivers, spouses, adult sons and daughters. Latino caregivers and men and women caregivers. The author points out that, although there is a wealth of research into caregiving by women, there is relatively little literature about caregiving by men because the overwhelming of number caregivers for AD patients are women. The paper concludes that sons as caregivers have generally assumed their role voluntarily rather than as a cultural expectation as is the case with daughters; men have been shown to keep their caregiving role a secret from their workplace: Society has not yet granted sons equality in this arena. Six tables.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Need for the Study
Goals of the Study
Limitations of the Study
Delimitations of the Study
Objectives of the Study
Operational Definitions
Literature Review
What is Dementia?
What is Alzheimer's Disease?
Research on Alzheimer's and related Dementia Who is a Caregiver?
Differences between Primary and Secondary Caregivers
Profile of California Caregivers
The Role Theory
Spouses as Caregivers
Adult Children as Caregivers
Women as Caregivers
Men as Caregivers
The Differences between Men and Women as Caregivers
Caregivers' burdens
Caregiving Outcomes
Research Methodology
Results and Discussion
Findings
Discussion
Summary and Conclusion
Support Groups and Other Resources for Caregivers
From the Paper "Dementia is a word most people think they can define. Classically trained individuals will suggest it is simply the state of being "out of one's mind," based on the Latin roots of the word. But it is, these days, a state of being that is highly technically described, and a diagnosis of dementia-Alzheimer's or any other variety-is generally arrived at by batteries of tests. Functioning in regard to the material tested is assessed; those deviating too far from the norm are likely to be classified as suffering dementia. Lucas notes (1995) that "Clinical assessment has lagged behind research in memory disorders," but it is believed now that memory is regarded as a heterogeneous entity which is comprised of distinct systems; for example, long-term vs. short-term memory, and encoding vs. retrieval memory, and several other pairs of related brain functions. Memory, Lucas suggests, is at the root of a definition of dementia, and he explains a wide variety of memory types in locating dementia."
Abstract The paper discusses how patients with Lewy body dementia have delirium-like episodes, with flunctuating confusion, attention deficits, visual hallucinations, Parkinson-like rigidity and akinesia, interruption in consciousness and frequent falls. The paper looks at the similarities between dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The paper also looks at the diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies and the treatments available.
From the Paper "With the advancement of medical technology, more people are living longer, and in some parts of the world, healthier lives. Initially, children outnumbered older people all over the world; this is projected to change soon, as people over 65 years old will outnumber children under 5 years old. Almost 500 million people are over 65 years old, and by 2030, the world is likely to have 1 billion older citizens, which accounts for 13% of the total population (National Institute of Aging [NIA], p. 7). In developing countries, the number of older people is increasing rapidly; its population is expected to increase by 140%, in contrast to developed countries, where the increase in older populations is projected to increase by 51%. This change in demographics has many socioeconomic and health concerns, as older people are at greater risk for noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, as well as neurodegenerative disabilities."
Abstract Examines the medical condition of dementia due to head traumas. Discusses the etiology; neuropsychological problems. Symptoms of multiple cognitive defects, behavioral problems, mood and personality changes. Epidemiology. Treatment for traumatic brain injury and dementia. Cognitive and behavioral rehabilitation approaches such as computer-assistance training, cognitive exercises, psychotherapy, behavior modification.
From the Paper "DEMENTIA DUE TO HEAD TRAUMA
Introduction
This research paper will explore the topic of dementia due to head trauma. Included in the discussion will be the issues of etiology, symptomatology, epidemiology, and treatment.
Etiology
TBI results in brain swelling, bleeding, infections, and/or the onset of ventricular dilation. Swelling results in more brain damage since it causes progressive blockage of circulation which leads to a local drop in brain perfusion and localized stroke. Bleeding results in tissue destruction, pressure, and spasm of blood vessels in the brain, which leads to stroke. Infections in the form of abscess or meningitis cause severe damage to brain tissue from the infection and secondary dilation of the fluid spaces ..."
Abstract This paper examines the questions relating to bioethics and dementia: Specifically, is euthanasia acceptable for people with dementia or Alzheimer's disease? And, is it ethical or are there ethical alternatives?
Abstract Dementia coexisting with depression increases the challenges for the elderly and their caregivers. Pharmacological, behavioral, or social support interventions may delay the need for nursing home placement or institutionalization. This paper examines how the best approach to treatment is a combination of therapies which may provide help and support to the caregiver as well as manage symptoms. It proposes a study to determine whether patients with coexisting depression and dementia can be effectively treated with less inpatient care.
Outline
Introduction
Background and Significance
Preliminary Studies
Research Methodology
Human Subjects Protocol
Administration and Timetable
Limitations of this Study
From the Paper "Dementia associated with depression increases challenges for the elderly and their caregivers. Many individuals with AD become depressed because they are aware of loosing their cognitive abilities and because of life circumstances and environmental changes. Research studies continue to work towards developing a cure or treatment strategies for AD and related dementias; however, depression often goes undiagnosed. Depression coexisting with dementia accelerates loss of autonomy (Ritchie & Lovestone, 2002, p. 8). Undiagnosed depression in people with AD and other dementias is a problem, especially since depression is treatable."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that Alzheimer's dementia is a debilitating neurodegenerative disease that afflicts 5 million people in the United States and more than 30 million people worldwide. The writer looks at the four main drugs used in present therapy - Tacrine, Donepizil, Rivastigmine and Galatamine. These drugs are discussed in terms of their pharmacologic properties both individually and as a group. Memantine and the experimental use of tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors are also mentioned. The writer notes that Memantine has shown potential in the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's dementia and may have more potency when paired with a cholinergic agent although trials have yet to determine this empirically. The writer notes that the implication of TNF is still under investigation, with pilot studies showing promise.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Problem
Purpose
Thesis
Research Questions/Methodology/Limitations
Review of Literature/Research Findings
Summary/Conclusions
From the Paper "Alzheimer's dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is primarily characterized by global atrophy of the cerebral cortex, with a relatively large proportion of neuronal loss in the CA1 and CA2 zones of the hippocampus and the nucleus basalis of Meynert. Cognizant with this are the clinical manifestations of the disease, primarily a gradual onset of forgetfulness, expressive and receptive aphasia, visuospatial disorientation, apraxia and behavioral changes. However, the academic "classical" symptomology of this disease is often irrelevant in the acute clinical setting as the symptoms are often missed as components of dementia or dismissed as manifestations of ageing. Even if these changes are detected early, the progression of Alzheimer's dementia is relentless."
