Research Paper On Alzheimer's On The Elderly
The Effect of Alzheimer’s on the Elderly
Senior English
Miranda Ormiston
1 Introduction 2 Body a What is Alzheimer’s? i Symptoms 1 Memory 2 Moods 3 Difficulty with everyday activities 4 Confusion 5 Suspicion of loved ones ii Diagnosis 6 Mental Status Testing 7 Physical & Neurological exam 8 Brain imaging & Blood tests b Treatments iii 9 Medications for memory loss a Cholinesterase inhibitors b Memantine 10 Treatments for behavioral changes c Antidepressants d Anxiolytics …show more content…
e Antipsychotic 11 Treatments for changes in sleep patterns f Tricyclic antidepressants g Benzodiazepines h “Sleeping pills”
c Living With Alzheimer’s iv Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s v Financial Matters vi Medicare & Medicaid
3 Conclusion d Analytical Summary e Thesis Reworded f Concluding Statement Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects millions of people, and each year the number grows more exponentially.
Approximately 5.4 million Americans now have Alzheimer's disease and by the year 2050, more than 15 million Americans could possibly be living with the disease, unless scientists or medical professionals develop new ideas to prevent, slow or cure it. (AHAF) Alzheimer’s is usually associated with old age but it can also be diagnosed in younger individuals. “Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the only cause of death among the top 10 in the United States that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.” (ALZ) This is considered to be one of the most heartbreaking diseases for a loved one to go through, because you’re basically watching them mentally fall apart often to the point when they don’t even remember who you …show more content…
are.
There are many different symptoms that go along with Alzheimer’s, but symptoms may differ from person to person depending on severity and other health issues. The most common, and one of the symptoms that are usually noticed first would be having difficulty remembering newly learned information. (ALZ) Mostly because, Alzheimer’s usually begins in the section of the brain that deals with learning information. As the disease progresses it is common to be disoriented, deeply confused, feel sudden suspicion of close family and friends, experience changes in normal behavior and have difficulty swallowing, speaking and even in some extreme cases, walking. In most cases the person experiencing this may find it hard to believe that they actually have a problem. It is more likely for a close family member, friend or caregiver to start to pick up on the signs of progressing dementia. Many people have trouble with memory but this does not necessarily mean that they have Alzheimer's. There are many different causes of memory loss, so it is important that you do not jump to conclusions and self diagnose. If yourself or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s or a related form of dementia, it is best to visit a doctor so the cause can be determined and diagnosed by a professional.
The earlier Alzheimer’s is diagnosed the better, for many reasons. It gives families and caregivers more time to plan for the future, an opportunity to participate in important decisions about care, living arrangements, financial and legal matters, time to choose a doctor they feel comfortable with and form a trust based relationship with him or her. And most of all, a better chance of benefiting from treatment given. There is no single test that can show whether a person has Alzheimer's.While physicians can almost always determine if a person has a form of dementia, it may be too difficult to determine the exact cause. Diagnosing Alzheimer's requires very careful medical evaluation, including mental status testing, a physical and neurological exam, blood tests and brain imaging. (ALZ) Your regular family doctor may refer you to a specialist like a Neurologist, Psychiatrist, or a Psychologist.
There are many different forms of treatments for Alzheimer’s, and not every form of treatment is right for every patient depending on their personal preferences, and the severity of their disease.
When it comes to memory loss, there are two different drugs that are described. The first is called Cholinesterase and it is prescribed for early to moderate cases. (NY) The purpose of the drug is to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine which is a chemical messenger that is important for learning and memory. It also supports communication among the nerve cells by keeping acetylcholine levels high. (NY) It also delays worsening symptoms for up to 6-12 months generally, for about half of the patients who take them. Which means it’s only about 50% effective in that aspect. Side effects include vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, and increased bowel movements. Medications prescribed for more moderate to severe stages of memory loss is called Memantine. Memantine regulates the activity of glutamate a different messenger chemical involved in learning and memory. It also delays worsening of symptoms for some people temporarily. It is somewhat similar to cholinesterase which I previously mentioned. It’s side effects include headache and constipation. Some doctors also prescribe vitamin E to patients because it is believed to protect brain cells and many other body tissues from certain kinds of chemical wear and tear. Patient’s should never start taking high doses of vitamin E without the
doctor’s permission because it may alter the effectiveness of other medications being taken. (WebMD) Many new types of treatments are being tested through clinical trials. Right now, at least 50,000 volunteers are urgently needed to participate in more than 100 actively enrolling clinical trials about Alzheimer's and related dementias.
Different types of medications are described for behavioral changes that come with Alzheimer’s, the most common form of drug prescribed when a patient is experiencing behavioral changes are anti-depressant for feeling low and when feeling irritable. Two examples would be, Celexa and Prozac which you may have heard of before. The second most common are Anxiolytics which are drugs that are meant to control anxiety, restlessness, verbally disruptive behavior and resistance. Two examples of Anxiolytics would be Ativan and Serax. The third type would be Antipsychotic medications for hallucinations, delusions, increased aggression, hostility or uncooperativeness. Two examples would be Abilify and Clozaril. (ALZ)
Many people with Alzheimer’s also experience changes in their usual sleep patterns. Scientists and researchers do not fully understand why this happens. As with changes in memory and behavior, sleep changes somehow result from the impact of Alzheimer’s on the patient’s brain. Many people suffering from Alzheimer’s experience difficulty sleeping. Sometimes people with Alzheimer’s wake up more often than a normal person would and stay awake longer than usual during the night. Brain wave studies done by scientists show decreases in both dreaming and non-dreaming sleep stages. Those who can’t sleep sometimes wander, will be unable to lie still, toss and turn, or yell or call out, often disrupting the sleep of their caregivers or family members. (AHAF) Daytime napping also becomes more common and frequent than the actual sleep they’re getting at night. Patients with Alzheimer’s may feel very drowsy during the day and then be unable to sleep at night, which is actually quite scary because that sounds an awful lot like my sleeping habits. They may become restless or agitated more at night time, an experience that professionals call “sundowning.” Experts estimate that in late stages of Alzheimer’s, individuals spend about 40 percent of their time in bed at night awake and a significant part of their daytime sleeping. In extreme cases, people may have a complete reversal of the usual daytime wakefulness-nighttime sleep pattern, and basically become nocturnal. Usually doctors prescribe normal sleeping pills like Lunesta for this issue.(ALZ)
Living with Alzheimer’s is a struggle not only for the person with the disease, but for their loved ones as well. But with proper care and a positive outlook, in most cases it is still possible to live a fulfilling, happy and rewarding life. There are many support groups and internet message boards for the caregivers where they can exchange information with other people dealing with the same issues that they face on caregiving problems and possible solutions, talk through challenges and ways of coping, share their feelings needs and concerns, and learn about resources available in their own communities. There are also support groups for the patients themselves where they can get help with performing everyday activities like driving or going to the grocery store. Medicare covers most costs when it comes to Alzheimer’s, and it is always better to plan financially ahead of time once you are diagnosed. “Worldwide, nearly 36 million people are believed to be living with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.
The numbers of Alzheimer’s statistics are nothing but shocking. By 2030, if breakthroughs are not discovered, we will see an increase to nearly 66 million. By 2050, rates could exceed 115 million. “ (AHAF) “Total payments for health care, long-term care, and hospice for people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are projected to increase from $200 billion in 2012 to $1.1 trillion in 2050 (in 2012 dollars). This dramatic rise includes a six-fold increase in government spending under Medicare and Medicaid and a five-fold increase in out-of-pocket spending.” (AHAF)
Overall, Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease that nobody should ever have to go through. But thanks to modern medicine there are ways to decrease symptoms and even slow the progression of the disease. Patients and their loved ones and caregivers never have to feel alone because there are many support groups and other agencies that are willing to help them along the way. As of right now there is no cure for Alzheimer’s but hopefully one can be discovered in the near future.
Senior English
Miranda Ormiston
1 Introduction 2 Body a What is Alzheimer’s? i Symptoms 1 Memory 2 Moods 3 Difficulty with everyday activities 4 Confusion 5 Suspicion of loved ones ii Diagnosis 6 Mental Status Testing 7 Physical & Neurological exam 8 Brain imaging & Blood tests b Treatments iii 9 Medications for memory loss a Cholinesterase inhibitors b Memantine 10 Treatments for behavioral changes c Antidepressants d Anxiolytics …show more content…
e Antipsychotic 11 Treatments for changes in sleep patterns f Tricyclic antidepressants g Benzodiazepines h “Sleeping pills”
c Living With Alzheimer’s iv Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s v Financial Matters vi Medicare & Medicaid
3 Conclusion d Analytical Summary e Thesis Reworded f Concluding Statement Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects millions of people, and each year the number grows more exponentially.
Approximately 5.4 million Americans now have Alzheimer's disease and by the year 2050, more than 15 million Americans could possibly be living with the disease, unless scientists or medical professionals develop new ideas to prevent, slow or cure it. (AHAF) Alzheimer’s is usually associated with old age but it can also be diagnosed in younger individuals. “Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the only cause of death among the top 10 in the United States that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.” (ALZ) This is considered to be one of the most heartbreaking diseases for a loved one to go through, because you’re basically watching them mentally fall apart often to the point when they don’t even remember who you …show more content…
are.
There are many different symptoms that go along with Alzheimer’s, but symptoms may differ from person to person depending on severity and other health issues. The most common, and one of the symptoms that are usually noticed first would be having difficulty remembering newly learned information. (ALZ) Mostly because, Alzheimer’s usually begins in the section of the brain that deals with learning information. As the disease progresses it is common to be disoriented, deeply confused, feel sudden suspicion of close family and friends, experience changes in normal behavior and have difficulty swallowing, speaking and even in some extreme cases, walking. In most cases the person experiencing this may find it hard to believe that they actually have a problem. It is more likely for a close family member, friend or caregiver to start to pick up on the signs of progressing dementia. Many people have trouble with memory but this does not necessarily mean that they have Alzheimer's. There are many different causes of memory loss, so it is important that you do not jump to conclusions and self diagnose. If yourself or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s or a related form of dementia, it is best to visit a doctor so the cause can be determined and diagnosed by a professional.
The earlier Alzheimer’s is diagnosed the better, for many reasons. It gives families and caregivers more time to plan for the future, an opportunity to participate in important decisions about care, living arrangements, financial and legal matters, time to choose a doctor they feel comfortable with and form a trust based relationship with him or her. And most of all, a better chance of benefiting from treatment given. There is no single test that can show whether a person has Alzheimer's.While physicians can almost always determine if a person has a form of dementia, it may be too difficult to determine the exact cause. Diagnosing Alzheimer's requires very careful medical evaluation, including mental status testing, a physical and neurological exam, blood tests and brain imaging. (ALZ) Your regular family doctor may refer you to a specialist like a Neurologist, Psychiatrist, or a Psychologist.
There are many different forms of treatments for Alzheimer’s, and not every form of treatment is right for every patient depending on their personal preferences, and the severity of their disease.
When it comes to memory loss, there are two different drugs that are described. The first is called Cholinesterase and it is prescribed for early to moderate cases. (NY) The purpose of the drug is to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine which is a chemical messenger that is important for learning and memory. It also supports communication among the nerve cells by keeping acetylcholine levels high. (NY) It also delays worsening symptoms for up to 6-12 months generally, for about half of the patients who take them. Which means it’s only about 50% effective in that aspect. Side effects include vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, and increased bowel movements. Medications prescribed for more moderate to severe stages of memory loss is called Memantine. Memantine regulates the activity of glutamate a different messenger chemical involved in learning and memory. It also delays worsening of symptoms for some people temporarily. It is somewhat similar to cholinesterase which I previously mentioned. It’s side effects include headache and constipation. Some doctors also prescribe vitamin E to patients because it is believed to protect brain cells and many other body tissues from certain kinds of chemical wear and tear. Patient’s should never start taking high doses of vitamin E without the
doctor’s permission because it may alter the effectiveness of other medications being taken. (WebMD) Many new types of treatments are being tested through clinical trials. Right now, at least 50,000 volunteers are urgently needed to participate in more than 100 actively enrolling clinical trials about Alzheimer's and related dementias.
Different types of medications are described for behavioral changes that come with Alzheimer’s, the most common form of drug prescribed when a patient is experiencing behavioral changes are anti-depressant for feeling low and when feeling irritable. Two examples would be, Celexa and Prozac which you may have heard of before. The second most common are Anxiolytics which are drugs that are meant to control anxiety, restlessness, verbally disruptive behavior and resistance. Two examples of Anxiolytics would be Ativan and Serax. The third type would be Antipsychotic medications for hallucinations, delusions, increased aggression, hostility or uncooperativeness. Two examples would be Abilify and Clozaril. (ALZ)
Many people with Alzheimer’s also experience changes in their usual sleep patterns. Scientists and researchers do not fully understand why this happens. As with changes in memory and behavior, sleep changes somehow result from the impact of Alzheimer’s on the patient’s brain. Many people suffering from Alzheimer’s experience difficulty sleeping. Sometimes people with Alzheimer’s wake up more often than a normal person would and stay awake longer than usual during the night. Brain wave studies done by scientists show decreases in both dreaming and non-dreaming sleep stages. Those who can’t sleep sometimes wander, will be unable to lie still, toss and turn, or yell or call out, often disrupting the sleep of their caregivers or family members. (AHAF) Daytime napping also becomes more common and frequent than the actual sleep they’re getting at night. Patients with Alzheimer’s may feel very drowsy during the day and then be unable to sleep at night, which is actually quite scary because that sounds an awful lot like my sleeping habits. They may become restless or agitated more at night time, an experience that professionals call “sundowning.” Experts estimate that in late stages of Alzheimer’s, individuals spend about 40 percent of their time in bed at night awake and a significant part of their daytime sleeping. In extreme cases, people may have a complete reversal of the usual daytime wakefulness-nighttime sleep pattern, and basically become nocturnal. Usually doctors prescribe normal sleeping pills like Lunesta for this issue.(ALZ)
Living with Alzheimer’s is a struggle not only for the person with the disease, but for their loved ones as well. But with proper care and a positive outlook, in most cases it is still possible to live a fulfilling, happy and rewarding life. There are many support groups and internet message boards for the caregivers where they can exchange information with other people dealing with the same issues that they face on caregiving problems and possible solutions, talk through challenges and ways of coping, share their feelings needs and concerns, and learn about resources available in their own communities. There are also support groups for the patients themselves where they can get help with performing everyday activities like driving or going to the grocery store. Medicare covers most costs when it comes to Alzheimer’s, and it is always better to plan financially ahead of time once you are diagnosed. “Worldwide, nearly 36 million people are believed to be living with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.
The numbers of Alzheimer’s statistics are nothing but shocking. By 2030, if breakthroughs are not discovered, we will see an increase to nearly 66 million. By 2050, rates could exceed 115 million. “ (AHAF) “Total payments for health care, long-term care, and hospice for people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are projected to increase from $200 billion in 2012 to $1.1 trillion in 2050 (in 2012 dollars). This dramatic rise includes a six-fold increase in government spending under Medicare and Medicaid and a five-fold increase in out-of-pocket spending.” (AHAF)
Overall, Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease that nobody should ever have to go through. But thanks to modern medicine there are ways to decrease symptoms and even slow the progression of the disease. Patients and their loved ones and caregivers never have to feel alone because there are many support groups and other agencies that are willing to help them along the way. As of right now there is no cure for Alzheimer’s but hopefully one can be discovered in the near future.