Research Proposal on "Alzheimer's Disease Is a Progressive"

Research Proposal 4 pages (1160 words) Sources: 3 Style: MLA

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory loss, language deterioration, impaired ability to mentally manipulate visual information, poor judgment, confusion, restlessness, and mood swings. Alzheimer's disease is a form of a mental disorder known as dementia. Dementia is a brain disorder that causes the loss of mental functions; such as thinking, memory, and reasoning. Dementia is not a disease itself, but rather a group of symptoms that are caused by various diseases or conditions. It restricts the brain's ability to process rational or normal thought and prevents normal daily activities.

Alzheimer's disease usually begins after age 65, but its onset may occur as early as age 40, appearing first as memory decline and, over several years, destroying cognition, personality, and ability to function. Confusion and restlessness may also occur (Stephens).

History of Alzheimer's

In the early 1900's, Alois Alzheimer, a German physician, provided care for a middle-aged patient who experienced progressive problems with memory, language, and behavior. After the patient died, Alzheimer identified two changes in brain tissue. He found neurofiber tangles and neuritic plaques that are now a defining feature for diagnosing what we call Alzheimer's Disease today.

Psychology of Alzheimer's

The management and care associated with patients with severe Alzheimer disease frequently presents difficult decisions for medical professionals and the caregiver. The disease often requires full time care and assistance with day-to-day basic activities.

Alzheimer's can be a crippling experience for both the disease sufferer and the family that is involved. There are many moments of misunderstanding or confusion for most, and the symptoms can become frustrating and difficult. The loss of memory and other associated factors can often cause immense separation in families and can create a nervous tension on relationships that is not necessary if suitable information is available and utilized by all parties involved.

Alzheimer's is a progressive brain disorder. The effects on the brain are relentless as the memory is progressively destroyed and the capability to learn, make judgments, and communicate and carry out normal daily tasks is greatly diminished to the point of total extinction. It is often painfully difficult to watch a family member seemingly "waste away" in their own mind; the struggle to maintain a form of sanity is often too much for many relatives and they, sadly, distance themselves from the sufferer (Living With Alzheimer's).

What makes this disease so frustrating for both the patient and their family members is the loss of "oneself" associated with the dementia. The person with Alzheimer's disease can't grasp the changes that are happening within themselves. Family members are upset and saddened by the loss of the "person" they once knew. It is common for some family members to disconnect with the loved one in the later stages of Alzheimer's because the personality displayed by the patient is so different from the personality they once knew.

The personality changes can be frightening and unpredictable with some general personality changes happening from the onset of the disease. The changes can be insignificant or more discerning with some experiencing lack of interest, moodiness, and paranoia. They lose basic abilities to function and might not even realize it. The ability to handle finances, choose clothing, bathe themselves, eat, speak, and recognize family members can become impossible.

Although it is hard to judge, it may be possible for all of these things to occur without the patient logically understanding they have changed.

Science behind Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is now one of the most researched… READ MORE

How to Reference "Alzheimer's Disease Is a Progressive" Research Proposal in a Bibliography

Related Research Proposals:

Alzheimer's Disease While Most People Know Term Paper

Alzheimer's Disease

While most people know someone who has a family member with Alzheimer's Disease (AD), most people still have little idea about what causes it. Indeed, because there is… read more

Term Paper 7 pages (2214 words) Sources: 1+ Topic: Disease / Virus / Disorder / Injury

---

Parkinson's Disease: Family and Cultural Study Thesis

Parkinson's Disease

FAMILY and CULTURAL STUDY of PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Brown, Rumsby, Capleton, Rushton and Levy (2006) state that Parkinson's disease (PD) is "...idiopathic disease of the nervous system characterized by… read more

Thesis 4 pages (1214 words) Sources: 4 Style: APA Topic: Disease / Virus / Disorder / Injury

---

What Is Huntington's Disease? Essay

Huntington's disease and laboratory investigation of this disease. Huntington's disease can attack just about anyone, but it is involved in the genetics of a family. Today, Huntington's disease is treatable,… read more

Essay 6 pages (1975 words) Sources: 10 Topic: Disease / Virus / Disorder / Injury

---

Speech and Language Disorders in Adults Term Paper

Speech Pathology in Degenerative Central Nervous System Diseases

Speech and Language in Adults with Diseases of the Central Nervous System

Speech and language difficulties accompany a number of diseases of… read more

Term Paper 13 pages (4115 words) Sources: 9 Style: Harvard Topic: Disease / Virus / Disorder / Injury

---

Benefits of the Creative Process for Dementia Thesis

Framework and General Research Questions

The Kolb Experiential Learning Theory will represent the framework used for understanding the meaning dementia patients may be assigning to the art process. According to… read more

Thesis 35 pages (12767 words) Sources: 10 Style: APA Topic: Aging / Death / Gerontology

---

View 100+ more related papers  >>