Alzheimer’s Disease: Case Of Male Patient
The following is the case study of a male patient Mr. Speed (aged 57) who has been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is considered to be a neurodegenerative disorder that is caused by the cerebral pathology. Nerve cells begin to degenerate for the reasons that are not properly understood by scientists (Han & Han, 2014). This disorder is the most common form of dementia that is assessed as the sixth major cause of death in the United States (2015 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures). This disease is prevalent in elderly people. The symptoms of the Alzheimer’s disease are developed rather slowly, but tend to become worse at the final stage of the disease. The key symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are memory loss, disorientation, serious mood and behavior changes, increased level of confusion about events, time and place, groundless suspicions about people, difficulties with speaking, swallowing and walking (Han & Han, 2014).Alzheimer’s Disease: Case Of Male Patient
In this case, the patient is in the early stage of the disease at this point. This fact means the early symptoms of the disease include forgetting newly learned information, difficulties with concentration of attention, confusion with place or time, problems with finding the right words during communication process and mood changes. Mr. Smith looks confused, extremely suspicious and depressed.
Description of the disease of focus and progression of mental illness
Based on the symptoms of the disease and stage it presents, it is possible to identify what level (primary, secondary, or tertiary) of care the patient requires. The early stage of the disease requires secondary care. The patient has already seen a specialist after being examined by a primary care provider. Now the patient is referred for secondary care. The disease was detected at an early stage, before the symptoms have progressed. Effective treatment could successfully limit its progression. Mr. Speed can still be employed. Moreover, he can be left alone for several hours at a time. There are several effective medications he should take, including Ginkgo biloba, Coral calcium, Omega-3 fatty acids Phosphatidylserine and Tramiprosate (Alternative Treatments, 2015). Besides, it is necessary to pay due attention to dietary regime, physical exercises and emotional family climate to avoid the progression of disease.
The major sources of information regarding Alzheimer’s disease
More information regarding the identified disease can be found in scientific literature, media sources and from specialists in health care settings. The most popular websites that tell about Alzheimer’s disease are alz.org, Health.com, HelpGuide.org, Alzheimers.net and other online resources. There are many books written by health care specialists and experts in Alzheimer’s disease prevention. Some of the most popular books are the book Alzheimer’s Disease of 2011 written by Linda C. Lu and Juergen Bludau ; the book Guide to Alzheimer’s Disease of 2007 written by Barry Reisberg; the book Your Guide to Health: Alzheimer’s: Reliable Information for Patients and Their Families of 2010 written by Maureen Dezell. Caregivers are recommended to have these sources of information in order to learn more about how people live with Alzheimer’s disease. These books are appropriate for families and caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients and can be used as a guide in their care practices.Alzheimer’s Disease: Case Of Male Patient
Identification of the cultural issues relating to Alzheimer’s disease
There are some cultural issues that can be identified as pertaining to Alzheimer’s disease and that might affect the individual and family in this case. As a rule, the elderly people suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. The capacities of the elderly patients with this diagnosis affect the quality of life. Researchers explored differences in the patterns of coping with the burden of caring for an individual with Alzheimer’s disease among families of varying ethnic and cultural backgrounds. They found that “ethnic and cultural differences in coping be considered in devising effective interventions for Alzheimer’s family caregivers” (Wood & Parham, 1990, p. 325). Research finding showed that white caregivers were more responsible as they attended support groups on a regular basis, while black caregivers used various cognitive strategies to ensure that the patient should never give up to survive. Anyway, caregivers who express love and devotion are more responsible and their assistance is more useful for the patient with Alzheimer’s disease. Undoubtedly, cultural attitudes are significant in caring for patients with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (Wood & Parham, 1990).Alzheimer’s Disease: Case Of Male Patient
Besides, this problem may influence society and resources as a whole. Our society should be ready to provide support to families with patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The resources provided to caregivers and patients include training courses, education sessions, community resources, health centers, sports competitions, dietary education, treatment programs, etc. The specific services required for Mr. Speed include effective care provided by family members, medications, and physical exercises, dietary regime and positive emotional family climate.
Conclusion
Thus, it is necessary to conclude that today Alzheimer’s disease is recognized as a significant health problem faced by our society. Providing care and assistance to a family member with this diagnosis is crucial for obtaining positive outcomes. Nevertheless, it is necessary to realize that caregivers should learn how to cope with perceived burden. It is recommended using scientific literature to learn more about the ways how to effectively tackle this health problem. The roles of caregivers, family members and society in sustaining the psychological integrity of the patient with Alzheimer’s disease are really significant. Mrs. Speed can help to prevent the progression of the disease of her husband if specific services are provided to him in a proper way.Alzheimer’s Disease: Case Of Male Patient