Understanding Alzheimer: How We Can Achieve Quality Care For Patients (Essay Sample)

Student’s Name Professor Course Date Caring for the Alzheimer’s patients What is Alzheimer Disease? Alzheimer’s disease is a form of a neurological disorder that affects the brain cells responsible for causing memory loss or decline (Baddeley et al. 2522-2524). The disease begins with mild symptoms that worsen with time, destroying a victim’s memory among other vital function. Alzheimer is the most common causes of dementia. The decline in social functioning makes a victim have a difficult time when interacting with other people. How it affects the brain and body functioning? The part of the brain affected by the condition is the hippocampus, responsible for keeping memories (Sze et al. 933-935). Damaging this part of the brain further causes problems in language and behavior. When a person suffers from this disease, it changes the way in which activities like walking and talking are conducted. Necessary requirements of care program e.g., Emotional support and medication Alzheimer’s care program emphasizes on among other requirements, the need to have a good medical and care program. Emotional support is best provided through facilities such as the adult day centers. During the sessions, the focus can be placed on activities that promote social, physical and intellectual functioning. Medication like sleeping pills and tranquilizers are good in preventing agitation and sleeplessness. Besides, it is necessary to focus on cholinesterase drugs that have inhibitors that slow the progression of the condition (Birks 43). More research is being done to come up with medications that prevent the Amyloid build up in the brain as well as developing alternative therapies such as herbal extracts, Vitamin E and Selenium. Current state of care for Alzheimer’s patients The number of people who have Alzheimer is increasing and an alarming rate. In America, it is estimated that approximately 6 million people have the disease. 10% of the people above the age of 65 years are reported to have Alzheimer (Ernst & Joel 1264). The increasing number of patients has resulted in the citizens questioning the effectiveness of the care given as well as the measures in place to prevent the disease. The government is, however, channeling resources into medication, researches, and training more professional to alleviate the situation. Formulation of possible solutions The formulation of possible solutions ought to be guided by the manner in which the brain functions and a deep analysis of the effects of the disease on the functioning of the brain. The discovery of the brain imaging techniques should be incorporated in finding solutions to the medical condition. Brain imaging knowledge is currently being applied in studying Alzheimer in Sweden. Doctors use the technique to confirm the presence and the position of the amyloid proteins in a patient’s brains for early diagnosis. Coming up with possible solutions also go hand ...