Excellent – A Good – B Fair – C Fail – D

Case study
and Essay
paper

Shows great depth of
knowledge and
learning, reveals
feelings and thoughts,
abstract ideas
reflected through the
use of specific details.
Provides support with
3 or more references
and uses citations

Relates learning
with research.
Personal and
general reflection
included, uses
concrete
language.
Provides support
with 3 references
and uses
citations

Does not go deeply
into the reflection of
learning,
generalization and
limited insight, uses
some detail. Provides
support with 2
references

Little or no
explanation or
reflection on learning,
no or few details to
support the essay

Organization
Structural
Development
of the Idea

Writer Demonstrates
logical and subtle
sequencing of ideas
through well-
developed paragraphs

Paragraph
development
present but not
perfected

Logical organization;
organization of ideas
not fully developed

No evidence of
structure or
organization

Conclusion The conclusions
engaging and restates
personal learning

The conclusion
restates the
learning

The conclusion does
not adequately
restate the learning

Incomplete and/or
unfocused

Mechanics No errors in
punctuation,
capitalization and
spelling

Almost no errors
in punctuation,
capitalization and
spelling

Many errors in
punctuation,
capitalization and
spelling

Numerous and
distracting errors in
punctuation,
capitalization and
spelling

Usage No errors in sentence
structure and word
usage

Almost no errors
in sentence
structure and
word usage

Many errors in
sentence structure
and word usage

Numerous and
distracting errors in
sentence structure
and word usage.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5). American Psychiatric Association Publishing.

Dementia.org. (2020). What is dementia? Retrieved from Dementia.org:

https://www.dementia.org/what-is-dementia

Feldman, H. H., Jacova, C., Robillard, A., Garcia, A., Chow, T., Borrie, M., & Chertkow, H. (2008). Diagnosis and treatment of dementia: 2. Diagnosis. CMAJ, 178(7), 825-836. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.070798

Dementia 7

Assignment: Dementia

Student Name

University Name

Assignment – Dementia

Definition

Dementia is a universal medical terminology that is used to designate a progressive decline in memory or brain function that impacts a person’s everyday life. Dementia should not be confused with the common decrease in short-term memory that most individuals will probably experience as they advance in age. Dementia is triggered by alterations in the brain which impairs cerebral function. The common types of dementia include Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease (Dementia.org, 2020).

Causes

Dementia is most regularly triggered by neurodegenerative illness or the death and impairment of cells and neurons in the brain. Dementia indicators are susceptible to variations because different parts of the brain can be impacted by neurodegenerative illness. Dementia can also result from stroke, recurring traumatic cranium injuries, or brain cancers. A small percentage (5%) of dementia cases, usually in younger people is a result of other diseases, for example, HIV infection, progressive supra-nuclear palsy, or alcohol-related brain injury (Dementia.org, 2020).

Symptoms

Dementia symptoms do not follow a regular pattern. Individuals are impacted by dementia in different ways. This is because there are numerous variables related to dementia symptoms. Dementia affects individuals in dissimilar ways at each stage of its manifestation. For dementia to be accurately diagnosed, the patient is taken through neurological assessments and cognitive tests to discover what type of dementia they are suffering from. Through this extensive screening, mechanism physicians can determine the rate of cognitive decline and probable treatment for the individual (Dementia.org, 2020).

The common symptoms linked with dementia include: patients have a difficult time finishing daily tasks such as food preparation or housework; patients are unable to find effects that they have misplaced; patients experience the reduced capability to concentrate and focus’ patients are usually confused or disorientated, particularly about the time and dates; some patients show temperament and mood fluctuations; patients struggle to converse verbally or in writing; patients have diminished decision-making and reasoning; patients are unable to adapt to change; patients have difficulties with optical perception i.e., correctly judging distances; some patients also experience loss of motivation, lethargy, and withdrawal from society (Dementia.org, 2020).

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition has created benchmarks for the identification of common dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular, and other uncommon types linked with trauma, Parkinson’s disease, and other medical illnesses. The multifaceted nature of each type of dementia requires that physicians’ conduct an extensive variety of analyses before an accurate diagnosis can be determined (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Types of Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most widespread type of dementia, with more than 1 out of 10 Americans aged above 65 suffering from the disorder. This ratio rises to over 3 out of 10 Americans for individuals aged above 85, signifying the cumulative risk of developing dementia linked to aging. Alzheimer’s disease is expected to account for 60% to 80% of all patients diagnosed with dementia. Alzheimer’s is a progressive condition that kills brain cells, resulting in memory loss and diminished cognitive capabilities, such as rational thinking, decision-making, and perceptiveness. Even though researchers have not yet discovered a treatment for the condition, several treatments have been revealed to slow the deterioration process and help improve the quality of life for both the individual and family members (Feldman et.al, 2008).

Vascular Dementia is a type of dementia that develops from diminished blood flow to the brain which denies the brain the necessary nutrition and oxygen, triggering a deterioration in rational thinking and cognitive abilities. Like the majority of dementia, there is presently no treatment for vascular dementia. However, research studies have indicated that a healthy lifestyle is beneficial in slowing the progression of its symptoms (Feldman et.al, 2008).

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is triggered by an accumulation of proteins, identified as Lewy bodies, in parts of the brain that upset both rational thinking and motor control (movement of limbs). LBD is a brain condition that destructively damages cognitive functions along with the movement. There is no recognized treatment to heal or stop the development of Lewy body dementia. However, certain kinds of therapy and other treatments have been revealed to positively manage LBD’s symptoms (Feldman et.al, 2008).

Parkinson’s disease is a nervous system disorder triggered by the destruction of brain neurons. Parkinson’s increasingly weakens locomotion and communication/speech capabilities. Parkinson’s disease does not have any known treatment, but the majority of identified symptoms linked with the condition can be cured. It is estimated that more than half of patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease will progressively develop mild dementia, while nearly 20% will progress to severe dementia (Feldman et.al, 2008).

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) is a collection of rare conditions that are categorized by their effects on the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These conditions may affect a patient’s character, actions, mobility, and speech. Patients diagnosed with FTD disorders are frequently younger than those with other types of dementia, and they can be as young as 40. This disorder is often misdiagnosed as a psychological disorder because of the drastic changes in behavior and personality associated with the degeneration of the frontal lobes (Feldman et.al, 2008).

Huntington’s disease is a hereditary condition categorized by the progressive disintegration of nerve cells which control temperament, mobility, and cognitive abilities. Huntington’s disease is most frequently linked with uncontrolled movements, which are habitually one of the primary indications that individuals with the condition will experience. Huntington’s may also have a psychosomatic effect. This is demonstrated by mood swings, melancholy, and augmented anxiety. Approximately 30,000 people in the United States have are currently diagnosed with Huntington’s disease. Up till now, there is no recognized treatment, so the controlling of symptoms is the key emphasis of treatment (Feldman et.al, 2008).

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease is an uncommon brain condition categorized by the infiltration and dissemination of imperfectly folded proteins all over the body. Once these irregular proteins have reached the brain, they cause deterioration of brain capability, which eventually results in death. Researchers are still conducting studies to understand more about the condition and are searching for treatment options for those that are diagnosed, but the quick spread of irregular proteins and the uncommonness of the illness has hindered their progress (Feldman et.al, 2008).

Normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a category of dementia that is triggered by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain. This fluid accumulation forces the ventricles to expand, ultimately damaging the adjacent brain tissue, resulting in cognitive deficiencies such as loss of bladder control and walking difficulties (Feldman et.al, 2008).

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome happens because of severe thiamine (vitamin B1) deficits triggered by excessive consumption of alcohol. Deprived of thiamine, the brain is unable to sufficiently generate adequate energy to sustain itself, resulting in extreme brain damage and memory loss. The Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a brain condition that occurs in two stages; where Karsakoff syndrome progresses due to long-lasting brain impairment because of Wernicke encephalopathy (Feldman et.al, 2008).

Treatments

Unluckily, a majority of dementia-associated conditions have no known cures. There is no means of slowing or reversing cognitive impairment. However, there are prescriptions and substitute cures that are utilized to manage and lessen symptoms. Treatments and prescriptions will be contingent on the precise dementia condition that the patient is suffering from. Present-day investigations put forward unhealthy habits such as lack of regular exercise, non-balanced diet, smoking, and medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, and mild cognitive impairment may all have contributed to the development of dementia (Feldman et.al, 2008).

Recommended preventative measures include: reduce smoking, alcohol abuse, and recreational drug abuse, participate in intellectually stimulating, memory-training undertakings, exercise regularly, socialize, eat a balanced diet, get satisfactory, quality sleep, sufficiently manage stress, manage health problems such as high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure through strict adherence to appropriate treatments (Feldman et.al, 2008).

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5). American Psychiatric Pub.

Dementia.org. (2020). What is dementia? Retrieved from Dementia.org: https://www.dementia.org/what-is-dementia

Feldman, H. H., Jacova, C., Robillard, A., Garcia, A., Chow, T., Borrie, M., & Chertkow, H. (2008). Diagnosis and treatment of dementia: 2. Diagnosis. Cmaj, 178(7), 825-836.

Dementia Corrections

On page 3, please change the reference to the DSM to 5th edition.  This is in keeping with your citation.

Please see yellow highlighted changes to your reference page.

Your reference 2008 could be more current.  This would be my suggestion, but you may have to wait for the chance to find something more up-to-date.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5). American Psychiatric Association Publishing.

Dementia.org. (2020). What is dementia? Retrieved from Dementia.org:

https://www.dementia.org/what-is-dementia

Feldman, H. H., Jacova, C., Robillard, A., Garcia, A., Chow, T., Borrie, M., & Chertkow, H. (2008). Diagnosis and treatment of dementia: 2. Diagnosis. CMAJ, 178(7), 825-836. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.070798

Assignment – Alzheimer’s disease

Student Name

University Name

Assignment – Alzheimer’s disease

Introduction

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent type of dementia in the world. Statistics show that 1 out of 10 Americans beyond the age of 65 suffer from the condition. This prevalence rate increases to over 30% for those above 85 years, which shows the cumulative risk of developing dementia as one advance in age. Alzheimer’s disease is predicted to account for the majority of all patients diagnosed with dementia. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disorder that destroys brain cells, causing loss of memory and reduced cognitive competencies, such as incoherent thinking, indecision-making, and misunderstanding. Although investigators have not yet revealed a cure for the condition, some treatments have been shown to slow the decline process and help improve the quality of life for both the patient and loved ones (Feldman et.al, 2008).

Researchers are investigating what role genes play in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Alterations in the brain can commence years before the initial symptoms manifest. Researchers are also investigating whether social factors such as education, nutrition, and background influence the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, scientific studies have discovered evidence that some risk factors associated with heart disease and strokes, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol may also intensify the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease. There is mounting evidence that shows physical, mental, and social undertakings may decrease the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021).

The prevalence rate in the United States

In the United States, Alzheimer’s disease is among the 10 primary causes of mortality. It is also ranked as the 6th foremost cause of mortality among American adults and the 5th foremost cause of mortality among adults older than 65 years. In 2014, it is estimated that 5 million Americans aged 65 years or older were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021).

In 2010, the medical costs of managing Alzheimer’s disease were predicted to decrease to between $159 and $215 billion. Unfortunately, the cost of management will increase exponentially. It is predicted that by 2040, these costs will increase to between $379 and more than $500 billion per annum. This is because mortality rates associated with Alzheimer’s disease are growing, unlike heart disease and cancer mortality rates that are on the decline. Also, dementia, as well as Alzheimer’s disease, are usually under-reported in death certificates and consequently, the percentage of older people who die from Alzheimer’s may be significantly greater (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021).

Symptoms

The symptoms of the sickness usually manifest after age 60 and then the cumulative risk becomes even higher. Younger people can develop Alzheimer’s disease, but such cases are very uncommon. The populations living with Alzheimer’s disease increase two-fold every 5 years after age 65. This figure is predicted to increase nearly threefold to 14 million people by 2060. Age is recognized as the paramount risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is not a typical component of the aging process. Loss of memory is the typical or one of the initial warning signs of deteriorating cognitive functions (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021).

The National Institute on Aging has identified some typical symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease in addition to memory problems. A patient diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease may experience disruptions in daily routines due to deteriorating memory. Alzheimer’s disease patients may get lost in places they are well acquainted with; they will keep repeating the same questions even though they have already been answered; they will have trouble counting money and paying their bills; they will have difficulty completing familiar household tasks, at the workplace, or during play activities (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Patients also experience diminished or poor decision-making capability. They will keep misplacing things and are unable to go back over their steps to find them. Patients also show drastic fluctuations in mood, character, or behavior. Although Alzheimer’s disease is manifested by deteriorating memory loss, if someone exhibits some or most of the symptoms itemized above by The National Institute on Aging, that is not an indication of the onset of the disease. It is imperative to check in with a physician or a professional who understands more about memory loss, rational thinking, or behavioral changes (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Some of the psychological and social factors that contribute to the symptoms, for example, depression and drug abuse, are alterable. However, these predisposing factors can be fatal and so should be identified and treated as soon as possible. Early and accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease provides ample time for the patient and the family to reflect and evaluate the cost of management, develop improvement instructions, enroll in medical trials, and anticipate the nature and type of treatment(s) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021).

Treatments

Unfortunately, like most dementia-related disorders, Alzheimer’s disease has no known cure(s). There exists no effective treatment mechanism that can slow down or reverse cognitive impairment. Nonetheless, there are remedies and auxiliary cures that can be applied to help patients cope by minimizing the effects of the disorder. The cures and remedies are dependent on physicians diagnosing the specific type of dementia condition that the patient is affected by. Alzheimer’s disease treatment mechanisms usually follow those of other dementia-associated disorders. Present research indicates that unhealthy lifestyle choices for instance absence of regular physical exercises, non-balanced nutrition, smoking, and illnesses such as heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, and minor cerebral injuries may also contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease (Feldman et.al, 2008).

Some of the recommended protective measures to prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease include: quitting smoking, reduce alcohol intake, and recreational drug abuse, take part in cerebrally stimulating memory-training activities, keep fit by exercising regularly, go out and meet people, eat healthily, get adequate sleep, avoid stressful situations if you can, manage medical complications such as high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure through stringent devotion to applicable cures (Feldman et.al, 2008).

Medical management of Alzheimer’s disease can mitigate some of the symptoms improving the quality of life for the patients and their caregivers. The absence of a specific cure for Alzheimer’s disease forces physicians and caregivers to apply treatments to several different areas to help individuals maintain cerebral function and manage behavioral symptoms (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Treatment is usually to slow or delay the progress of the symptoms of the disease to ensure that the patient still manages to perform normal daily activities. Presently, most patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease are cared for at their homes by members of their households. Caregiving by family members usually helps the patient cope better due to the effects of memory loss. They have to be reintroduced to family members with who the patient is most familiar (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Home care can have constructive aspects for both the caregiver and the individual being cared for. It may bring personal fulfillment to the caregiver, such as satisfaction from helping a family member or friend, and lead to the development of new skills and improved family relationships. Although most people willingly provide care to their loved ones and friends, caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease at home can be a difficult task and might become overwhelming at times. Each day brings new challenges as the caregiver copes with changing levels of ability and new patterns of behavior. As the disease gets worse, people living with Alzheimer’s disease often need more intensive care (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5). American Psychiatric Pub.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Alzheimer’s Disease. Retrieved from cdc.gov: https://www.cdc.gov/aging/aginginfo/alzheimers.htm

Feldman, H. H., Jacova, C., Robillard, A., Garcia, A., Chow, T., Borrie, M., & Chertkow, H. (2008). Diagnosis and treatment of dementia: 2. Diagnosis. Cmaj, 178(7), 825-836.

ALZIEHEMIERS

Please use the form for the Student title page which includes page number.  Insert page numbers on every page. 

Paper has good organization and writing consistency.  Please use 7th edition APA

Note:  On Reference page, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is 2020.  For your in-text citations for the CDC, make sure to change the date to 2020