Phase 2, Reading Reflection

Phase 2, Reading Reflection (Worth 10 points)

You will need to refer to your research paper rubric for the best possible outcomes for this assignment.

Class you will be asked to continue your research that you have already started. In this paper you are going to conduct a brief literature review on your topic. Please note that everyone will need to have at least five supporting articles related to their chosen topic (3 are peer-review journal articles) and will provide the desired methodology for their project. Your paper will be at least five to six pages (strict adherence to APA guidelines is required). Additionally, class, I will be looking for the quality of your writing, not the quantity. Your writings should be concise, factual and disseminates information.

We will commence as follows:

1. Brief literature review
2. Methodology and design of the study (Please be detailed-oriented as possible)
3. Sampling Methodology
4. Necessary tools that will be incorporated into your paper
5. Any algorithms or flow maps that you may create (illustrations)

*** Please submit this assignment through Turn it in.com 

Running head: ALZHEIMER DISEASE 1

ALZHEIMER DISEASE 6

Alzheimer Disease

Dalia Catalan

Florida National University

Alzheimer Disease

Introduction

Alzheimer’s disease tends to be a progressive, irreversible ailment that impacts the normal functioning of the brain slowly destroying the thinking and memory-related skills and as it progresses it limits the patient the ability to conduct simple tasks (“What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?,” 2020). Researchers suggest that approximately 6 million American citizens older than 65 years of age have dementia which is caused by Alzheimer’s disease. In most patients, the symptoms of this condition begin to be identified when they are in their mid- the 60s. This condition is often ranked as one of the top ten causes of death in the United States, but following a recent investigation, the condition has climbed the ladder and it is currently ranked as the top five leading cause of death in the United States. Often the disease is categorized with cancer and heart disease as the main cause of death among the older population. This paper will focus on planning research that is focused on understanding Alzheimer’s disease, its causes symptoms and its impact on the older population.

Problem identification

           Alzheimer’s disease tends to be the most common cause of dementia among the older population around the world. The condition impacts the normal functioning of the brain hence causing the loss of cognitive functioning such as reasoning, remembering and thinking. Also, it impacts behavioral abilities to the extent of the victim not being able to conduct various daily essential activities (“What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?,” 2020). The severity of the brain damage from the mildest stage where the normal function of a person is impact and it progresses to a most severe stage and the victim must be dependent on the people around him or her for basic activities related to daily living. The condition is most popular among the older population and its estimated that the condition has impacted about 6 million senior American citizens’ normal function and also it is a leading cause of death among this population (“Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet,” 2020).

Significance of the Problem to Nursing

           With a significant population estimated to be victims of Alzheimer’s disease in the United States, it is most likely that individuals in the nursing practice will encounter patients suffering from this condition either in their personal lives on in their careers. Thus, it is essential for the nurses to be able to understand and recognize the Alzheimer’s Disease symptoms, treatment approaches, and options as well as learn how to effectively interact with this vulnerable population (“Update on Alzheimer’s: What Nurses Should Know,” 2020).

           To be able to provide quality health care services the nurse practitioner needs to understand the various vital components that support better working conditions with the patient. The nurse should emphasize clear communication and individualized care, meaning that he or she must develop clear instructions and communication approaches that are adaptive to the patient’s needs. Also, it essential for the nurse to understand the emotion behind the patient’s behavior or communication. Additionally, behavioral activities that are related to Alzheimer’s Disease may also jeopardize the safety of the patient thus the nurse practitioner needs to develop strategies that ensure the safety of the patient is not at risk. Moreover, the nurse practitioners need to understand that the patient’s behavioral activities are not personal (“Update on Alzheimer’s: What Nurses Should Know,” 2020). Thus, they need to develop various strategies of working with Alzheimer’s Disease patients such as written reminders, engaging the patient in activities, distraction, redirection and providing the patient with the needed assistance. In addition, it is the duty of the nurse to ensure that the patient’s family is provided with the required support because it tends to be an emotional experience that may turn to be a crisis if it is not addressed appropriately. Also, essential for the nurse to be mindful of the progression of the condition while caring for the patient and his or her family as well as learn to work holistically. Through the provision of quality care and informed understanding of the condition may generate a positive relationship with the patients and their families hence positively improving the condition.

Purpose of the Research

           The main purpose of the research is to attain an in-depth understanding of Alzheimer’s Disease, its causes, its impact on human health and the essential care required to effectively improve the condition. For instance, being a progressive and irreversible ailment, the research will provide the required information regarding how the condition advances from mild memory-related issues to severe brain damage. Also, a better understanding of why the progression of the condition varies with every patient will be attained through the research. Often the condition may progress for about 20years and the victim patient may live an average of about ten years after being diagnosed with the condition. Additionally, the research will aid with information on the various treatment approaches or maintenance strategies for the condition (“Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet,” 2020).Also, the research will improve the understanding of why no specific factor causes the condition but the condition is often linked to age advancement, family history, and a particular protein known as apolipoprotein. Other related considerations to the ailment are education, environment, diet, as well as viral influences. 

Research Questions

1. Why is Alzheimer Disease ranked among the highest cause of death among the older population?

2. What are the various approaches are used by the nurse practitioner to ensure the condition does not get severe and out of hand?

Master’s Essentials

           Alzheimer’s Disease is a leading cause of dementia and death among the older population. Also, there is no specific cause of the ailment as well as the condition has no cure. Additionally, the diagnosis of the condition may only be attained through an examination of the brain tissue during an autopsy. Additionally, the probable diagnosis may be attained through a medical history, neuropsychological and medical testing, and brain scans. However, the continuum of Alzheimer’s Disease may include mild symptoms, moderate symptoms and severe symptoms (“Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet,” 2020). A patient with mild symptoms tends to demonstrate memory loss, inability to learn new things, tends to be unorganized, limited attention span. On the other hand, a patient who is in his or her moderate stage he or she tends to display noticeable behavioral changes, inability to identify other people, getting lost in a familiar environment, has poor judgment, and experiences sleep disruptions. Lastly, when a patient is in the severe stage he or she tends to experience the inability to recognize him or herself as well as other people, he or she has an incoherent speech, has repetitive behavior, weight loss and incontinence as well as difficulty swallowing. Nurses need to develop various effective care strategies to ensure that the patient’s AD condition does not progress into a more severe stage.

References

Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet

Update on Alzheimer’s: What Nurses Should Know. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.rn.com/nursing-news/update-on-alzheimers-what-nurses-should-know/

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? (2020). Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-alzheimers-disease

Do you need a similar assignment done for you from scratch? We have qualified writers to help you. We assure you an A+ quality paper that is free from plagiarism. Order now for an Amazing Discount!
Use Discount Code "Newclient" for a 15% Discount!

NB: We do not resell papers. Upon ordering, we do an original paper exclusively for you.