Exploring Memory Disorders- Key Findings from Recent Research on Alzheimers Disease 

Exploring Memory Disorders- Key Findings from Recent Research on Alzheimers Disease 

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a marked loss of cognitive functionalities. It is the most common form of dementia, accounting for more than two-thirds of all cases. In their article, Weller & Budson, 2018 analyzed and documented findings on Alzheimer’s disease (AD), emphasizing the challenges faced by Alzheimer’s patients and the treatment options available.

Alzheimer’s disease has an insidious onset and causes progressive impairment in cognition and behavior. Memory, judgment, language, attention, and comprehension are some of the functionalities that are greatly impaired in Alzheimer’s disease. Short-term memory loss is an identifiable early sign of the disease. This is then followed by marked impairment in judgment, disorganization, and lack of motivation.

According to Weller & Budson, 2018,  care provision in Alzheimer’s presents considerable challenges to the caregivers and the patients themselves. AD patients experience unique problems that are attributable to their disease. These include loss of cognition, memory and speaking abilities, behavioral changes, immobility, and inability to participate in routine activities. These physiologic alterations often impact the social, psychological, and physical well-being of these patients. The overall results are evident in individual incarcerations and reduction in the quality of life of these individuals. The patients’ caregivers and families are often faced with complexities that care provision to AD patients often presents. These complexities are relatable to the patient’s behavior and include aggression and combativeness, restlessness, insomnia, repetitive actions, incontinence, and confusion. Patients’ caregivers are tasked with understanding their patients’ behaviors and acting appropriately to relieve their suffering.

Alzheimer’s is a chronic progressive condition that is not curable. However, treatment modalities have been developed that slow progression of the disease and improve the quality of life of these individuals. Two classes of drugs used in Alzheimer’s exist; Cholinesterase inhibitors and N-Methyl D-Aspartate (NMDA) antagonists. Cholinesterase inhibitor drugs include donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine and NMDA antagonists include memantine. Cholinesterase inhibitors are used in all stages of the disease, while memantine is used in moderate to severe cases.

The article by Weller & Budson (2018) discusses in-depth, the current understanding in AD, laying emphasis on the current methods used in its diagnosis, treatment, and the societal impacts of the disease.

References

Weller, J., & Budson, A. (2018). Current understanding of Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis and treatment. F1000research, 7, 1161. https://doi.org/10.12688/

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In this assignment forum, you will read a current events article or scientific journal article about a memory disorder of your choice (Alzheimer’s Disease, Korsakoff’s Syndrome, Traumatic Brain Injury/Concussion, or other types of Dementia) and share the findings with your classmates.

Exploring Memory Disorders- Key Findings from Recent Research on Alzheimer’s Disease

Refer to the Unit 4 Assignment Forum complete instructions and grading rubric. Unit 4 Assignment Forum complete instructions and grading rubric. – Alternative Formats