Home Health Care Services for Alzheimer's Patients and Their Research Paper

Home Health Care Services for Alzheimer's Patients and Their Caregivers - Research Paper Example The paper throws light on Alzheimer disease, incurable diseases that worsen with age and eventually lead to death. Alzheimer sufferers in 2006 were 26.6 million. It is predicted that, by 2050, it will affect 1 in every 85 people worldwide. Alzheimer disease symptoms can easily be confused with other age related diseases. The first, early symptoms of Alzheimer are trouble in remembering events that may have occurred recently. It is confirmed using behavioral evaluations, thinking abilities and brain scan tests. At an advanced stage, symptoms include irritability, confusion, aggression, trouble with language mood swings, long term memory loss, withdrawal from family and society, loss of body functions, which leads to eventual death. Researchers infer that the life expectancy after diagnosis relatively seven years with three percent of patients living for more than fourteen years after diagnosis. There are several possible, suggested ways that can be used to delay symptoms in older indi viduals. These ways include a balanced diet, exercise and mental stimulation. These ways can effectively manage the symptoms, therefore, making the patient more comfortable. Since Alzheimer disease is incurable and degenerative, the patient depends on care given by other people. In most cases, the role of the caregiver is usually taken by taken a close relative or the spouse. Alzheimer disease places a massive burden on the caregivers. This places pressure on the caregiver’s life involving psychological, social, economic and physical aspects of his or her life. It is also extremely expensive disease to the family and society. United States and other countries are carrying out research on Alzheimer disease seeking its treatment and prevention. Professional home health agencies give support to the care givers. If the caregiver knows the services rendered by the agencies and know the right time to transit from home to palliative care, gives the caregiver respite and peace. Preve ntion as the basis for effective home care There is no absolute evidence that supports measures as effective in preventing Alzheimer disease. Studies conducted globally regarding delaying and prevention of the disease show inconsistent results. However, there have been proposed relationships between some factors such as diet, pharmaceutical products and cardiovascular risks in relation to developing the disease. Cardiovascular risks factors like diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and smoking are associated with a risk of Alzheimer disease. It is proposed that Mediterranean diet that includes fruits and vegetables, wheat, cereals, fish, red wine and olive oil reduces the risk of this disease. However, there is little evidence to prove that moderate use of alcohol specifically red wine lowers the risk of Alzheimer disease. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce inflammation associated with amyloidal plaques, which increases the chances to be affected by Alzheimer disea se. Research as also shown that people who get involved in intellectual activities, for example, playing board games, reading, completing crossword puzzles, regular social involvement and playing musical instruments are at a lower risk of getting Alzheimer disease. Medical marijuana has been found to hinder the progress of the disease. It prevents by hindering formation of deposits associated with brain disease. However, cannabinoids have not been found to improve or treat the disease. Environmental factors such as metal intake especially aluminum and exposure to solvents increases the risk of Alzheimer although these studies have been criticized based on credibility and accuracy. Management and home based care for Alzheimer patients As explained earlier, there is no absolute cure for Alzheimer disease. The medication available offers small symptomatic help but remains in palliative in nature. The current treatment they can be given to Alzheimer patients