Introduction
Community-based long-term planning has developed over time. Today, a higher level of specialized knowledge and organizational lessons may be used to better the healthcare system. It is important to note that a holistic well-being assessment for the aged is based on the assumption that they have greater physical and emotional health and cognitive health than younger people (Anderson et al., 2020). Furthermore, the rising number of older persons has influenced the necessity for regular medical examinations. Most older people start experiencing physical changes in their bodies around age 65 (Alzheimer’s Association, 2018). However, these changes vary depending on the individual’s physical attributes. Additionally, the majority of elderly persons who are not institutionalized in nursing facilities are unable to get the care they need. Thus, the overall health of older individuals should be considered while they receive care. The essay discusses Alzheimer’s disease and its impacts on the population, culture, and finances, highlighting the current treatments available to alleviate some symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected.
Problem Definition
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disorder that primarily affects older people. The disease is the most common form of dementia in older people, characterized by a gradual but continuous deterioration in mental function and the death of brain cells (Alzheimer’s Association, 2018). Alzheimer’s is characterized by the decline of nerve cells and neurodegeneration in specific brain regions, including the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex (Alzheimer’s Association, 2018). There have been many studies on what causes Alzheimer’s disease, but the specific cause is still unknown. Alzheimer’s Association (2018) postulated that the condition resulted from a combination of hereditary, environmental, and behavioral risk factors but acknowledged that the precise origin of the disease remained unclear. Currently, no cure can completely reverse the effects of the disease. However, certain drugs are available to help alleviate the symptoms for a short period.
Population Affected
Age and gender are key risk factors for the development of Alzheimer’s disease in a person. Women are more prone than males to suffer from this condition (Alzheimer’s Association, 2018). Besides, the Alzheimer’s Association (2018) further argues that adults, particularly the elderly, are the most often afflicted by Alzheimer’s. These individuals will encounter various neurological issues after being diagnosed with this illness, including memory loss, difficulties finishing tasks, and even behavioral abnormalities (Alzheimer’s Association, 2018). Some ethnic groups may also be affected by Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association (2018), African Americans have a substantially greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease than Whites. The disease is a prevalent and debilitating condition that primarily affects women and elderly individuals, with some ethnic groups being at a higher risk.
Cultural Implications
Culture plays a significant role in shaping attitudes and beliefs about Alzheimer’s disease and the elderly population affected by the disease. Americans’ negative societal views of the elderly and those with dementia date back many generations (Krishnamurthi et al., 2022). However, attitudes towards the elderly and those living with dementia have changed for the better in recent years. The social stigma associated with Alzheimer’s disease is one cultural effect. Dementia is still stigmatized in specific communities, leaving those who suffer from it and their loved ones feeling embarrassed and alone (Krishnamurthi et al., 2022). This discrimination may make people reluctant to ask for assistance, which can hasten their decline and further stress their caretakers.
Financial Implications
The financial impact of the disease on the elderly is substantial, as the cost of caring for and supporting those with the disease continues to rise. According to a study by O’Hanlon et al. (2019), the estimated cost of caring for these patients in the United States is $277 billion and is expected to surpass $1 trillion by 2050. Similarly, the total cost of lifetime care, including Medicare, Medicaid, out-of-pocket expenses, and informal care for someone with dementia, was estimated at $341,840 in 2017 dollars (Alzheimer’s Association, 2018). Furthermore, the expenses of institutional care, such as nursing homes, and the financial strain faced by caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients add to the burden.
Legally, as memory loss and cognitive decline set in, individuals with Alzheimer’s may become vulnerable to financial exploitation and may need someone to manage their finances and make financial decisions for them. A durable power of attorney for finances or a trust can be established to ensure that the individual’s assets are protected and used in their best interests (Smedinga et al., 2020). Finally, informed consent is a key ethical issue related to Alzheimer’s disease, as it can impact an individual’s ability to understand and agree to medical treatments and interventions. For instance, if a person is unable to comprehend the risks and benefits of a particular treatment, they may not be able to provide informed consent, which can lead to ethical dilemmas for healthcare providers.
The Interventions
In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help improve symptoms of Alzheimer’s and slow down the progression of the disease. The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved two classes of medicine for treating Alzheimer’s disease: cholinesterase inhibitors like Razadyne and Exelon and memantine like Namenda (Alzheimer’s Association, 2018). However, it is crucial to remember that these drugs may have a wide range of potential adverse effects on the patient’s body, from mild to severe, leading to a partly dysfunctional state of health.
Physical Exercise
Physical activity is a beneficial intervention for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Regular physical exercise has several advantages that may assist in reducing symptoms and decreasing disease development in the aged population. For instance, physical activity has been demonstrated to promote cardiovascular health, boost blood flow to the brain, and increase the synthesis of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that aids brain cell development and survival (Alzheimer’s Association, 2018). These benefits may enhance cognitive performance, lower the likelihood of getting the disease, and decrease the advancement of the illness in those who already have it.
Resources
Several resources are available to help the aged population deal with Alzheimer’s disease, including government initiatives, non-profit groups, and commercial sector resources. Government programs, for instance, Medicaid and Medicare, give financial help to Alzheimer’s patients and their families (Alzheimer’s Association, 2018). Additionally, the contributions of charitable organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association are also crucial in enhancing the quality of life for those living with the disease and their loved ones. These organizations provide a wide range of help to those in need, from emotional support to educational opportunities to material aid. Finally, private sector resources, such as private and long-term care insurance, may aid with the financial burden of Alzheimer’s disease. These resources may assist in paying for medical treatment and additional expenditures such as home care and respite care.
Intervention Costs
The cost of interventions for Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the type of intervention, the severity of the disease, and the individual’s health insurance coverage. The cost of physical exercise for Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly can range from free to several hundred dollars per session. For example, community-based exercise programs and senior centers may offer free or low-cost exercise programs for the elderly. On the other hand, private personal training sessions can cost anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour (Yadav, 2019). Similarly, medication expenses for the disease can be significant. The average cost of donepezil (Aricept), a commonly prescribed drug for Alzheimer’s, is approximately $200 to $400 per month, while other drugs, such as memantine (Namenda), can cost even more (Yadav, 2019). Additionally, a person’s health insurance coverage can influence the cost of medication.
Intervention Sustainability
Physical activity has been extensively examined and proved to be an effective therapy for Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly. It has been shown to enhance cognitive performance and slow disease progression (Alzheimer’s Association, 2018). However, its long-term viability depends on various aspects, including the availability of physical activities appropriate for the old, and their capacity to engage in physical activities. As the older population grows, so will the need for appropriate physical activities that are accessible, inexpensive, and safe, posing a challenge to the long-term viability of physical exercise as an intervention. Furthermore, drugs such as Cholinesterase inhibitors have been reported to improve some of the symptoms temporarily. However, the effectiveness of these medications declines with time, and they may ultimately be ineffective in managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (Alzheimer’s Association, 2018). This may necessitate using newer, costlier medications, posing a tremendous financial strain on the elderly and their families.
Conclusion
Alzheimer’s disease is a complex and challenging condition affecting the affected individuals, their families, and their communities. Despite being incurable, various treatments, including medications and lifestyle changes, can help to alleviate the symptoms and improve the quality of life for affected individuals. However, the high cost of care, social stigma, and the burden on caregivers make it a major challenge for those affected by the disease. Interventions to address the issue, including medications and physical exercise, are crucial to improving the lives of those with Alzheimer’s and their families.
References
Anderson, T. S., Marcantonio, E. R., McCarthy, E. P., & Herzig, S. J. (2020). National trends in potentially preventable hospitalizations of older adults with dementia. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 68(10), 2240–2248. Web.
Alzheimer’s Association. (2018). 2018 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 14(3), 367-429. Web.
Krishnamurthi, R. V., Dahiya, E. S., Bala, R., Cheung, G., Yates, S., & Cullum, S. (2022). Lived experience of dementia in the New Zealand Indian community: a qualitative study with family caregivers and people living with dementia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(3), 1–15. Web.
O’Hanlon, J., Jacobson, E. D., & Perillo, K. (2019). The Role of Senior Centers in Mitigating Alzheimer’s and Other Forms of Dementia. Institute for Public Administration. The Role of Senior Centers in Mitigating Alzheimer’s and Other Forms of Dementia (udel.edu)
Smedinga, M., Bunnik, E. M., Richard, E., & Schermer, M. H. (2021). The framing of “Alzheimer’s disease”: Differences between scientific and lay literature and their ethical implications. The Gerontologist, 61(5), 746-755. Web.
Yadav, G. R. (2019). Effect of rTMS in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Sham Controlled Study (Doctoral dissertation, Ranchi university). ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.