Acupuncture:
This traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves use of fine needles or use of lasers has been practiced for ages in East Asia as an alternative treatment of memory impairment and enhancing cognition seen in dementia and AD. Revitalizing energy flow and pathways in the body to restore the functioning is considered to the foundation of acupuncture. There is growing evidence on the effectiveness of the use of acupuncture as an effective treatment and/or complementary therapy for AD. Decreasing the neuronal death, inhibiting cell apoptosis and regulating the GSK3 /acetylcholinesterase levels are some of the suggested molecular mechanisms of acupuncture therapy in AD. There is also increasing evidence in AD rat models, of
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Through coordinated performance of these molecules, acupuncture is suggested to promote memory and learning. Electroacupuncture incorporates use of a mild electrical current passing through acupuncture needles have also shown to have neuroprotective effects in the learning and memory centers of the brain that might prevent senile dementia [43]. Electro acupuncture might have greater benefits compared to manual acupuncture since this technique is more standardized and better measurable. Moxibustion is a technique that is often combined with acupuncture. Moxibustion incorporates heat therapy in the form of a burning, heated stick that is generally kept close to the body without touching the skin surface. In AD rat models, moxibustion therapy with acupuncture shows significant reduction in the neuronal death rate and reduced neural edema with improved learning and memory [43]. Moxibustion, by itself can hinder the progression and be used for treatment of senile dementia, even though a combination of acupuncture and moxibustion can provide a better neuroprotective effect. This therapeutic combination increases the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores and improves the cognitive function of AD individuals with fewer adverse events …show more content…
In fact, the complexity of the disease makes it very important to be able to use approaches that focus on multiple aspects of the disease with minimal side effects. Based on the clinical evidence published, alternative therapy components discussed in this review should be considered as an adjunct intervention as part of the treatment paradigm with current pharmacological options. There is a huge scope for alternative therapy research that might be beneficial in other aspects of AD as well. Expanding the research in this field will provide acceptance and incorporation of this practice into the mainstream medical practice and also promote investigations that can be useful in the development of newer drugs with a novel mechanism of action. Lack of standardized methods is a drawback in many aspects of alternative therapy research for AD, which could lead to inconsistencies in the studies; hence it is imperative to evaluate the effects of non-pharmacological interventions in larger controlled studies with standardized methods. Alternative therapies can provide symptomatic benefits and caregiver and mitigate the stress of the family and caregivers along with reducing the healthcare burden associated with institutionalizing, caring and treating AD. Non-pharmacological alternative therapy should eventually be part of the standard care treatment for AD to reduce the neurocognitive deficits, associated behavioral and
Pain management. (n.d.) Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing. (2012). Retrieved April 30 2014 from http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/pain+management
It is evident from the literature that, the adverse effects of dementia make changes in patients quality of life by changing their behavioural and functional abilities including expression of feelings or communicational skills. As a result, it becomes a challenge for the health care provider to assess or identify pain or symptoms of pain in dementia patients when they are unable to articulate their needs. Using a pain measurement tool helps the health care provider to meet this challenge, thus improve the pain management in persons with severe cognitive impairment. Throughout the research, in order to find out the suitable diagnostic tool for pain assessment in patients with advanced dementia, author reviewed studies on different pain assessment
Liu, F., Li, Z., Jiang, Y., & Chen, L. (2014). A meta-analysis of acupuncture use in the treatment of cognitive impairment after stroke. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 20(7), 535-544.
Sarris, J., Kean, J., Schweitzer, I., & Lake, J. (2011). Complementary medicines (herbal and nutritional products) in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A systematic review of the evidence. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 19(4), 216-27. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2011.06.007
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Alzheimer’s disease is a complex illness that affects the brain tissue directly and undergoes gradual memory and behavioral changes which makes it difficult to diagnose. It is known to be the most common form of dementia and is irreversible. Over four million older Americans have Alzheimer’s, and that number is expected to triple in the next twenty years as more people live into their eighties and nineties. (Johnson, 1989). There is still no cure for Alzheimer’s but throughout the past few years a lot of progress has been made.
Acupuncture originated in China and it has been practice for more than 2000 years now. This modality is considered the main treatment within the traditional Chinese medicine. Its main concept is the conviction that the body possesses hidden channels identified as meridians. These channels allows for the flow of energy which is considered a vital life force through all the body. Acupuncture modality believes that when this energy becomes obstructed or imbalanced, sickness and symptoms can build up. It is only when this energy becomes unblocked by stimulating focal points in the meridians that health can be achieved again (Cherry & Jacob, 2010).
Alzheimer’s disease is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that becomes more prevalent with age. Discovered by German psychologist Alois Alzheimer in 1906, it is associated with a memory loss, speech impediment, and dementia. In Canada alone, 500,000 people suffer from this terrible disease and the number of cases is predicted to double by 2031[7]. Worldwide, nearly 44 million people are believed to be experiencing Alzheimer’s disease and every 68 seconds, someone in the United States of America develops Alzheimer’s [8]. Alzheimer’s disease is also the sixth leading cause of death in North America. Furthermore, it is the only leading cause of death that is still increasing in prevalence. Not only fatal, Alzheimer’s is also severely crippling for all the friends and family that are affected by the patient. The memory loss and dementia that is directly linked to Alzheimer’s disease can cause the patient to forget the identity of their loved ones. For the people that have known the patient for many years, this can be very devastating. The long and terrible journey from an able-bodied and functioning member of society to a barely self-sufficient person is not a pleasant one. Undoubtedly, Alzheimer’s disease needs to be cured not only for those suffering from the affliction, but for their loved ones who have to endure the fateful journey as well.
...t one has it. Many scientists hypothesize that there is an inflammatory response in the brain when there is an extensive B-42 amassing. To slow or stop this, scientists theorize that the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, could delay the swelling in the brain. Also, as scientists have known that taking a multi-vitamin tablet each day is good for you, there has been recent research demonstrating that the use of antioxidants may protect neurons, not just the immune system and keeping the body healthy by providing vitamins and minerals. These special supplements protect the neurons from the effects of the accruing B-Amyloid that would likely cause the plaque that causes AD.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the leading causes of death in America and there are currently more than five million people living with the disease (Alzheimer’s Association, 2014). What may be most troubling about these numbers is the fact that Alzheimer’s disease has no current cure. Alzheimer’s disease is a neurocognitive disorder and a common form of dementia that will affects a person’s memory, way of thinking and their behavior (Alzheimer’s Association, 2014). AD typically develops slowly and the more time a person has the disease the worse the symptoms will become. AD in its later stages becomes so severe that people with the disease cannot even do simple daily tasks. Although there is no cure there are still ways to prevent, delay, and possibly treat the disease.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, and this terminal, progressive brain disorder has no known cause or cure. Its greatest known risk factor is increasing age which is why is it is infamous for developing in the elderly, typically in ages 65 or over, however for the 5%(1) that develop Alzheimer’s in their 40s or 50s it is known as early Alzheimer’s. Because Alzheimer’s worsens over time, those with it tend to struggle with completing daily tasks especially elderly people. Given that there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, the treatments available slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. It is not known what causes Alzheimer's, however, those with Alzheimer's have been found to have abnormal amounts of protein (amyloid plaques) and fibres.(The amyloid plaques and fibres are found in regions of the brain where problem solving and thinking take place e.g The cerebrum.) Due to the unusual amounts of amyloid plaques and fibres, it reduces the effectiveness of healthy neurons and eventually, destroying them.
A myth about Alzheimer disease says that nothing can be done about the disease. This is not true. Much can be done to assist the person with Alzheimer’s disease to maintain the highest possible level of functioning as long as possible and in providing the highest quality of life.
Delirium, Depression, and Dementia are some of the most common psychological diagnoses in the elderly today. The three D’s are difficult to differentiate between in older adults because they overlap with each other and can all exist in the same patient at once. Delirium, Dementia, and Depression all affect the elderly’s quality of life and often increase the risks for one another (Downing, Caprio & Lyness, 2013). For the purpose of this paper I will be focusing primarily on the diagnosis of Dementia, the prevention, and nursing measures associated with it, but first I would like to differentiate between Delirium and Depression because Dementia is often associated with the two in the older adult population.
Introduction This assignment critically discusses dementia, a widespread disability among older adults today. It provides an introduction to dementia and analyses its prevalence in society. The various forms of dementia are elaborated with descriptions of dysfunctions and symptoms. Nursing Assessment and Interventions are provided in the further sections which discuss actions nurses should take while evaluating patients and treating them.