Alzheimer disease

Alzheimer disease

Name

Institution

Introduction

Alzheimer disease is a form of dementia and has no cure. As it progresses, the disease worsens and the victims eventually die. In most cases, the illness is diagnosed in individuals who are over 65 years. There are many symptoms that manifest themselves and include stress in early stages. (Bianchetti & Trabucchi, 2010).There is also short-term loss of memory, but tests can be carried out to confirm that the victim has dementia or not. Caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease is overwhelming and stressful. For that reason, it is advisable that caregivers also take care of themselves to avoid being stressed. This report endeavors to explain about the research methods conducted on Alzheimer’s caregivers and the resources needed to assist them overcome challenges faced when caring for Alzheimer’s patients.

Types of research studies used

Observational research

One of the research studies I employed is observational research. The paramount characteristic of this method is that the phenomena were observed and recorded. The study was qualitative in nature and entailed extensive notes based on the interviews and observations of the victims. I wrote a detailed report with analysis with regards to Alzheimer’scaregivers. During this research study, I discovered that themajority of the caregivers are in denial about the disease and the effects it causes on their loved ones. Secondly, Alzheimer’scaregivers are often angry at the person suffering from the disease especially if the individual keeps asking questions due to frequent memory loss. This irritates the caregivers who do not have aninkling of what is going on.

Another characteristic that I noted on the care givers is that they are anxious about the future. The future to them is uncertain, and they are afraid if the patients will demand more care from them in the future. They are also depressed, and most of them have broken spirits that affect their ability to cope. They often don’t care anymore about what happens to them or to their loved ones. I also noted that the caregivers are exhausted and are unable to complete their daily tasks that are mandatory (Mace & Rabins, 1999).

I also observed that the caregivers experience sleeplessness that is caused by a wide range of concerns about their loved ones. They also lose concentration, and it becomes quite difficult for them to perform familiar tasks. They forget about appointments and quickly get irritated that result to moodiness that eventually triggers negative actions and responses. The Alzheimer’scaregivers also socially withdraw from friends as well as those activities that brought pleasure to them.

Participants

Those that were targets of the research were the caregivers of the Alzheimer’s disease patients who mainly included the close family members. These individuals included the spouses and children of those suffering from the disease. Majority of this care givers experience burnout, loneliness, stress, anxiety and sadness. It is, therefore, important that resources be put in place to mitigate these effects.  They have grief experiences watching their loved one experience memory loss and at the same time their skills erode. The family members become uncertain of the future, and the entire process ofcare giving is quite exhausting (Granser & Ribat, 2009).

Materials

            I used a number of materials to aid me compile data for my research. First of all, I used a number of books to gain facts and knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease and the grievous effects it has on caregivers and the resources needed to help them overcome the challenges they face. Secondly, I used a number of academic databases that linked me to edited collections of facsimiles, journals and essays in electronic forms through the University’s library website. The internet was also an important material for my research that gave me general information about the disease.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we see that the task of caring for loved ones that are cognitively-impaired can be a hectic and requires attention, meticulous planning and skills. Most of the caregivers eventually fall into the trap of eventually neglecting their health and require a lot of emotional and physical support for them to provide the best care for their loved ones. Caregivers need to update their skills of care giving by reading books, attending various workshopsas well as having online training resources that will enhance their skills. Caregivers should also join support groups where they will learn from other people’s experiences.

Alzheimer disease

Name

Institution

Introduction

Alzheimer disease is a form of dementia and has no cure. As it progresses, the disease worsens and the victims eventually die. In most cases, the illness is diagnosed in individuals who are over 65 years. There are many symptoms that manifest themselves and include stress in early stages. (Bianchetti & Trabucchi, 2010).There is also short-term loss of memory, but tests can be carried out to confirm .............