Alzheimer's disease (AD) Research Proposal
Introduction
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is accounted to be the most diagnosed causative force of dementia being responsible for over 50 percent of all dementia cases in America and across the globe (Alzheimer Association, 2017). AD is a rather progressive brain disorder that mainly affects intelligence judgment as well as behavior, language difficulty and the loss of memory. Alzheimer falls under the dementia category. Dementia can best be described as a disorder that is acquired from intellectual impairment of substantial severity that affects social or psychological functioning based on the dysfunction of the brain (Turkington & Mitchell, 2010). The dementia of Alzheimer normally incorporates the impairment of memory, cognitive shortfalls, and impaired functioning. Alzheimer affects the aging populace most from 50 years (Alzheimer Association., 2017). The illness is mainly known based on its severe amnesia and further shortfalls in functioning, language, focus and constructional capabilities.
Research Questions
- What are the general effects of Alzheimer’s illness?
- What are some of the available treatment options and diagnosis?
- What is the leading statistics leading the illness in America and close the globe?
Hypothesis
Alzheimer is accounted to be the sixth leading death cause among the aging population in America and mainly affect men and women in close rates.
Specific Aims
The purpose of this report is to establish the general Alzheimer’s effects and demographics in America. In addition, the research will seek to determine the existing treatment options and the acquired outcome.
Background and Literature
Alzheimer’s illness currently affects over 5.5 million older persons in America (Lu & Bludau, 2011). Despite the fact that it is rare cases diagnosed in persons between forty and 60 years it is more common in persons exceeding 65 years that affecting the quality and the extent of their living up to 75 years. With every five years above 65 the occurrence double (Lu & Bludau, 2011). Alzheimer is today the most common drive of institutionalization for the long run care as it destructs the productive life of those that are affected thus frustrating families both psychologically and emotionally. It is highly likely for patients with Alzheimer to experience personality and judgment impairment based on the dysfunction of the major parts of the brain. Alzheimer affects both genders but women are the most affected which is attributed to psychological issues and illnesses such as depression. It is projected that the number of those that are affected with increased up to 16 million by 2050 as for every one minute one individual in America acquires Alzheimer (Lu & Bludau, 2011).
Alzheimer is psychologically and socio-economically expensive (Turkington & Mitchell, 2010). In that, it is not only those that are diagnosed with the disorder that is affected but also their families in general as most of them are forced to leave their occupations to offer care to the victims. This leads to emotional and financial stress as the primary sources of income are blocked. It is accounted that in 2017 Alzheimer and other dementias cost accounted for 295 billion dollars for healthcare services (Alzheimer Association, 2017). The general cost is bound to rise to $1.2 trillion dollars in less than 20 years (Alzheimer Association, 2017). The uninsured persons are the most affected based on the high cost of treatment and the high living expenses due to high need of care. When compared to several chronic illnesses such as heart failure Alzheimer accounts for more deaths (Lu & Bludau, 2011).
Methodology
The study will utilize a mixed methodology following a descriptive design. In that, a qualitative research will be conducted by selecting 50 people affected by the Alzheimer at the moderate stage where the signs are apparent as the sample population. This population will be utilized to establish the general effects of the illness and the effectiveness of the current treatment options. The selection criteria will be to utilize an equal number of men and women above the age of 65 years. Consent forms will be signed by guardians to ensure that the responses are confidential and the participation is voluntary. Data will be acquired through questionnaire filling and interviews.
Conclusion
Alzheimer Disease is accounted to be among the leading death causes among the aging population in America affecting men and women in close related rates. Amidst at least three aged individuals one is bound to die due to Alzheimer's. Based on reports the illness leads to the deterioration of health among those affected thus increasing the vulnerability of the rise of other illnesses such as heart issues and depression. The effects of the illness cannot only be ignored as a common aspect of aging as its effects are beyond aging. Most families are suffering both financially and psychologically due to this illness and the number is bound to rise in the coming years.
References
Alzheimer Association. (2017). 2017 Alzheimer’s disease Facts And Figures. Retrieved from http://www.alz.org/facts/
Lu, L. C., & Bludau, J. (2011). Alzheimer's disease. Santa Barbara, Calif: Greenwood.
Turkington, C., & Mitchell, D. R. (2010). The encyclopedia of Alzheimer's disease. New York: Facts on File.
Consent Form
Dear participant,
My name is…………………. A student at…………… and I am requesting you to participate in a research project about Alzheimer’s disease. We are seeking for you to complete a questionnaire being administered to Alzheimer’s patients. The primary objective of this survey is to gain knowledge in regard to the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and the effectiveness of the current treatment options. The survey will mainly focus on asking questions related to the illness and its effects on victims and family. It is our belief that the data acquired from the study will be useful for individual’s understanding in regard to the illness and the role of the society and policy developers in addressing the issue.
Your response to this survey will be accounted as confidential and no personal data will be linked with the analysis. Complete privacy is guaranteed and the report will only be used for educational purposes. Your participation is deliberate as you may draw your participation in any state without any explanation. The survey will only take 20 minutes.
For further information regarding the study please contact ………………
By signing below you will agree to participate
Signature……………
Date …………….
