Koreolev, I. “Alzheimer’s Disease: A Clinical and Basic Science Review.

” Medical Student

Research Journal 04 (2014): 25-33.

This article acknowledges the advancements that have been made in line with diagnostic and

therapeutic options available for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). The study also

explained different processes that help patients with AD (Magnetic Resonance Imaging,

Positron Emission Tomography, and Fluid Biomarkers), all of which contribute to a faster and

more accurate way of observing the brain status. Their study also includes a brief introduction

of the disease, along with a comparison of AD’s prevalence figures from other diseases such

as Asthma, Diabetes, Arthritis, and Hypertension. The researchers have also emphasized the

importance of knowing and understanding the internal and external factors that could be used

to set biomarkers as basis of early detection. This is a helpful source for acquiring more

understanding in terms of the biological aspect of Alzheimer’s disease. Their conducted

research serves as a significant marker as to how far we have come, in terms of diagnosis at

the earliest phase possible, that can serve as a basis for developing new interventions.
Gallagher, D., & Herrmann, N. “Agitation and aggression in Alzheimer’s disease: An Update on

Pharmacological and Psychosocial Approaches to Care.” Future Science Group 5 (2015): 77-

83.

The study tackles the patient-caregiver system within an Alzheimer’s community, particularly

the effects of agitation and aggression manifested by individuals with AD. In addition, the

study presents the importance of undergoing through a comprehensive process of assessment,

prior to the formulation of applicable and effective pharmacological, psychosocial and non-

pharmacological interventions. The paper has identified that the intertwining of disease-related

neurobiological factors and environmental elements, trigger a patient’s aggression and

agitation symptoms. Psychosocial intervention is an effective agent for easing a patient’s

unwanted behavior. Meanwhile, non-pharmacological approach is typically the first option

when it comes to interventions, however, most cases would require pharmacological

assistance. This research study is a good source for creating a framework on the psychosocial

and biological interventions Alzheimer’s disease. It is favorable that the study presented

unbiased information on different approaches to address aggression and agitation, laying down

more options for anyone who desires to conduct further studies. Despite the limitations set by

the reality at present, the study shows a progressive improvement, however, further studies and

investigations are necessary.

Duru Aşiret, G., & Kapucu, S. (2016). The effect of reminiscence therapy on cognition, depression,

and activities of daily living for patients with Alzheimer disease. Journal of geriatric

psychiatry and neurology, 29(1), 31-37.

This article shows an investigation conducted, regarding the effect of reminiscent therapy on

physical and psychological aspect of elderlies with Alzheimer’s disease. As the disease

progresses over time, it causes more neurological and behavioral dysfunction that leads to their

gradual dependence on assistive services. According to the study, non-pharmacological

approach, such as reminiscent therapies have become more important as it helps decelerate the

deteriorative side effects of AD, without manifestations of side effects. The data showed

evident emotional and cognitive improvement among the patients. The patients showed less of

depressive symptoms, and improvement on their self-esteem and psychological well-being.

The study is a good source of evidence to strengthen the direct impact of reminiscent therapy,

towards the betterment of a patient. This could also serve as a step towards formulating other

forms of reminiscent therapy, since it has showed a positive result. However, the study has

shown lack of external samples, and needs to be tested on a larger scale.

DeMarco, B. (2017, November 3). How Alzheimer’s affects the four memory systems of the brain.

Retrieved from http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2008/12/how-memory-is-affected-

in-alzheimers.html

The site talks about the four memory systems that are affected by Alzheimer’s disease—

episodic memory, semantic memory, procedural memory, and working memory. These

systems are in charge of our skills from basic to the most complex activities. As mentioned in

the article, as the disease progresses, brain damage increases, causing an individual’s failure

to perform basic and customary tasks such as talking, recalling, or even simply feeling

emotions. Episodic memories are in charge of the registration of new information and events.

Semantic memories are those more commonly known as general knowledge. Procedural

memory is our knowledge on how we perform certain activities unconsciously. Lastly, working

memory is responsible for short-term retention of information, such as phone numbers or street

address. The web article is a good source for knowing which brain systems are damaged at a

certain stage. It also states the different humanitarian functions that deteriorate in a patient with

AD, as the disease further progresses. However, the article could have improved on citing more

concrete situational examples of what happens when an individual’s particular brain system is

damaged.
Roth, D. L., Fredman, L., & Haley, W. E. (2015). Informal caregiving and its impact on health: A

reappraisal from population-based studies. The Gerontologist, 55(2), 309-319.

This article presents the struggles of informal caregivers (individuals who provide unpaid

assistive services in the daily lives of people who suffer from chronic illness and disabilities.

In addition, the study has also identified informal family caregiving, as a stressful and

burdensome. In addition, the study has presented that caregiving spouses aging from 66-96 are

projected to have 63% higher mortality rates than non-caregivers. In addition, a family

caregiver spends 10 years on taking care of a relative who suffers from illness. Familial

caregivers should be provided with services that shall equip them with sufficient tools and

knowledge to help them fulfill their role better. It was found that preparation for caregiving

prior to sickness can reduce stress and family conflict. Moreover, the study suggests the

importance of secondary caregivers to reduce the challenges. The study is a good source for

an in-depth understanding about the crucial role of caregivers toward the well-being of patients

who suffer from illnesses and disabilities. The study has shown a sufficient overview of how

caregiving family members perform their task. However, inconsistent information from

various sources have caused conflicts of interest at some points of the study, wherein

contrasting ideas were presented.

Richardson, T. J., Lee, S. J., Berg-Weger, M., & Grossberg, G. T. (2013). Caregiver health: health

of caregivers of Alzheimer’s and other dementia patients. Current psychiatry reports, 15(7),

367.

The study tackles the impact of caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease on the physical

and mental health of their caregivers. As mentioned in the journal, most caregivers come from

their own families, particularly wives and daughters. It is said that caregivers spend the

majority of their time caring for patients, that they are unable to perform proper exercise, and

healthy diet. Moreover, caregivers are also seen to have been experiencing mental and

behavioral disturbances, such as insomnia, depression, and different forms of anxieyty. The

study has presented the importance of a health-care providers’ knowledge on identifying a

struggling caregiver. This step allows them to formulate an applicable intervention, or

technique to address an affected caregiver’s depression and anxiety. In addition, it is important

that health care providers highlight the importance of caring for those who stand as care

providers for their loved ones with AD. The source is helpful for researchers exploring on the

social aspect of Alzheimer’s disease. It has presented the crucial role of caregivers towards a

patient’s well-being. It has also shown another side the disease, wherein a patient is not the

only one who suffers, but also other people involved in their everyday life.
Calkins, M. (2018). Designing a care facility. Retrieved from https://www.alz.org/professionals

_and_researchers_designing_a_care_facility.asp

The site talks about considerations in designing care facilities for individuals with Alzheimer’s

disease, such as ensuring security, and sufficient amount of stimulation As mentioned in the

article, facilities should provide all the needs through recognizing the behavioral changes and

remaining abilities of a patient. It is also important to create a setting where patients could stay

as independent as possible. These elements could be used to create a beneficial environment

for them, without having to compromise safety and comfort. Moreover, according to the

article, people with AD are easily overwhelmed upon encountering too much noise and

activity. It is preferable to create an environment that is positive and therapeutic. The article is

advantageous for those who are researching about an applicable design for patients with AD.

It serves as a good reference for knowing the areas for consideration toward creating a suitable

and harmless environment that provides maximal benefits. However, the study showed

inadequacy in terms of presenting the relevance of having to follow all the mentioned

provisions toward the well-being of a patient. It also lacks information on the rationale and

benefits of having to support each condition mentioned in the article.

Robertson, L. (01, August 2018). Activities for residents with Alzheimer’s. Retrieved from

https://www. atrainceu.com/course- module/3511846-200_adrd3-module-05

The article presents different activities that can be helpful and enjoyable for residents with

Alzheimer’s disease. As mentioned, different activities depend on the stage of disease they are

in, personal interests, and remaining physical and cognitive abilities. In addition, the article

suggests that there are physical activities, intellectual stimulation and social interaction, may

create a positive impact on depression, confusion and other challenging behaviors among

patients with AD. One option could be individual activities guided by caregivers of a family

member. Hence, a caregiver must know about the patient’s past lifestyle before moving in the

care facility. Each activity is set according to one’s level of Alzheimer’s disease—moderate,

mild, and severe. These activities include word games, letter writing, art/music, woodworking,

sewing, gardening, crafts, etc. Aside from individual activities, patients are also encouraged to

engage themselves into group activities to prevent isolation. These activities. are similarly

categorized according to a patient’s condition and interest. Activities include karaoke, outings,

crafts, etc. The article suggests a positive outlook on patients with Alzheimer’s disease, and

the importance of continuity despite their condition. The study serves as an optimal source for

researching on activities that can exercise and utilize the remaining abilities of a patient with

AD, instead of social and physical disengagement.

Shankar, A., Hamer, M., McMunn, A., & Steptoe, A. (2013). Social isolation and loneliness:

relationships with cognitive function during 4 years of follow-up in the English Longitudinal

Study of Ageing. Psychosomatic medicine, 75(2), 161-170.

The research presents an objective study about the relevance of social isolation and loneliness

toward cognitive function. It suggests that working around modifiable factors concerning aging

such as social relationships, may decelerate cognitive function deterioration. The research

involved data collection regarding the impact of loneliness and social isolation with cognitive

function within a span of 4 years, and has evidently shown negative results. This study is a

good source for proving the importance of remaining socially engaged towards the cognitive

well-being of an elderly. However, the study has presented inconclusive results, due to

inconsistency in data. As the purpose of the study was to present the relationship of both social

isolation and loneliness to cognitive function, the study has presented separate results. There

were also unforeseen factors affecting the results of the study, such as educational attainment,

marital status, work status, etc. Moreover, the study needed further follow-ups and further

research, for a stronger claim that social isolation and loneliness are both directly related to

cognitive function.
Cedervall, Y. (2014). Physical Activity and Alzheimer's Disease: Measurements, Observations and

Subjective Experiences.(1-27). (Doctoral dissertation, Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis).

The study tackles the importance of a maintained physical activity among individuals with

Alzheimer’s disease. Certain studies have shown that according to interviews of caregiving

spouses, they have mentioned that physical activity in their partner’s routine have helped lessen

their stress. It was emphasized that despite difficulties in multitasking that were encountered,

physical activities allows the establishment of continuity and self-hood among patients with

mild AD. The study has also presented models related to selfhood maintenance, which showed

that physical activities diverted their focus from AD-related behavioral changes, to fulfillment

of physical tasks. One of the activities done in-line with the research, involved walks by

patients, accompanied by their spouses. According to their partners, despite the enjoyment on

the patients’ part, there were certain limitations. However, their partners remained affirmative

of walks, because the disturbances they encountered were controllable. Overall, the research

is commendable for presenting mixed methods of investigation, presenting both qualitative

and quantitative data. As a result, readers are able to view the study from multiple perspectives.

It is also beneficial for researchers focused on understanding the contributions of physical

activity towards the well-being of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The paper serves as a

positive reminder that patients with AD are still capable of fulfilling physical tasks, despite

their condition.