Alzheimer: Brain Disease And Memory Problems

Research Design Paper on Alzheimer [Name of the Writer] [Name of the Institution] [Subject] [Date] Research Design Paper on Alzheimer Introduction Alzheimer’s disease is a serious health issue that negatively impacts patients and their love ones. While Alzheimer disease is considered a disease of the brain and is associated with memory problems, it negatively affects the physical, emotional, psychological health and well-being of many elderly people in the United States (Hood &Leddy, 2013). Since there is still no cure for this disease, it is important for nurses to understand the healthcare needs of these patient/family members so that they can help them to manage the symptoms. Very few studies in the past have been carried out to evaluate the level of knowledge of the professionals regarding Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, there is a need to design a study to improve or enhance education and training of professionals (Prince et al., 2016). This amelioration can be in the form of identification of interventions that reduce cognitive decline and diverting the focus towards the strengths of Alzheimer’s disease instead of their weaknesses. Therefore, it is imperative that care staff has adequate knowledge of the needs of Alzheimer patients and their attitude are directed positively towards these patients to ensure fulfillment of their requirements. Considering the increased prevalence of Alzheimer in the elderly population of the United States, it is important to explore the knowledge and practices of care staff towards Alzheimer’s disease so that efforts can be directed towards improvement of psychological and physical health of Alzheimer’s disease. An increase in the number of older people means that there is increased number of vulnerable people at risk of development of Alzheimer’s disease. This particular research aimed to explore the attitudes and knowledge of care staff towards patients suffering from Alzheimer disease. Literature Review Alzheimer’s disease is a type of memory loss called dementia. This disease causes problems with behavior, thinking and memory. It is a physical disease that affects the neurological system of brain. In this disease, the proteins get accumulated in the brain and form bundles called as tangles and plaques. Alzheimer’s disease is adversely affecting the society by increasing mortality rates in America. It is the sixth leading cause of mortalities in America. In America, five million people are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and majority of these victims are under the age of 65 years (Doerr, 2015). The mortality rates due to Alzheimer’s disease have increased up to 68% in 2000 to 2010. These rates are expected to increase two times by 2030. The American Government has spent $200 billion directly to treat the Alzheimer’s patients. In this dedicated amount, $140 billion amount was provided to Medicaid and Medicare. The reason behind this increased amount is the association of Alzheimer’s disease with other co morbidities. It is difficult for the doctors to treat other co morbidities in patients who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and the family members have to provide or serve as caregivers which further increase the cost of treatment (Braun et al., 2014). Traditionally, nursing was concerned mainly with healing, but the field of nursing has transformed significantly in the last few decades and nurses today are expected to fulfil a number of roles. However, the most basic and important role continues to be that of a caregiver. Nurses need to probe the development of behavioral concerns with the patients and the caregivers as attending to such disturbances is critical for successful Alzheimer’s disease management (Rosdhal et al., 2012). Research Design of Study Generally, there are two types of research designs that are used by the researchers, including quantitative research and qualitative research. This particular study has adopted a quantitative research design followed by a descriptive analysis of the data gathered. Process of Recruitment The process of recruitment of potential participants commenced with the dissemination of the questionnaire to the units at the community based hospital. Participants were provided information about various aspects of the study to ensure that their participation is based on a voluntary basis. Identification of the potential participants was performed, depending on inclusion and exclusion criteria of the research. An approach was made to three wards in a community hospital based intermediate care units for initiating the recruitment of participants. This assured that all the members of care staff at the unit are recruited for the study. Consent was not obtained from the participants as it was not necessitated by the research; therefore, recruitment was performed following the intention of care staff at the care unit to participate in the study. Population and Sampling The population of this study included the staff members of the care unit who are involved in the care and management of patients with Alzheimer disease. This study utilized purposive sampling technique in order to select the participants. Application of purposive sampling involved classification of the subjects in accordance with the criteria that was based on the problem of the study. Target population was identified by the researcher that matched the identified characteristics of the potential participants. It facilitated the collection of information that was directed towards the topic that was being studied because the participants included care staff. It was possible through this strategy of sampling to obtain the information that was related to the variables. Therefore, this strategy was selected so that only care staff was recruited that can provide information that address the research questions and aim of the research. The sample of this study included sixty-five care staff members (N=65) from three wards in a community hospital based intermediate care units. This care team is comprises of administrators, clinical support workers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, unit managers and consultants. Data Collection This study...