Question

1. Discuss the care that may be required for patients with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Dementia, Anxiety disorders, Bipolar and depression disorders.

2. In your opinion which of these disorders would be easier to cope with as a patient and family member? Why?

Answer 1

QUESTION 1. Discuss the care that may be required for patients with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Dementia, Anxiety disorders, Bipolar and depression disorders.

ANSWER: ALZHEIMER'S

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible and progressive brain disorder that gradually impairs a person’s memory and thinking skills. It also slowly destroys a person’s ability to do simple tasks. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Symptoms of the disease generally present around the age of 65, but can appear earlier or later.^[1] Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be both difficult and rewarding. You can care for a person with the disease by providing support for the person’s health and wellbeing, creating a safe environment, and reducing frustrations.

1. Work with the individual’s team of health professionals. You are likely one caregiver who is part of a larger team working to keep the person happy and healthy.

2.Pay attention to medications. Many people with Alzheimer’s are on a regimen of medication to slow the disease’s progression and related symptoms such as anxiety or sleep changes.^[4] Make sure the person takes medication daily and gets prescription refills on time. This can help the person maintain brain health for a longer period of time.

• Read the dosing instructions for every medication the individual takes. Keep a notebook of medications to ensure the person takes the daily doses. Note the times the person takes the medication and any problems that may arise. This can also be vital information for other members of the care team.

3. Learn common Alzheimer’s medications and treatments. If you are giving the person medication, you may want to learn more about the treatment regimen. This can ensure that you are providing the best care and disease management options. Some of the most common medications and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease are:^[5]

• Cholinesterase inhibitors including donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine. These slow the process that breaks down one of the brain’s key neurotransmitters.
• Memantine, an NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor antagonist, that slows down neural cell damage.
• Sleep medications such as zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta)^[6]
• Anti-anxiety medications such as clonazepam, lorazepam

4. schedule regular appoinments at same time.

5.let the individual do as much as possible.

PARKINSON'S

person with Parkinson’s disease isn’t the only one who should be cared for. Caregivers must take care of themselves too. Being a caregiver can be a complicated and physically and emotionally draining experience.

1.. Be Involved

Doctors strongly encourage caregivers to attend doctor’s appointments. Your input may help the doctor understand how the disease is progressing, how the treatments are working, and what side effects are occurring.

As Parkinson’s disease progresses, dementia may make the patient’s memory worse. By going to the appointment, you can help remind your loved one what the doctor said or instructed. Your role during this time is especially important to the treatment plan.

2. . Establish a Team

Many family members, friends, and neighbors will be happy to help if you need to run errands or just take a break. Keep a handy list of people you can call on occasionally when you need help. Next, designate whom you should call for certain situations. Some people may be more helpful with certain tasks, like grocery shopping, mailing packages, or picking up children from school

3. look for a support group

4. Seek Professional Assistance

5. care for the caregiver

Parkinson’s disease begins very slowly, and typically starts with a small tremor in one hand or difficulty walking or moving. Because of this, the role of caregiving is often thrust on a person with very little warning or preparation. It’s important for the caregiver to become familiar with all aspects of the disease. This will ensure better care for the patient and an easier transition for the caregiver.

When a loved one is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, treatment for the disease should begin almost immediately. This is a time of major change not only for the person with Parkinson’s but also for you, the caregiver.

bipolar and anxiety

There are basically two ways you can have anxiety with bipolar disorder. First, it can be a symptom of the bipolar disorder itself. Secondly, you can have a separate anxiety condition in addition to bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder most commonly is diagnosed in persons between 18 and 24 years of age. The clinical presentations of this disorder are broad and include mania, hypomania and psychosis. Frequently associated comorbid conditions include substance abuse and anxiety disorders. Patients with acute mania must be evaluated urgently. Effective mood stabilizers include lithium, valproic acid and carbamazepine. A comprehensive management program, including collaboration between the patient's family physician and psychiatrist, should be implemented to optimize medical care.

Bipolar disorder is characterized by variations in mood, from elation and/or irritability to depression. This disorder can cause major disruptions in family, social and occupational life. Bipolar I disorder is defined as episodes of full mania alternating with episodes of major depression. Patients with mania often exhibit disregard for danger and engage in high-risk behaviors such as promiscuous sexual activity, increased spending, violence, substance abuse and driving while intoxicated.

COLLABORATIVE ONGOING CARE

Given the chronic nature of bipolar disorder and its impact on the entire family, it is important for the patient's family physician and psychiatrist to develop an effective and collaborative relationship. Informed collaboration depends on an agreed method of communication in a frequency that meets the needs of each physician.24 A Canadian model brings psychiatrists and counselors into family practice offices for shared care.25

At the onset of bipolar disorder, the family physician might seek psychiatric consultation for differential diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Often, the psychiatrist assumes responsibility for initial management until the patient's clinical pattern is determined. During follow-up, both physicians should monitor the patient for signs of psychosis, mood swings, violence and self-harmful behaviors. As the patient's illness stabilizes and management becomes routine, the physicians can renegotiate, with each other and with the patient, responsibility for ongoing care.

DEPRESSION AND DEMENTIA

Non-pharmacological methods should be the first-line intervention in treatment of depression in patients with dementia. Interventions targeting the patient as well as the caregiver are important. These may range from arranging a day care for the patient to participate in activities to educating the caregivers on different care giving skills.

QUESTION :2. In your opinion which of these disorders would be easier to cope with as a patient and family member? Why?

IN MY POINT OF VIEW ANXIETY DISORDER IS COMPARATIVELY EASIER TO COPE WITH PATIENT AND FAMILY MEMBERS THAN OTHER DISORDERS. Because compare with ANXIETY other disorders cause noticeable problems in day-to-day activities, such as work, school, social activities .