Health promotion program components for Alzheimer's disease patients

Health Promotion Program for Alzheimer's Patients

The objective of this study is to construct a health promotion program for Alzheimer's Patients. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is "a form of dementia that interferes with a person's intellectual and social functioning." (NCPAD, 2012) One of the primary concerns for the individual with Alzheimer's is weight loss "due to eating problems such as poor-fitting dentures, problems in swallowing, and loss of appetite. Weight loss or loss of appetite may be caused by noise, odor, and/or conversation distractions while eating." (NCPAD, 2012) Caregivers are faced with many challenges in providing care for the Alzheimer's Patient. Findings in this study state that the primary components required for the health promotion program for the individual with Alzheimer's disease are those of: (1) nutrition; (2) physical activity; (3) mental activity; and (4) social activity and participation.

Health Promotion Program for Alzheimer's Patients

Introduction

The objective of this study is to construct a health promotion program for Alzheimer's Patients. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is "a form of dementia that interferes with a person's intellectual and social functioning." (NCPAD, 2012) One of the primary concerns for the individual with Alzheimer's is weight loss "due to eating problems such as poor-fitting dentures, problems in swallowing, and loss of appetite. Weight loss or loss of appetite may be caused by noise, odor, and/or conversation distractions while eating." (NCPAD, 2012) Caregivers are faced with many challenges in providing care for the Alzheimer's Patient.

I. Program Components

In the endeavor to ascertain the components that a Alzheimer's program should include to address the needs of the patient the research in this area of study is examined. It is shown in previous research that not only so nutritional needs of the Alzheimer's patient need to be addressed but also the needs of the patient for physical activity (Alzheimer's Organization, 2012) and in the area of social relations. (Berkman, 1995)

II. Nutrition

According to the Alzheimer's Association, a brain-healthy diet is one that reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes, encourages good blood flow to the brain, and is low in fat and cholesterol. Like the heart, the brain needs the right balance of nutrients, including protein and sugar, to function well. A brain-healthy diet is most effective when combined with physical and mental activity and social interaction." (2012)

The individual with Alzheimer's needs to manage their body weight "for overall good health of brain and body." (Alzheimer's Association, 2012) It is reported that a long-term study involving 1,500 adults states findings that individuals who are obese in middle age were at a doubled risk of the development of dementia later in life. Those with high cholesterol and high blood pressure were at a risk that was six times higher than the individual without high cholesterol and high blood pressure for the development of dementia later in life.

The Alzheimer's Association additionally reports that previous research studies have shown that "high intake of saturated fat and cholesterol clogs the arteries and is associated with a higher risk for Alzheimer's disease." (2012) Alternatively, HDL or what is termed as 'good' cholesterol "may help protect brain cells." (Alzheimer's Association, 2012) It is suggested that the individual use "mono- and polyunsaturated fats, such as olive oil" and that baking and grilling food is preferable for maintaining good health to frying foods. (Alzheimer's Association, 2012)

Additionally, research indicates that certain foods may serve to bring about a reduction in the risk of heart disease and stroke and may even protect brain cells. Specifically stated is the following information:

(1) In general, dark-skinned fruits and vegetables have the highest levels of naturally occurring antioxidant levels. Such vegetables include: kale, spinach, brussels sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli, beets, red bell pepper, onion, corn and eggplant. Fruits with high antioxidant levels include prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, plums, oranges, red grapes and cherries.

(2) Cold water fish contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids: halibut, mackerel, salmon, trout and tuna.

(3) Some nuts can be a useful part of your diet; almonds, pecans and walnuts are a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant. (Alzheimer's Association, 2012)

Vitamins are also noted as an important part of maintaining good health for the Alzheimer's patient as there is reported to be "some indication that vitamins such as vitamin E, or vitamin sE and C. together, vitamin B12 and folate" may be important in lowering the risk of the individual in developing Alzheimer's. (Alzheimer's Association, 2012)

III. Social Activity

According to the Alzheimer's Association research has shown that individuals who are "regularly engaged in social interaction maintain their brain vitality. One study reported that leisure activities that combine physical, mental and social activity are the most likely to prevent dementia. In the study of 800 men and women aged 75 and older, those who were more physically active, more mentally active or more socially engaged had a lower risk for developing dementia" (2012) Findings show that individuals involved in all of the stated activities had the best possible outcomes. (Alzheimer's Association, 2012, paraphrased) Research findings also state that "sports, cultural activities, emotional support and close personal relationships together appear to have a protective effect against dementia." (Alzheimer's Association, 2012) The Alzheimer's Association recommends that the individual should: (1) remain active in the workplace; (2) volunteer in the community for groups and causes; (3) join social clubs and groups; and (4) travel. (2012)

Summary and Conclusion

The findings in this study show that the primary components of a health promotion and maintenance program for individuals with Alzheimer's disease should include the key components of:

(1) physical activity and exercise;

(2) social interactions

(3) mental activity; and (3) nutritional assists.

As noted by the Alzheimer's Association the combination of "physical and mental activity with social engagement -- and a brain-healthy diet -- is more effective than any of these factors alone." (2012) Therefore, the health promotion program for the individual with Alzheimer's must be inclusive of a nutritional component, a component focused on physical activity, a component focused on mental activity and a component focused on social activity and interactions in order to address the varied needs of the individual with Alzheimer's disease.