Alzheimer's Disease: A Case Study

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurocognitive disorder which currently affects roughly 40 million people worldwide. Nevertheless, those statistics are rising due to a combined effect of the baby boomer generation and advanced medical treatment leading to longer life spans (Chumakov, et al., 2015). Diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer’s disease is two-fold. First, the criteria must be met for a Mild Neurocognitive Disorder as detailed in the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5.In order to diagnose mild or major neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer’s disease the above criteria must be met as specified in the DSM-5. Additionally, a neurological examination should be performed, if at all possible, to exclude other causes of possible age related dementia

By researching this neurocognitive disorder I will be educating myself and my husband so we will be able to make responsible decisions regarding her care. My husband has already witnessed his maternal grandmother slowly fall victim to Alzheimer’s disease and slip away. Currently he is watching his mother follow the same path, but at a much earlier age than his grandmother. He is now convinced Alzheimer’s disease is genetic and fully expects to be diagnosed in the future. While the genetic possibility is a valid concern, it has also been shown Alzheimer’s primarily effects women (Advokat, Comaty, & Julien, 2014). On the other hand, studies show this may be due less with gender and more with life expectancy as women tend to live longer than men (Advokat, Comaty, & Julien, 2014). By researching now and learning the early warning signs, I will better understand what to watch for and when to act. If my husband is diagnosed in the future with Alzheimer’s disease, I will be in a better place to find resources to slow his decline and hopefully add many productive years to his