Alzheimers In Still Alice

The film Still Alice follows Alice Howland (Julianne Moore), a renowned linguistics professor at Columbia University. After forgetting a part of her linguistics speech at UCLA and becoming lost on her daily jog around campus, Alice is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Early onset Alzheimer’s is a progressive hereditary cognitive disorder and has been linked to three gene defects; amyloid precursor protein, presenilin 1 and presenilin 2 (McCance & Heuther, 2014, p.546). Per McCance and Heuther (2014), the accumulation of amyloid beta protein causes toxic effects leading to neuritic plaques, disruption of nerve impulse transmission and death of neurons. It mainly affects the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, two areas of the brain

“Individuals with dementia were found to be functioning better after receiving OT, and their caregivers felt more competent” (Edwards, 2015, p. 225). Occupational therapy includes environment modification, coping techniques and behaviour and communication strategies. “Such interventions can assist in enhancing quality of life and wellbeing for the caregiver and care receiver, delaying institutionalization and decreasing economic costs” (Edwards, 2015, p. 229). This article helps to understand that Alzheimer’s is a disease that not only drastically affects the client but the family as well. Therefore, it is important to adapt a holistic approach when caring for Alzheimer’s patients. As a graduate nurse, it is important to collaborate and consult other members of the interpersonal team with the client’s best interest in mind. As well, it is essential to be supportive, encouraging and non-judgemental towards the family. Caregivers should be continually assessed for caregiver burden and burnout. Although resources such as long-term care facilities are at families’ disposal, not all families may have the necessary means to attain these. “An estimated 70% of individuals who have ADRD are cared for by a family member or close friend in their own home” (Edwards, 2015, p. 223). Overall the care being provided by family should not be