Alzheimer s Disease A Common Form Of Dementia - 1311 Words

Alzheimer’s disease is a common form of dementia that affects the brain (Bethune, 2010). It affects millions of Americans and is one of the leading cause of death in the United States (Bethune, 2010). There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, however there is ongoing research on reducing the risk and how to cure the disease (Bethune, 2010, Baumgart, M., Snyder, H. M., Carrillo, M. C., Fazio, S., Kim, H., Johns, H. (2015). Understanding the best way to manage the disease and how to care for this population is needed. Some symptoms of Alzheimer’s is difficulty retaining new information, expressing thought, and withdrawing socially (Bethune, 2010). Currently, most professionals care for the disease through a medical model†¦show more content†¦The purpose of this research is to help implement policies and practices, and possible funding, in order create art therapies in facilities. In order to improve the lives of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia and their caretakers. An analysis of the benefits of Art therapies on Alzheimer’s and dementia For the purpose of this research I am defining arts as a form of expressing ones creativity. This includes but is not limited to literature, performing arts, culinary arts, media arts, and visual arts. In regards to Alzheimer’s and dementia they are used interchangeable. The Alzheimer’s Association defines them as the following: Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s and the Brain The brain is made up of the Parietal Lobe, Frontal Lobe, Occipital Lobe, Temporal Lobe , Cerebellum, and Brain Stem. Each section is responsible for different functions. The Parietal Lobe is associated with movement, orientation, recognition, perception of stimuli. The Frontal Lobe- associated with reasoning, planning, parts of speech, movement, emotions, and problem solving. The Occipital Lobe is associated with visual processing and the Temporal Lobe is associated with perception and recognition of auditory