DNP 810 Week 6 Health Issues for the Aging
Overview of Alzheimer’s Disease: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a widespread neurocognitive disorder, particularly affecting the aging population. It impacts approximately 5.1 million Americans, leading to significant cognitive decline.
Symptoms include memory loss, impaired judgment, language difficulties, and challenges with executive function.
Additionally, individuals with AD may experience behavioral issues such as depression and agitation, which further complicate their condition (Breijyeh & Karaman, 2020).
The onset of AD typically occurs after age 60, and its prevalence increases with age, making it a critical public health issue.
Literature-Suggested Solution for Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease poses serious challenges, including cognitive decline that can hinder daily functioning. Traditional pharmacological treatments have limited effectiveness, primarily focusing on slowing disease progression rather than reversing cognitive decline (Breijyeh & Karaman, 2020). Given this context, non-pharmacological interventions, such as cognitive training, emerge as promising solutions. Cognitive training involves structured activities targeting specific areas like memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Research by Kang et al. (2019) indicates that cognitive training can be particularly beneficial for those in the early stages of AD. Furthermore, Butler et al. (2018) found that even older adults without cognitive impairment showed improvements through targeted cognitive training.
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Cognitive Training as a Solution
Incorporating cognitive training into public health policy is vital. The National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) was established to create a comprehensive national plan addressing Alzheimer’s disease (ASPE, 2021). This legislation aims to promote early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and ensure effective coordination of care, especially for high-risk populations regardless of whether they are receiving home nursing care or not. NAPA emphasizes the importance of enhancing public understanding and improving healthcare provider training related to cognitive interventions. Integrating cognitive training within this framework is essential for addressing the cognitive decline prevention strategies in the aging population.
Challenges in Implementing Cognitive Training
Despite the potential benefits, implementing cognitive training for AD faces several obstacles. Social stigma around Alzheimer’s disease can deter individuals from participating in cognitive training programs (van Dam et al., 2022). Additionally, there is a significant shortage of trained mental health providers capable of delivering these interventions, limiting access for many individuals. Increased funding for mental health provider training is necessary to address this gap.
Moreover, the time commitment required for cognitive training can be a barrier, particularly for providers managing heavy workloads. While some computerized interventions offer alternatives, older adults may struggle with technology, which can hinder engagement (Bodner et al., 2020). Furthermore, clients may become discouraged if they do not see broad cognitive improvements, leading to higher dropout rates from training programs.
Options for Public or Private Funding
In response to the challenges posed by Alzheimer’s disease, the Obama Administration announced a substantial $156 million investment aimed at enhancing research and support for AD (ASPE, 2021). This funding includes an additional $50 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for AD research, alongside further investments to improve public and provider education. While the federal government plays a crucial role in funding, the existing financial resources are inadequate to meet the demands for new therapies.
Proposed Recommendation
To address these challenges, I recommend the implementation of a policy that allocates funding specifically for training mental health providers in cognitive training techniques. Hospitals should receive financial support to develop training programs, ensuring a sufficient number of qualified professionals to provide cognitive training. This initiative would enhance accessibility for individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, potentially delaying the progression of cognitive decline.
Furthermore, I propose that all hospitals involved in Alzheimer’s care incorporate cognitive training into their care plans for patients experiencing mild to moderate AD. This approach not only promotes better health outcomes but also aligns with public health policy goals for improving the overall management of neurocognitive disorders in the aging population.
In conclusion, addressing Alzheimer’s disease requires a multifaceted approach that includes cognitive training, enhanced provider education, and targeted funding for research and interventions. By focusing on these areas, we can improve the lives of individuals affected by AD and better prepare our healthcare systems to manage this growing public health issue.
References
Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE). (2021). National plan to address Alzheimer’s disease: 2021 update.
Bodner, K. A., Goldberg, T. E., Devanand, D. P., & Doraiswamy, P. M. (2020). Advancing Computerized Cognitive Training for MCI and Alzheimer’s Disease in a Pandemic and Post-pandemic World. Frontiers in psychiatry, 11, 557571. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.557571
Breijyeh, Z., & Karaman, R. (2020). Comprehensive Review on Alzheimer’s Disease: Causes and Treatment. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 25(24), 5789. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25245789
Butler, M., McCreedy, E., Nelson, V. A., Desai, P., Ratner, E., Fink, H. A., … & Kane, R. L. (2018). Does cognitive training prevent cognitive decline? A systematic review. Annals of internal medicine, 168(1), 63-68. https://doi.org/10.7326/M17-1531
Cummings, J., Reiber, C., & Kumar, P. (2018). The price of progress: Funding and financing Alzheimer’s disease drug development. Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, 4, 330-343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trci.2018.04.008
Kang, M. J., Kim, S. M., Han, S. E., Bae, J. H., Yu, W. J., Park, M. Y., Ku, S., & Yang, Y. (2019). Effect of Paper-Based Cognitive Training in Early Stage of Alzheimer’s Dementia. Dementia and neurocognitive disorders, 18(2), 62–68. https://doi.org/10.12779/dnd.2019.18.2.62
van Dam, M., van Weeghel, J., Stiekema, A., Castelein, S., Pijnenborg, M., & van der Meer, L. (2022). Barriers and facilitators to implementation of cognitive adaptation training in long‐term inpatient facilities for people diagnosed with severe mental illness: A nursing perspective. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12821
Topic 6 DQ 2
Economic Implications of Aging
Many developed nations are currently grappling with the challenges posed by an increasingly aging population, a phenomenon largely attributed to advancements in healthcare that have led to a decline in infant mortality and premature deaths (Williams et al., 2019). While longer life expectancy is a positive outcome, the economic implications of aging populations are often viewed negatively.
Older age groups, on average, tend to incur significantly higher healthcare expenditures compared to their younger counterparts, particularly within well-established healthcare systems. This trend has led policymakers to anticipate an unrestrained rise in healthcare expenditures due to population aging (Williams et al., 2019). However, it’s crucial to recognize that an aging population doesn’t necessarily translate into substantial increases in health expenditure growth.
Healthcare Resource Utilization
The aging population is also linked to the inefficient use of healthcare resources. According to Cristea et al. (2020), the aging demographic contributes to escalating healthcare costs due to an uptick in age-related medical procedures and treatments. This increase drives up expenses related to long-term care costs, which are projected to outpace other healthcare needs. Unfortunately, a significant portion of these procedures and treatments is deemed unnecessary, leading to a wasteful allocation of resources (Cristea et al., 2020). Additionally, elderly patients with multiple chronic illnesses often seek consultation from multiple specialists, resulting in duplicated diagnostic tests and further resource wastage.
To address these issues, effective health policy for aging populations is essential. Policymakers must focus on strategies that promote preventive healthcare to reduce the burden of chronic illnesses. By investing in preventive measures, we can potentially decrease the incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), ultimately reducing the demand for costly treatments and long-term care.
Role of Genetics in NCDs
Genetic factors in aging play a pivotal role in the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are frequently diagnosed in the aging population, contributing to the escalating healthcare expenditures. Diseases such as cancer, hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes have genetic associations (Melzer et al., 2020). The treatment of these diseases significantly impacts the economics of healthcare systems, as patients often require lifelong medication and regular follow-ups.
By leveraging genetic information, healthcare providers, including DNP nurses, can assess elderly patients and their health risks. Implementing targeted lifestyle interventions can help mitigate the risk of NCDs, thus contributing to lowering healthcare costs associated with the treatment of these conditions. This proactive approach aligns with the goals of cost-effective healthcare solutions, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and preventive care.
In summary, while the aging population presents challenges in terms of healthcare expenditures, long-term care costs, and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, there are opportunities to improve healthcare resource allocation through better policy and preventive strategies. Understanding the role of genetics in NCDs can further guide efforts to create a more sustainable and effective healthcare system for our aging society.
References
Cristea, M., Noja, G. G., Stefea, P., & Sala, A. L. (2020). The Impact of Population Aging and Public Health Support on EU Labor Markets. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(4), 1439. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041439
Melzer, D., Pilling, L. C., & Ferrucci, L. (2020). The genetics of human ageing. Nature Reviews Genetics, 21(2), 88-101. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41576-019-0183-6
Williams, G., Cylus, J., Roubal, T., Ong, P., Barber, S., & World Health Organization. (2019). Sustainable health financing with an ageing population: will population ageing lead to uncontrolled health expenditure growth?
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