09 Jul behavioral health

This week, please review all the materials for this week. Do the following: 

(a) Discuss some of the interesting things you learned AND

(b) Look at some of the public health policies and creative solutions to behavioral health aging problems facing our seniors. Describe what is being done in the world and our country to meet their needs. Here is an example:  

Lecture – Alzheimer’s/Dementia/Parkinson’s Mental Health Challenges

I. Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) 

“Alzheimers disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with Alzheimers,  first appear in their mid-60s. Estimates vary, but experts suggest that more than 5.5 million Americans, most of them age 65 or older, may have dementia caused by Alzheimers () 

Alzheimer’s Disease ranks close to the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States. There are several stages of AD: 

“Mild Alzheimers Disease

As Alzheimers disease progresses, people experience greater memory loss and other cognitive difficulties. Problems can include  and getting lost, trouble , repeating questions, taking longer to complete normal daily tasks, and . People are often diagnosed in this stage.

Moderate Alzheimers Disease

In this stage, damage occurs in areas of the brain that control language, reasoning, sensory processing, and conscious thought. Memory loss and confusion grow worse, and people begin to have problems recognizing family and friends. They may be unable to learn new things, carry out multistep tasks such as getting dressed, or cope with new situations. In addition, people at this stage may have  and may behave impulsively.

Severe Alzheimers Disease

Ultimately, plaques and tangles spread throughout the brain, and brain tissue shrinks significantly. People with severe Alzheimers cannot communicate and are completely dependent on others for their care. , the person may be in bed most or all of the time as the body shuts down.” (

There are a variety of medications and behavioral interventions to treat Alzheimer’s Disease however, there is, at this time, no cure. We do know that for some individuals there is a genetic component to AD. Some people are cared for at home while other individuals are cared for in long term residential and skilled nursing home facilities. 

II. Parkinson’s Disease (PD): 

“Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that leads to shaking, stiffness, and .

Parkinson’s symptoms usually begin gradually and get worse over time. As the disease progresses, people may have difficulty walking and talking. They may also have mental and behavioral changes, sleep problems, depression, memory difficulties, and fatigue.

Both men and women can have Parkinsons disease. However, the disease affects about 50 percent more men than women.

One clear risk factor for Parkinson’s is age. Although most people with Parkinsons first develop the disease at about age 60, about 5 to 10 percent of people with Parkinson’s have “early-onset” disease, which begins before the age of 50. Early-onset forms of Parkinson’s are often, but not always, inherited, and some forms have been linked to specific gene mutations.”  

There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s Disease however there are medical, surgical and other therapies that have been used to improve functioning. 

Michael J. Fox, the actor is perhaps one of the most famous individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease which evidenced itself as a young onset illness for him at age 29: