topic: Identify a common perceptual, neurological, or cognitive issue and discus
topic: Identify a common perceptual, neurological, or cognitive issue and discuss contributing factors. Outline steps for prevention or health promotion for the patient and family. Identify public health departments or local resources in your area that the patient or family could reach out to for support.
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN Discussion Question Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.
Example 1 (Robinson)
Alzheimer’s disease is a common form of cognitive disorder. It is described by gradual memory loss, confusion, and behavioral change. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia and has infected millions of people all over the world (Scheltens et al., 2021). Contributing factors include age, family history or lifestyle, and cardiovascular health. Though the exact cause is yet to be determined, these factors increase the vulnerability of the disease.
Prevention or delay in the onrush of Alzheimer’s involves several strategies. First is a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular physical exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and controlling cardiovascular health through blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes (Scheltens et al., 2021). Reading, puzzles, learning new things, and other activities promoting mental stimulation can be equally served. Social engagement and solid social connections offer emotional support and mental stimulation.
One of the most critical health promotion strategies is education offered to the patients and their families about Alzheimer’s disease and associated risk factors. Regular check-ups, cognitive screening, and timely diagnosis can play a significant role in better management of this condition. A supportive environment has to be framed where patients feel safe and part of the treatment process ( Livingston et al., 2020). Associated caregivers need to be well-informed about practical communication skills and various strategies related to behavioral changes in Alzheimer’s disease.
In Florida, patients and their families can get help from several local resources and many public health departments. The Florida Department of Health offers information and resources on dementia care and support services. The Alzheimer’s Association Central and North Florida Chapter offers educational programs, support groups, and a 24/7 helpline at 1-800-272-3900 for caregivers and families (“FL-central and north,” n.d.). Lastly, local Area Agencies on Aging can connect families with community resources and respite care services and link them to caregiver support programs.
Ultimately, numerous factors trigger Alzheimer’s disease, which, in turn, affects individuals’ cognitive abilities. Therefore, most strategies for prevention and health promotion involve lifestyle changes, early diagnosis, and creating a supportive environment. Resources in Florida help patients and families receive care by ensuring they get the needed support for the disease.
References
FL-central and north. (n.d.). Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. https://www.alz.org/cnfl#:~:text
Livingston, G., Huntley, J., Sommerlad, A., Ames, D., Ballard, C., Banerjee, S., … & Mukadam, N. (2020). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. The Lancet, 396(10248), 413-446.
Scheltens, P., De Strooper, B., Kivipelto, M., Holstege, H., Chételat, G., Teunissen, C. E., … & van der Flier, W. M. (2021). Alzheimer’s disease. The Lancet, 397(10284), 1577-1590.
Example 2 (unive)
Common Cognitive Issue (Alzheimer’s Disease)
Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by the gradual decline of memory and other cognitive abilities including problem-solving and learning. It is a medical condition in which the mental abilities of a person decline gradually and systematically due to a disease in the brain that causes the death of brain cells. The major risk factors include age, family genes, and behavioral predispositions. The download of this page suggests that the likelihood of developing AD rises sharply after 65 years of age (Karch & Goate, 2019). There is also strong evidence of an association between genetic predispositions and genetic mutations in the APOE gene, which also helps increase the probability of AD.
Some protective measures include engaging in acceptable behaviors such as vigorous exercise and taking green recipes (Livingston et al., 2020). Other ways include mental activities such as solving puzzles, reading, or engaging in other tasks that would help the brain to learn new tasks. Sources in each area include the Alzheimer’s Association, which offers groups and information, and local Public Health Departments offering material on cognitive health, including assessments and development classes.
References
Karch, C. M., & Goate, A. M. (2019). Alzheimer’s disease risk genes and mechanisms of disease pathogenesis. Biological Psychiatry, 77(1), 43–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2014.05.006
Livingston, G., Huntley, J., Sommerlad, A., Ames, D., Ballard, C., Banerjee, S., Brayne, C., Burns, A., Cohen-Mansfield, J., Cooper, C., Costafreda, S. G., Dias, A., Fox, N., Gitlin, L. N., Howard, R., Kales, H. C., Kivimäki, M., Larson, E. B., Ogunniyi, A., Orgeta, V., … Mukadam, N. (2020). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. Lancet (London, England), 396(10248), 413–446. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30367-6
Example 3 ( Timothy)
Ischemic strokes are caused by the blockage of blood supply to the brain. The blockage is most often caused by a thrombus, also called a blood clot (Maya Clinic, 2024). Strokes are a very serious medical condition and represent 1 in 6 deaths from cardiovascular disease (Centers for Disease Control, 2025).
Centers for Disease Control (2024) list high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity and diabetes as leading causes of strokes. Steps for prevention of a stroke include treating and resolving factors that cause these conditions. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, weight, healthy eating habits, quitting smoking and staying active (Health.gov, 2024). Additional risk factors include having already had a stroke, certain illicit drugs, afib or flutter, and inadequate activity.
Among the most important resources available for treating a stroke victim is early identification and activation of the EMS system. The FAST tool is used for easy identification. Face – uneven smile, Arms – arm drift and inability to lift one arm, Speech – slurring or lack of memory to repeat a phrase, and Time – if you see these changes call 911 immediately (Mayo Clinic, 2024). The best outcome for a stroke is early identification and treatment.
The most easily preventable risk factor for a stroke is smoking (Health.gov, 2024). There are many resources available to help quit smoking. Free resources can be found in hospital via primary or tertiary care, through the CDC How to Quit Smoking, in California through the “Kick It California”, American Lung Association, American Cancer Society, Smokefree.gov, American Heart Association and many others.
Support for families dealing with a family member who suffered from a stroke can be very important. American Stroke Association, a part of the American Heart Association offers links to support groups for families, caregiver support and a resource library for families and caregivers to find education materials. Post stroke rehabilitation is offered inpatient and outpatient and includes the primary care team, neurologist, rehab nurses, physical therapy, speech therapy, dieticians, social workers and occupational therapists (American Stroke Association, 2024).
References
Centers for Disease Control. (2024). Stroke Facts. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
Health.gov. (2024). Lower your risk of stroke – MyHealthFinder. https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/health-conditions/heart-health/lower-your-risk-stroke
Mayo Clinic. (2024) Stroke Symptoms and Causes.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20350113#:~:text=An%20ischemic%20stroke%20occurs%20when%20a%20blood%20clot%2C%20known%20as,as%20well%20as%20other%20arteries
American Stroke Association. (2024). The rehabilitation team. www.stroke.org. https://www.stroke.org/en/life-after-stroke/stroke-rehab/the-rehabilitation-team