Identify a common perceptual neurological or cognitive issue and discuss contributing factors

Re: Topic 2 DQ 1
A common issue that came to mind that constitutes as both a perceptual and cognitive issue is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Syndrome (ADHD). The ideologies derive from the cognitive aspects influencing the mental process, which allows us to acquire information and knowledge and this can influence memory, attention span, judgement, reasoning, and planning. The ideologies for the perceptual aspect include the information entering the brain, such as the “input” and how we process and interpret said information, which is the “integration” and how the memory is stored and recalled, which is the “memory” and how the information is used, which is the “output.” When thinking about contributing factors for these issues, it would circulate various risk factors, such as genetic or chromosomal abnormalities, which can influence the functionality of neurotransmitters, but these are difficult to pinpoint, considering the range of ADHD can go from mild to severe and such impairment can require medication interventions or therapeutic interventions from psychologists

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There are no preventative measures for ADHD. However, there are some health promotions insights that allow people to gain control and increase control over their health with regards to ADHD. The aim of health promotion is to reach a state of control and if an individual has ADHD, there are a few ways to do so. The first imperative aspect of health promotion for someone with ADHD is to investigate and outline appropriate health behaviors such as a good diet, reduction or elimination of substance abuse, binge eating, and sexual behavior (Schoenfelder, 2016). However, upon an assessment, a provider will investigate potential severity of ADHD and recommend them to have further evaluation from a psychologist and a psychiatrist. The psychologist will help provide techniques necessary to overcome daily obstacles or struggles, which could include way of thinking, cognitive perception, and decision-making, and the psychiatrist can influence biological outcomes with medication (Hitch, 2013).

References

Hitch, D. (2013). Promoting health and wellbeing for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Allied Health and Sciences, 11(4), e11.

Schoenfelder, E. (2016). Topical review: ADHD and health-risk behaviors. Oxford Academic, 41(7), 735-40. doi:10.1093/jpepsy/jsv162

Re: Topic 2 DQ 1
Dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease:

Dementia: is caused by abnormal brain changes that trigger a gradual decline in cognitive abilities, they can be severe enough to impair daily function and independent function. Mental decline is not a normal part of aging. Treatment is usually directed at treating the cause and temporarily improving symptoms.

Symptoms of dementia:

Short term memory loss
Losing purse or wallet
Forgetting to pay bills
Not remembering appointments
Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. and causes 60%-80% of all dementia cases. Alzheimer’s is progressive worsening of symptoms leading to personality changes and impaired reasoning. There is currently no cure or treatment that slows or stop dementia’s progression. Care is focused on attempting to maintain health and functioning as long as possible. To help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia it is recommended to have a healthy diet, no smoking, regular exercise and cognitive stimulation (word puzzles, card games and reading).

Identify a common perceptual neurological or cognitive issue and discuss contributing factors.

References:

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia

Falkner, Angel and Sue Z. Green. (2018). Neurological, Perceptual, and Cognitive Complexities. Retrieved from: https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs410v/pathophysiology-clinical-applications-for-client-health/v1.1/#/chapter/2

Re: Topic 2 DQ 1

When nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord begin to degenerate, the condition is known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Motor neuron degradation and muscle atrophy lead to complete loss of muscle control in patients with ALS, which is a progressive disease. Speech, eating, moving, and breathing may become increasingly difficult for those who are unable to control their muscles (ALS Association, 2020). Those who are affected are confined to a wheelchair and eventually require the use of a ventilator in order to maintain their airway pressure.

At this time, there is no treatment for ALS. Patients’ lives can be improved by actively treating symptoms and using medical procedures and technology in a proactive manner, which may even assist to extend their lives. The medicine Rilutek has a limited effect on halting the course of disease and extending life expectancy (Muscular Dystrophy Association, 2018). In ALS patients, this is the only known treatment to improve survival rates. Medical advances and new technology have the potential to significantly enhance one’s well-being.

Breathing. A BiPAP provides non-invasive ventilation. Tracheostomies can be performed on patients who require ventilated care at home when the timing is right. As a result of today’s vents being compact and easily portable, many patients who need them may continue working, traveling, socializing, and having fun.

Nutrition. Patients who are unable to safely or effectively eat or drink may be given a feeding tube. Due to the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis, some patients choose to delay treatment as long as possible, but those who have had it find that they gain both time and energy. Caregiver stress is reduced as well.

Mobility. Mobility aids, such as a cane, walker, or supporting brace, can help patients who are in the early stages of ALS maintain their independence and safety. Most people choose a motorised wheelchair for mobility in the latter phases. Patients and caregivers both benefit from this mode of transportation since it allows them to regain a higher degree of autonomy.

. For patients with communication difficulties, speech therapists and speech-language pathologists are essential. They can instruct students on how to reduce their consumption of oxygen and improve the clarity of their speech. Hand- or eye-activated electronic assistive communication devices are another possibility (Muscular Dystrophy Association, 2018). A common neurological or cognitive impairment can be identified, as well as the circumstances that contribute to it.

References

ALS Association. (2020). What is ALS? Retrieved from http://www.alsa.org/about-als/what-is-als.html

Muscular Dystrophy Association. (2018). Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Retrieved from https://www.mda.org/disease/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis/medical-management

Stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is a common neurological issue here in the United States where blood flow is halted in the brain. The different types of CVAs are as follows: hemorrhagic, ischemic, and transient ischemic attack (Grand Canyon University, 2018). Depending on the location of the interrupted flow of blood, the surrounding brain cells can be deprived of oxygen, resulting in the death of brain cells and temporary or permanent of loss function in that affected area. There are many contributing factors to a CVA, with one of them being diabetes mellitus. Studies show that there is an increased risk of a CVA with an increase in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and an even further increase in risk for those with high HbA1C and pre-hypertension or hypertension (Komi, et al., 2018). Based on findings like the previously mentioned, it is important for the population to prevent or decrease their risk of suffering a CVA. This can be done by exercise, having a well-balanced diet, and having a normal BMI. For those with high HbA1C and hypertension, it is important that their co-morbidities are properly managed by their individualized care plan designed for them by their health care team.

References

Grand Canyon University. (2018). Pathophysiology: Clinical applications for client health. Retrieved from https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs410v/pathophysiology-clinical-applications-for-client-health/v1.1/

Komi, R., Tanaka, F., Omama, S., Ishibashi, Y., Tanno, K., Onoda, T., . . . Nakamura, M. (2018). Burden of high blood pressure as a contributing factor to stroke in the Japanese community-based diabetic population. Hypertension Research, 41(7), 531-538. doi:10.1038/s41440-018-0042-4