Gilhuly 1

Robert Gilhuly
DeBock
English 4 H
7 May 2015

Essential Question: How does Alzheimers disease affect care givers and family members?
Working Thesis Statement: Alzheimers disease negatively affects family members and care
givers.
Refined Thesis Statement: Alzheimers disease negatively affects family members and care
giver physically, emotionally, and financially.
Annotated Bibliography
Martone, Robert L., and Nancy A. Piotrowski, PhD. Alzheimers Disease. Ebsco Host. Salem
Press, Jan. 2014. Web. 17 Feb. 2015.
This article introduces Alzheimers Disease and what it is. Martone and Piotrowskis
article continues to go on and talk about the steps needed to treat this cureless disease. There are
a few medicines most patients are prescribed to help slow the process before it completely takes
over. If slowing down the symptoms does not work the next step includes a non-drug approach.
Caregivers then begin to communicate with the patient and also make the home safer and more
suitable for the patient. The caregiver and family should always be well informed about what is
to come. Without this the family and caregiver may become unstable which can lead to improper
care of the patient. Martone and Piotrowskis article supports my position that Alzheimers
Disease negatively effects the family and caregiver emotionally, physically, and financially.

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Murray, Aileen. The Effect of Dementia on Patients, Informal Carers, and Nurses. Nursing
Older People. RCN Publishing Company, 24 Feb. 2014. Web. 17 Feb. 2015.
This article explores the effect of Alzheimers disease on individuals with Alzheimers,
their families and nursing staff. It explores the diagnostic issues that are important for
individuals, the effect of symptoms and avenues of support. The need to adapt to different roles
and the importance of communication are discussed for families and informal careers. Lastly, the
culture of nursing care and the need for education, training, professional development and
clinical supervision is discussed. The literature emphasizes the need for close collaborative
working between those involved in Alzheimers disease care, with individuals with Alzheimers
at the center of decision making. It highlights how everyone involved can contribute to positive
care experiences for those with the condition. Murrays article will support my position
that Alzheimers disease has a negative effect on family and caregivers
physically, emotionally, and financially.

Liyakasa, Kelly. "The Emotional - and Financial - Strains of Caregiving." Fairfield County
Business Journal 21 Nov. 2011: 10. Web.
This article explains how the quality of life of caregivers is correlated with the severity of
behavioral disorders and duration of the Alzheimer's disease. The severity of the disease plays an
important role in reorganization of the family environment in families caring for patients not
institutionalized. It is important to promote measures to soften the impact that the patient has on
the caregiver, and that, at the same time, improves the quality of life of the patient. It has been
well established that Alzheimers is a disease that involves not only the patient, but also affects
the whole family. The complexity of the treatment, the constant commitment of the person taking

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care of the Alzheimers patient, and the family play a big role in the patients well-being.
Liyakasas article will support my position that Alzheimers Disease negatively effects the
caregiver and family physically, emotionally, and financially.