Location
Philadelphia, PA
Start Date
9-5-2018 1:00 PM
Description
In a neurobehavioral lens, a human is defined as the balance of the mind, body, and brain. These systems function on their own and influence each other in a dynamic equilibrium. Interactions between these systems are observed in every aspect of life. A pathological example of this relationship is that depression, a state of mind, can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. By studying a neurobehavioral model of health, empirical links between psychology and neurobiology can be uncovered. The basis of this capstone is to understand how neurobehavior works in clinical practice. This capstone project involved observation of seniors with Alzheimer’s disease who attend a memory fitness center. Their attitudes, interactions, and overall trends in their health and confidence over time were journaled. This is important because Alzheimer’s Disease creates a huge psychosocial burden on sufferers and their caregivers. One of the most important aspects of palliative care is to improve quality of life, which is difficult to do with an individual that has progressive neurodegeneration. Adult day cares such as the memory fitness center ease the burden on the caregivers and allows individuals with dementia to challenge themselves and develop social skills. This allows them to feel independent and cognitively stimulated, which may increase their quality of life. The effects of this type palliative care on individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease may have a neurobehavioral explanation. This fieldwork is supplemented with literature that may help to elaborate on the neurobehavioral basis of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Embargo Period
5-30-2018
Neurobehavior in Humans and Its Role in Alzheimer's Disease
Philadelphia, PA
In a neurobehavioral lens, a human is defined as the balance of the mind, body, and brain. These systems function on their own and influence each other in a dynamic equilibrium. Interactions between these systems are observed in every aspect of life. A pathological example of this relationship is that depression, a state of mind, can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. By studying a neurobehavioral model of health, empirical links between psychology and neurobiology can be uncovered. The basis of this capstone is to understand how neurobehavior works in clinical practice. This capstone project involved observation of seniors with Alzheimer’s disease who attend a memory fitness center. Their attitudes, interactions, and overall trends in their health and confidence over time were journaled. This is important because Alzheimer’s Disease creates a huge psychosocial burden on sufferers and their caregivers. One of the most important aspects of palliative care is to improve quality of life, which is difficult to do with an individual that has progressive neurodegeneration. Adult day cares such as the memory fitness center ease the burden on the caregivers and allows individuals with dementia to challenge themselves and develop social skills. This allows them to feel independent and cognitively stimulated, which may increase their quality of life. The effects of this type palliative care on individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease may have a neurobehavioral explanation. This fieldwork is supplemented with literature that may help to elaborate on the neurobehavioral basis of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Comments
Winner of David Miller, DO '60 Memorial Research Day Award in Alzheimer's.