Outline For Alzheimer's Research Paper Outline

Alzheimer’s: More Than a Human Condition

Question: Since cognitive dysfunctions are common among all animals – including humans, can information gathered to improve the quality of human life be used to improve all living life as aging occurs?

Thesis: Cognitive dysfunctions have recently been discovered in animals, however they have been used in Alzheimer’s research for years – there must be advice given to humans, such as noticing symptoms, dietary and exercise changes, and mental challenges that could be used to improve the quality of life of senior animals.

I. When suspicious of a loved one being afflicted by a cognitive dysfunction, it is important to note any symptoms and learn about their medical history. A. Symptoms may appear subtly,

Personality changes, reasoning, and wandering (with animals, yowling may be simultaneous) may begin to occur in stage two (“Stages of Alzheimer's & Symptoms”) 3. The final stage is when the individual needs constant care as they begin to forget all basic tasks learned early in life. B. Since head trauma, genes, mild cognitive impairment, and heart disease are all possible contributors, it is important to understand the being’s medical history (“Alzheimer’s Disease”).

II. Though there are no definitive ways to prevent the onset of cognitive dysfunctions like Alzheimer’s, dietary and exercise changes may improve the quality of life. A. Most doctors recommend switching an Alzheimer’s patient to a Mediterranean diet (“Alzheimer's Disease”). 1. Mediterranean diet consists of foods high in Omega 3 fatty acid and vitamin E. 2. Doctors also recommend increasing vitamins B and C (Lewis). B. Canola oil has also been linked to Alzheimer’s, so using alternative oils such as coconut or olive should be considered (Franco). C. Animal subjects in a laboratory setting confirm cognitive deterioration lessens the when the dietary, including reduction of canola oil, changes occur

For most people, especially those with memory problems, exercise is a lonely and boring task. Find an activity that peaks their interest.

III. Another way to improve a cognitively dysfunctional individual is to challenge them mentally and keep them social. A. The optimal way to challenge someone is to encourage them to study something new or start college courses. Depending on the stage the person is in, it could be more frustrating than helpful. B. Jigsaw puzzles are another healthy option to challenge an individual afflicted with Alzheimer’s mentality. C. Pet puzzles have been created to challenge animals in which the animals has to find and obtain the treat. 1. Most animals enjoy such puzzles as it entices their hunter instincts. 2. The puzzles also encourage the animal to be more active.

IV. New breakthroughs could potentially provide an inexpensive treatment with a one-time high cost. A. Ultrasound is already considered an effective treatment towards Alzheimer’s as well as other cognitive dysfunctions.

B. Highest cost of treatment, theoretically, would be the ceramic “window to the brain” which is implanted in the skull (Coxworth). C. The implant allows ultrasound waves to pass through the skill and reach the brain with greater potency (Coxworth).

Works