Article Analysis Essay on New Research on Understanding Alzheimer's

Introduction

This article highlights the increasing emotional havoc and financial effects that the United States experiences due to the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease. The author discusses how the progressive rate of Alzheimer's disease may be due to an increasing number of people in the age range that is most prevalent for the condition. The growing numbers of victims necessitate more research on the subject, leading to more money invested in its study (Park, 2010). Notably, major obstacles to research study include; a lack of thorough knowledge about the disease process and causes, fear by the potential subjects, who are not aware of the possible nature; an incurable and debilitating disease.

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Interestingly, the article reveals that some factors are known to contribute to the severity of Alzheimer's disease while others delay its progression; however, currently, no cure is known. The author further reveals that the condition in having specific genetic links and can be easily detected at early stages (Park, 2010). As a result, if the disease is detected early enough, potential treatment modalities hopes are restored.

Strengths

One strength that Park reveals in the essay was the provision of a broad overview of Alzheimer's disease as well as the status of current research in the area of study. It provides specific information based on the disease process as well as the current actions which are devoted to finding a proper cure (Park, 2010). Similarly, it explains extensively that a layperson easily understands the course and effects of the disease, which is the audience worthwhile. Overall, the article did a comprehensive job of enlightening the lay public about the seriousness of the condition for better treatment approaches.

Weaknesses

The projections of Medicare cost are made by experts, but the article failed to inform the reader who the experts are. Similarly, one source doctor explains how Alzheimer's disease will affect the majority. His point claims that the nation uses a lot of funds on research to study heart disease and cancer as opposed to Alzheimer's, a more prevalent problem. However, this position is inaccurate, as heart disease and cancer have many evidence-based sources which widely credit them as two primaries mortality causes in the country. Another facet of the questionable source is based on the population which was used to provide opinions on the progress with Alzheimer's and the status of research, as compared to the nature of other diseases. As a result, the reader is limited to information concerning characteristics, sample size, selection, as well as anything that would provide a more accurate sampling base.

Audience Analysis

The article addresses the lifestyle of the lay public of significant age to be affected by the disease. The current statistics shows that the disease is more pronounced among the elderly as compared to other age groups (Park, 2010). In literary balance, the article provided hope to nurses and the entire health department for a comprehensive research process about the disease. in the form of genetic research and technology for earlier detection of the disease.

Relevance of the Article to the Current Society

The article's topic has great significance to nurses and the nation. Regardless of the article's projections accuracy, the large future boomer generation is currently approaching their primary age bracket aware of symptom onset. Similarly, Dementia adds adequate realms to the care and support given to patients and their families. Overall, the primary efforts for increased research which is stated in the article, as well as the support that must be provided to families. If the current data is correct, it cannot be invalidated.

Works Cited

Park, A. (2010). New research on understanding Alzheimer's. Time Magazine Health. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2025572,00.html (Links to an external site.)