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Abstract
Alzheimer's Dementia is a disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. The Alzheimer's Association reported Alzheimer's as the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, and a cure does not exist. Donepezil, a cholinesterase inhibitor drug, is frequently prescribed to treat Alzheimer's disease. Still, patients must continuously take the medication for years to receive any measurable improvement in quality of life after developing Alzheimer's Dementia. Further, research shows prolonged use of Donepezil can lead to other health problems, such as QTc prolongation, for cardiac disease patients. Therefore, the effectiveness of non-drug interventions, such as volunteering to prevent the disease's onset, is gaining popularity. The purpose of this study is to review the scientific literature to explore the benefits of various types of volunteering, such as physical, social, and cognitive activities, and their effect in delaying the onset of Alzheimer's Dementia in elderly patients with preexisting cardiac comorbidities.
Publication Date
2021
Subject Major(s)
Interdisciplinary Science, Chemistry
Keywords
Alzheimer's Dementia, Cholinesterase inhibitor drug, Donepezil, Physical, Social, Cognitive activities, Volunteering, Cardiac comorbidities.
Disciplines
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy | Cognitive Neuroscience | Geriatrics | Integrative Biology | Medical Humanities
Current Academic Year
Sophomore
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Michael Rackett
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Anne Carver Weakley
Rights
© The Author(s)
Included in
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Commons, Cognitive Neuroscience Commons, Geriatrics Commons, Integrative Biology Commons, Medical Humanities Commons