Dementia: A Gradual Death

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Acknowledgement

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

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Abstract

In this study we try to explore the concept of “Dementia” in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on “Dementia” and its relation with “death in prisons”. The research also analyzes many aspects of “Dementia” and tries to gauge its effect on “death in prisons”. Finally the research describes various factors which are responsible for “Dementia” and tries to describe the overall effect of “Dementia” on “death in prisons”.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION6

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY6

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY7

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW16

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY38

CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS48

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION60

REFERENCES80

Chapter 1: Introduction

Background of the Study

Dementia is a condition that affects 1 to 5 percent of the population over 65 years of age, with a prevalence that doubles every four years later, reaching a percentage up to 30 percent at age 80. Dementia generally means a chronic and progressive condition of dysfunction of brain that leads to cognitive decline of the prison. (Gaines, 2004).

It has been estimated that over 50% of the population in United States of America is prone to this disease. The terrible thing with this disease is its prolongued effects that worsen as time passes. There are several reasons that can result in Dementia. It is not casued by the same disease, neither is it certain that a particular disease will always cause demantia. In fact, some Dementias such as Alzheimer's disease occur on their own. There is a lot to be learned about the casues of Dementia.

Sometimes the symptoms of Dementia are caused by diseases that are treatable. These include thyroid disorders, tablets intolerance, dehydration and mental illness especially depression.

Dementias are classified on the basis of the way they affect the brain or there worsening with time. Progressive Dementias are the ones that wrosen with time. Their casues include Alzheimer's disease, which is caused by the destruction of brains cells; Lewy body Dementia caused by abnormal protein clumping in the brain; vascular demetia related to cardiac areas; and Frontotemporal Dementia, which is caused by the degenration of nerve cells.

Other factors that cause Dementia include infectious and immune disorder, which might result from fever or incapabilities to fight infection; metabolic or endocrine abnormalitites; deficiency of proper nutritional diet; reaction to medicines; poisoning from pesticides or other durgs; brain tumors; and problems associated with heart and lungs. (Gaines, 2004).

Receiving a diagnosis of Dementia may result in an extremely distressing scenario for the family and the patient himself.

Significance of the Study

It is not easy for a family to accept the fact that a prison, so far, so ...