Alzheimer’s Disease and the Role of Social Work in Chronic Disease Management

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Sep 10, 2025

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Describe a specific chronic disease that affects older adults. What are its causes, what is its typical course, and what factors in disease management affect its outcomes? What are its psychosocial consequences and how can older adults use psychosocial resources to cope? As a social worker, how would you use core social work functions and skills to support disease management and mitigate impact on the older adult, their family and their community as you work within an interdisciplinary team? Be sure to go beyond popular websites and use peer-reviewed journals as part of your references.

Criteria DESCRIPTION

Chronic Disease *DESCRIBE THE CAUSES, COURSE, and OUTCOMES

OF A CHRONIC DISEASE ASSOCIATED WITH AGING.

Disease Management * DESCRIBE FACTORS AND RESOURCES

IN DISEASE MANAGEMENT THAT AFFECTS OUTCOMES AND QUALITY OF LIFE.

Psychosocial Consequences *DESCRIBE CONSEQUENCES OF THIS

CHRONIC DISEASE FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT.

Social Work Interventions * DESCRIBE THE ROLE OF SOCIAL WORKERS

WITHIN INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAMS IN MIGTIGATING DISEASE

OUTCOMES AND QUALITY OF LIFE.

Readings

McInnis-Dittrich, K. (2020). Social work with older adults: A biopsychosocial approach to assessment and intervention (5th ed.). Pearson.

· Chapter 2: Biological Changes and the Physical Well-Being of Older Adults

Ferraro, K., & Wilmoth, J. (Eds.) (2013). Gerontology: Perspectives and Issues (4th ed.). Springer.

· Chapter 2: The Biology of Successful Aging: Watchful Progress at Biogerontology’s Known-Unknown Interface

· Chapter 14: Geriatric Medicine and Gerontological Nursing

· Alzheimer’s Association (2019). Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. Alzheimer’s Dementia 15(3), 321-387.

· Arean, P., Hegel, M., Vannoy, S., Fan, M. Y., & Unuzter, J. (2008). Effectiveness of problem-solving therapy for older primary care patients with depression: results from the IMPACT project. Gerontologist, 48, 311–323.

· Reid, M. C., Eccleston, C., & Pillemer, K. (2015). Management of chronic pain in older adults. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 350, h532. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h532 Links to an external site.

· Yang, S., McCracken, L. M. (2014). Acceptance and commitment therapy for chronic pain. Journal of Clinical Outcomes Management, 21(3). https://www.mdedge.com/jcomjournal/article/147127/pain/acceptance-and-commitment-therapy-chronic-pain Links to an external site.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step 1: Title Page

Use APA 7th edition format.
Include your name, class name, instructor’s name, and date.
Title should be bold, centered, and in Title Case (e.g., Alzheimer’s Disease in Older Adults: Causes, Management, Psychosocial Consequences, and the Role of Social Work).

Step 2: Introduction (1 paragraph)

Begin with a concise overview of Alzheimer’s disease as a chronic condition in older adults.
State why it is an important issue to study (health, social, and economic impacts).
End the paragraph with a clear thesis statement (e.g., “This paper discusses the causes, course, and outcomes of Alzheimer’s disease, its management strategies, psychosocial effects, and the role of social workers in interdisciplinary care.”).

Step 3: Causes, Course, and Outcomes (1–2 paragraphs)

Explain what causes Alzheimer’s disease (biological, genetic, environmental factors).
Describe the typical progression (early memory loss → confusion → complete dependency).
Discuss the expected outcomes (loss of independence, caregiver reliance, mortality).

Step 4: Disease Management and Outcomes (1–2 paragraphs)

Describe treatment approaches:
- Pharmacological (medications that slow symptoms).
- Non-pharmacological (cognitive stimulation, routines, caregiver support).
Explain factors that influence outcomes (early diagnosis, access to healthcare, strong caregiver support).
Highlight interdisciplinary approaches (medicine, nursing, social work).

Step 5: Psychosocial Consequences (1–2 paragraphs)

Explain the emotional and psychological impact (depression, anxiety, loss of identity).
Discuss effects on caregivers/families (stress, financial burden, burnout).
Mention social stigma and how support groups or therapies (like acceptance and commitment therapy) help.

Step 6: Social Work Interventions (1–2 paragraphs)

Describe the role of social workers in care planning, counseling, and connecting families with resources.
Explain how social workers coordinate with interdisciplinary teams.
Highlight how they advocate for patient dignity, autonomy, and culturally sensitive care.

Step 7: Conclusion (1 paragraph)

Restate the importance of understanding Alzheimer’s disease.
Summarize key points: causes, management, psychosocial effects, and social work role.
End with a forward-looking statement (e.g., “Integrating social work into Alzheimer’s care ensures better outcomes for patients, families, and communities.”).

Step 8: References (APA 7th edition)

Use at least 3–5 peer-reviewed sources from your provided list.
Format each reference with hanging indent and DOI where available.

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