The applied approach is often used by medical anthropologists. Medical anthropologists use the applied approach when they are assigned to a specific problem or health disparity that poses a global threat. The applied approach is based on research and analysis completed by anthropologist on a specific problem and for a particular client. Medical anthropologists often use this approach when they are studying a major health issue in a particular culture. Anthropologists use this approach to help improve health in local and global communities.
Alzheimer’s disease has became a global issue. Globalization has largely influenced the spread and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Due to it being a global health problem, many cultures have found different forms of treatments for the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Currently there is no cure for the disease. Hence, there are a variety of plants and spices from cultures such as China and India that are now being introduced into the Western medical system. Professionals are now prescribing these plants and spices to their patients while also giving them antibiotics and antidepressants. They are spreading more knowledge about potential treatments/cures for the disease. Also, the spread of these treatments will open the door to new findings and discoveries which will help assist medical professionals in finding a cure and possibly a cause. The video link above explains how the World Organization of Health (WHO) have declared Alzheimer’s and Dementia a non-communicable disease. The WHO is preparing to declare AD as a global health crisis. They are now urging government officials across the world to make this a health priority. The chart above gives percentages of individuals affected by AD worldwide.
The University of California , San Diego has established a Senior Only Care clinic to assist with the research for Alzheimer’s(AD). The outpatient clinic provides comprehensive assessments for people with Alzheimer’s as well as other memory disorders. The clinic in San Diego serves patients age 65 and over. The clinic offers patients and their families access to state-of-the art diagnostic and treatment services, novel clinical trials, specialized support groups, and educational programs about and other related dementias(CADC, 2010).
Other organizations can definitely increase their studies for this disease by applying and using anthropological approaches. By using anthropological approaches, scientists and other medical experts will be able to study the disease more in depth. Anthropologists often study diseases in different cultures and countries, so being able to gather such information about one particular disease from several different locations will help experts conquer the disease. The way that individuals perceive the illness and the experiences they have with the disease has a large influence on the way individuals seek healing or treatment. This can play a major role in discovering the cause of Alzheimer’s disease.
References:
“ UCSD, San Diego CADC.” California Alzheimer’s Disease Centers. 2010.
http://cadc.ucsf.edu/cadc/centers/thecenters/ucsd.
“Dementia: A Public Health Crisis,” YouTube video, 8:56am, posted by “NDTV,” April 10, 2012.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HQwVkwP6ls.
Fernandez, Alvaro. “Alzheimer’s Disease: is our Healthcare System Ready?” Sharp Brains. September
21, 2009. http://sharpbrains.com/blog/2009/09/21/alzheimers- disease-is-our-healthcare-system- ready/.
Alzheimer’s disease has became a global issue. Globalization has largely influenced the spread and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Due to it being a global health problem, many cultures have found different forms of treatments for the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Currently there is no cure for the disease. Hence, there are a variety of plants and spices from cultures such as China and India that are now being introduced into the Western medical system. Professionals are now prescribing these plants and spices to their patients while also giving them antibiotics and antidepressants. They are spreading more knowledge about potential treatments/cures for the disease. Also, the spread of these treatments will open the door to new findings and discoveries which will help assist medical professionals in finding a cure and possibly a cause. The video link above explains how the World Organization of Health (WHO) have declared Alzheimer’s and Dementia a non-communicable disease. The WHO is preparing to declare AD as a global health crisis. They are now urging government officials across the world to make this a health priority. The chart above gives percentages of individuals affected by AD worldwide.
The University of California , San Diego has established a Senior Only Care clinic to assist with the research for Alzheimer’s(AD). The outpatient clinic provides comprehensive assessments for people with Alzheimer’s as well as other memory disorders. The clinic in San Diego serves patients age 65 and over. The clinic offers patients and their families access to state-of-the art diagnostic and treatment services, novel clinical trials, specialized support groups, and educational programs about and other related dementias(CADC, 2010).
Other organizations can definitely increase their studies for this disease by applying and using anthropological approaches. By using anthropological approaches, scientists and other medical experts will be able to study the disease more in depth. Anthropologists often study diseases in different cultures and countries, so being able to gather such information about one particular disease from several different locations will help experts conquer the disease. The way that individuals perceive the illness and the experiences they have with the disease has a large influence on the way individuals seek healing or treatment. This can play a major role in discovering the cause of Alzheimer’s disease.
References:
“ UCSD, San Diego CADC.” California Alzheimer’s Disease Centers. 2010.
http://cadc.ucsf.edu/cadc/centers/thecenters/ucsd.
“Dementia: A Public Health Crisis,” YouTube video, 8:56am, posted by “NDTV,” April 10, 2012.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HQwVkwP6ls.
Fernandez, Alvaro. “Alzheimer’s Disease: is our Healthcare System Ready?” Sharp Brains. September
21, 2009. http://sharpbrains.com/blog/2009/09/21/alzheimers- disease-is-our-healthcare-system- ready/.