Executive Policy in the United States

Introduction Plausible policies are important in advancing the economy of any given country. This paper examines the variables that affect social and economic aspects of the United States. By so doing, this paper brings out the salient issues that determine policy formulation. Additionally, the paper brings out the critical importance of the economic and foreign policies adopted by a country.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Executive Policy in the United States specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The Obama administration has shown tremendous grasp on policy strategies tailored towards improving international relationships. I personally agree with the application of the Obama administration’s foreign policies. Moreover, I agree, even though not wholesale, with the kind of economic policies being implemented by the same administration. For example, in ameliorating socio-economic gap, among different classes, wh ich has grown because of recent global recession, the government is doing well but I wish it could do more. I appreciate that the Obama administration has many critics and selfish interests drive majority in their critic. Overall, I believe that Obama is doing a good job especially with the current financial crisis. Obama has shown a clear understanding of major global issues demonstrating a genuine sense of strategic direction. An understanding of what measures the United States ought to be undertaking in social and environmental dilemmas confronting humanity as a whole. Obama has been rightly criticized at his pace on implementation of his very well articulate policies including those on the economy and foreign affairs. Concerning recent global financial crisis the correlation between what has taken effect in the period he has been the president and the rhetoric shows the need to speed up transforming that into action. I believe Obama as the executive to needs to show serious comm itment to ensure their effective implementation. The economic Policy The economic policy by the Obama administration is noble on paper and only workable if there is practical commitment on its implementation. According to the Economist, Obama and his administration are more enshrined on rhetoric than in its implementation. The attack on this policy is not based on using federal money to keep teachers in their jobs, to saving the domestic auto industry, to investing in job creating for the many unemployed youth. Rather, it is based on the moral values and lack of accountability especially to put to account people and institutions responsible for the 2008 financial collapse. Policy makers presume that their constituents benefit, yet collectively they make these policies in an effort to protect their own economic interests. We are poised with the fundamental debate on the size and role of the federal government. While the housing market continues to decline, the dollar weakening in the world market and no creation of any new jobs (The Economist). The response to the recession is based on stimulus, this increase on the government spending. Obama and his administration at large cannot guarantee economic security, an upward mobility, entrepreneurial innovation without enshrining his moral values. Moral standards of conduct have to be put in place to address long-term economic growth.Advertising Looking for essay on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The recovery plan has to take into account radical economic changes that have take place spanning in the last decade. Starting in 1997 with the multi-national corporate tax deferral on foreign income has resulted in a significant flight of capital. This can be done without necessarily blaming the Bush administration for their inability to fix the communist policies that has driven this economy further into debt. Start with his campaign pledge to renegotiat e for the trade agreement signed into law during the Clinton administration responsible for loss of jobs to foreign countries. The government will have to temporarily nationalize major banks, differentiate good assets from bad ones, and then give back the banks to responsible private ownership (The Economist). To salvage the housing collapse, instead of bribing banks to ease terms, the government should directly refinance mortgages. Foreign Policy Although it seems to be taking time to take shape, the foreign policy so far has been relatively successful in profound ways (Foreign Policy). The focus of the obama administration, when it comes to international affairs, aims at rebranding the U.S as a global facilitator rather than the global domination force. The Obama administration sees the US more as a responsible partner for other nations rather than a savior. The secretary of state Hillary Clinton has continued to re-emphasized on the three pillars of the foreign policy; defense, d iplomacy, and development. Her foreign travels aimed to show a consultative approach.  The Obama administration with new policy approaches has begun to address a number of global commons issues .This is in its involvement in climate change global financial reform, or nuclear non- proliferation. This has continuously made Obama’s administration more popular compared to the Bush administration especially abroad. This approach is intended to ensure a more unified and complete approach to foreign policy. U.S. policy on China was based almost based entirely on economics and human rights related issues (Foreign Policy). Most importantly, this policy looks to rebuild the sense and reality of American military strength through disengaging from apparently intractable situations and focusing on competencies.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Executive Policy in the United States specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More To enhance collective power, the US focuses on calling on allies to take part in security responsibilities. Generally, Obama’s foreign policy has had its share of successes and failures but Obama’s approach based on diplomacy and respect seems to act as a catalyst for mutual growth, development and relationship with allies and other countries globally in comparison with the previous administration. Conclusion This paper looked critically into two crucial policies being implemented by the Obama administration. A lot has been said about the foreign and economic policies formulated and being implemented by the Obama administration. Although both the policies have strong points they also have flaws. However, it is worth noting that there is no given policy that can be said to be perfect. The Obama administration needs to transform its rhetoric into practical reform agenda. The foreign policy has transformed the country from its pariah status under the previous Bush administra tion, restoring the relationship of the Republic in the minds of many governments around the globe especially with his profound new style of leadership. The economic policy, despite challenges related to the global recession, has to be coherent and plausible in an effort to gain practical strategies to achieve a prosperous economy. Works Cited The Economist. American Economic Policy. 2011. Web. The White House. Foreign Policy. 2011 Web. 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Treatment of Alzheimers disease

Treatment of Alzheimers disease Introduction Brain is one of the most important body organs. Its failure or malfunctioning usually results into fatal cases that are complicated and costly to treat. Like any other disease of the human body, brain diseases manifest into different ways, displaying varying signs and symptoms together with diverse risk levels. Medical practitioners describe the loss of brain function as dementia, a condition caused by certain diseases, which affect the brain. In discovering diseases, which lead to this condition, Alzheimers disease is among them.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Treatment of Alzheimers disease specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Abbreviated as AD, the disease starts mildly before worsening with time. Its greatest effects are that it affects the overall memory ability of a patient, thinking and ultimately behavior. Alzheimers disease results into a wide range of diagnosis features, including memory impairment, poor judgment ability, personality problems, improper decision-making and language problems (Turkington Mitchell, 2009). According to documented research, Alzheimers disease is the primary cause of dementia affecting close to half a million people in the United Kingdom and five million in the United States. Importantly, dementia is a general term which refers to a collection of symptoms, which may include poor reasoning, problematic communicating ability, mood changes and impaired memory among others. These symptoms mainly occur following brain damage that could be caused by Alzheimers disease or other related infections. The disease is believed to have been first described by Alois Alzheimer, a German neurologist as a physical disease which predominantly affects the brain (Cohen, 1999). As a practicing doctor, Alois Alzheimer noticed unusual symptoms manifested by one of his dead patients in 1906. Alzheimers disease is well known to affect the normal structure of brain , which may result into the death of some important cells. It is important to double emphasize that the disease is progressive and may lead to continuous damage and death of more brain cells. As a result, patients with Alzheimers disease worsen with time. Like in other known cases, scientists have devoted their time discovering the treatment of the disease with results indicating that there is no exact cure for the disease yet (Brill, 2005). This research paper, therefore, gives an analysis of the treatment of the disease. Several segments covering the chemistry of the disease have been incorporated in brief with a thorough and elaborate synthesis of treatment procedures that have been found working and recommended in dealing with the disease. Symptoms Major signs and symptoms of the disease revolve around the memory of patients as their brain gets damaged with time. Although memory problems could also be attributed to other infections, which affect the brain, medical practitioners concur that most cases are Alzheimer-related.Advertising Looking for research paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More A common condition which affects memory is amnestic mild cognitive impairment. People with MCI are likely to experience more memory complications as compared to their age mates who are normal (Callone, 2010). The main difference with those with Alzheimers disease is that MCI patients experience mild symptoms as compared to severe symptoms observed among Alzheimers disease patients. Although not guaranteed, some researchers believe that old people with MCI are likely to develop Alzheimers disease. Apart from memory impairment, Alzheimers disease patients demonstrate low aspects of cognition, which is characterized by impaired reasoning and judgment, poor vision and word. As mentioned above, Alzheimers disease is progressive and shows varying symptoms depending on the development stag e of the disease (Soukup, 1996). During mild stage of Alzheimers disease, patients experience simple but dangerous problems like getting lost in a familiar neighborhood, inability to complete simple tasks even with plenty of time and inappropriate handling of money that may result into defaulting to pay bills. Some patients start repeating questions when asked and develop personality changes. Under normal circumstances, Alzheimers disease is diagnosed during this stage of development (National Institute on Aging, 2003). In cases where Alzheimers disease is not controlled during its first stage, it generally advances to the moderate stage of development, which involves damage of some brain parts that are responsible for language moderation, conscious thoughts and reasoning among others. At this stage, most patients experience severe loss of memory leading to a high level of confusion that makes them impossible to recognize their environment, family members and close friends (NHS, 201 0). Ultimately, patients become unable to perform simple tasks which may involve a series of steps like dressing up, become unable to cope with new situations and learn anything new. The last stage of Alzheimers disease development is considered dangerous since tangles, and plaques may have widely spread to most parts of the brain leading to severe shrinking of several brain tissues. At this stage, patients are described as dependents due to their inability to communicate and take care of themselves (Nordqvist, 2011). During final levels of this stage, patients spent most of their time in bed helplessly as their body systems shut down slowly. Notably, these three stages are irreversible although intervention during the first stage can be helpful in reducing the severity of the symptoms manifested.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Treatment of Alzheimers disease specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Causes of Alzh eimers disease According to Mayo Clinic Staff, Alzheimers disease has no single cause identified by medical experts throughout the world. It is believed to be caused by intertwined factors, which include environmental, lifestyle and genetic make-up, which progressively affect the normal body functioning (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2011). Research further indicates that less than five percent of cases, which occur are gene-related. Importantly, some people show the symptoms of infection after the disease has developed to advanced levels that the severity of the symptoms cannot be regulated. Although there are varying findings, Alzheimers disease people who are above the age of sixty years are always at a higher risk of developing the Alzheimers disease. In the United States, more than five million people live with Alzheimers disease today. The following segments describe some of the factors known to cause Alzheimers disease. Age Among all the factors, age is the greatest predisposing factor of Alzheimers disease. According to scientific research done by Alzheimer Society, Dementia is common in people who are above the age of sixty-five years with statistical analysis showing that one out of fourteen people who have attained this age is at risk of developing the disease(Alzheimers Society, 2011). Genetic Inheritance Although research is still underway, there have been cases where certain families show consistency and high risk of infection than others. Nevertheless, genetic factors rarely affect older people in spite of them having a higher risk of being infected by Alzheimers disease. Those people who have close family members with the disease have a slightly higher chance of developing as compared to families, which lack traces of the disease (Alzheimers Society, 2011). With regard to environmental factors, no substantive research has been documented even though some experts have associated Alzheimers disease with high exposure to aluminum metal. Nevertheless, these c laims have been discounted on several occasions, leaving room for further investigations. Additionally, the majority of people who suffer from Down’s syndrome are highly susceptible due to the existing variations in their chromosomal make-up. The risk is considered higher among people who are above the age of fifty years.Advertising Looking for research paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Similarly, exposure to head injuries resulting from accidents and high pressure exerted during boxing and other related activities, which may cause injury of brain tissue leading to subsequent development of the disease. Lastly, cigarette smokers and people have developed high blood pressure are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Maintaining a holistic healthy life is highly recommended in lowering the risk of Alzheimers disease infection (Alzheimers Disease Research, 2011). Tests and Diagnosis of Alzheimers disease An important remark is that there are no specific tests, which have been recommended to be confirmatory. As a result, tests are usually determined by the doctor’s judgment based on the physical observations and other simple test, which may be carried out to give some form of clarity. Most doctors are able to identify patients with dementia and even go-ahead to evaluate whether the situation may have been caused by Alzheimers disease. However, accurate dia gnosis can only be established after the death of a patient through microscopic examination of brain tissues (National Institute of Aging, 2010). Such analysis usually reveals the characteristics of plaques and tangles that may have developed after the disease developed to advanced and severe stages. Moreover, there are several tests, which have been designed in order to establish a basis to differentiate other causes of memory loss from Alzheimers disease. Physical examination This involves the general analysis of the neurological health of a patient which among other things focuses on coordination, reflexes, balance, muscle tone, functionality of sense of touch and sight and locomotive ability. Laboratory tests are very important in eliminating other potential causes of observed memory impairment among patients like insufficient vitamins and thyroid disorders (Hill, 2011). Additionally, mental tests are imperative in identifying the stability of a patient’s memory. This tak es close to ten minutes before the neurologists can ascertain the exact condition of the memory of his or her patient. This test involves simple tasks like drawings, copying some design, writing and memory of some words uttered by the examining specialist. Neuropsychological testing Based on results obtained during initial stages of testing, doctors may recommend a broader assessment exercise that would lead to finer diagnostic results. These tests usually take longer hours and is considered helping in determining whether the disease is at its initial stages or that the patient could be suffering from another type of dementia. They also help in the identification of specific changes which occur as a result of different manifestations of dementia (Nazario, 2011). Imaging Brain imaging is rarely used in understanding the nature of brain abnormalities which could not necessarily be related to Alzheimers disease. These include tumors and strokes which have the ability to cause quantifia ble cognitive variation in patients. Common imaging techniques used include Computerized tomography (CT), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Positron emission tomography (PET) (Nazario, 2011). Although these techniques are used in testing Alzheimers disease, it is important to understand that they make use of radiations which have been found to have adverse effects on human beings. As a caution, doctors are not allowed to expose human brain to extreme radiations to avoid long-term damage of cells and emergence of other health complications. Treatment As mentioned above, Alzheimers disease is the most common type of dementia affecting millions of people around the world. With close fifteen million people suffering from the disease worldwide, there has been research efforts geared towards identifying methods of preventing the disease or reversing of progressive symptoms. However, these efforts have not bore substantive results (Alzheimers Association, 2010). While this has been the case, there are drugs recommended for Alzheimer patients for lowering the severity of observed symptoms and prevention of other opportunistic infections, which may affect Alzheimer patients. The most important thing about management of Alzheimers disease is early diagnosis before it develops to unmanageable levels. If management programs are initiated early enough, many neurologists argue that such patients may be able to manage their lives without necessarily depending on caregivers at home. Additionally, may live longer due to reduced effects of manifested symptoms. Of extreme significance is the need for doctors to observe specific symptoms and administer relevant drugs. Common symptoms to be observed and taken care of include but not limited to behavioral problems, aggression, depression and sleeplessness (Kantor, 2010). Drugs Even though no drugs have been discovered for treatment and prevention of Alzheimers disease, there are those that are administered to lower the severity of symptoms among patients. In many cases, the effect and overall benefit of these drugs may be quite small to go unnoticed by patients and family members. Before patients and caregivers decide to use recommended drugs, it is important for proper consultation to be done to know when to use the drugs (Delrieu et al., 2011). In this respect, one is supposed to be aware of the side effects and some of the risks associated with it, having in mind that the expected change in functioning or behavior might be negligible. Patients also need to know the best time to use the drugs, and if there could be situations that would require the patient to discontinue drug administration. So far, there are two types of drugs, which have been approved for the management of Alzheimers disease. These are: Cholinesterase inhibitors Namenda Cholinesterase inhibitors This class of drugs consists of four drugs, which are Razadyne, Cognex, Aricept and Exelon. Cholinesterase inhibitors are known for their abil ity to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical found in the human brain that is responsible for memory and learning. The drugs have also been found to slow down the usual progression of Alzheimers disease symptoms for a limited duration of time ranging up to twelve months (Delrieu et al., 2011). In understanding these drugs, it is essential to know that Aricept is the only drug which has the approval of Food and Drug Administration for treating Alzheimers disease during its three stages of development discussed in the segments above. It is administered orally since it exists as tablets, which can be directly swallowed or dissolved in the mouth. Additionally, Cognex is reported to have been the first Alzheimers drug to be recognized and recommended for use by FDA. However, it is the least used drug in managing Alzheimers disease as compared to the other members of this category of drugs (Delrieu et al., 2011). Similarly, Exelon has been recommended for use mildly in modera ting Alzheimers disease symptoms before they become severe and irreversible. Exelon exists is several forms; as liquid, skin patch and in capsule form. Lastly, Razadyne, formerly known as Reminyl is recognized and approved for its ability and effectiveness in Alzheimers disease management (Cummings, 2001). It exists in three formulations, namely, liquid, immediate-release tablet and extended-release capsule. Like many other drugs used in treatment of diseases, Cholinesterase inhibitors have side effects, which have to be understood when a patient is using them. These include vomiting, insomnia, weight loss, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue and nausea. Likewise, the use of Cognex may result into liver damage. It is considered to be the most dangerous side effects described by doctors. In order to prevent liver damaging, it is highly advisable for the doctor in charge to carry out liver tests to determine its functioning and likelihood of being affected as a result of Cognex (Cummi ngs, 2001). Namenda This drug has been approved to treat Alzheimers disease from moderate stage of development to the severe level. Unlike other drugs which have been approved for the treatment of the disease, Namenda has a unique mechanism in treating Alzheimers disease. Its protective ability allows it to moderate the release and activity of certain brain chemicals referred to as glutamate (Growdon, 1992). This is quite important since glutamate regulates the learning and memory ability of human beings. It has been observed that Alzheimers disease patients usually release excess glutamate in their brain which consequently affects their cognitive ability. In administering this drug, the brain would become capable of releasing normal amount of glutamate thus maintaining the ability of affected individuals to maintain their sense of memory and learning. Importantly, Namenda is the only drug which has proved to work this way and increases its efficiency when used with other drugs like Cognex, Aricept, Razadyne or Exelon. Common side effects associated with Namenda include headache, confusion, tiredness, constipation and dizziness (Kantor, 2010). Supplements There are several cases, which are been documented about people using vitamin E, B12 and B9, although no research has supported their efficiency in Alzheimers disease treatment. In other places, people believe that ginkgo biloba herb prevents the disease whereas scientific research has shown no correlation between the herb and Alzheimers disease. It, therefore, follows that drugs used as supplements in Alzheimers disease treatment should be recommended by a specialist since FDA does not approve over counter drugs. Supportive environment Patients with Alzheimers disease require supportive programs as part of the treatment plan. It is recommended that they be exposed to a safe environment that minimizes accidents due to their inability to support themselves and identify their surrounding correctly. Simple thing s like proper arrangement of furniture are important in promoting their safety (Nazario, 2011). Others include fixing handrails for support during movement, proper shoes selection and reducing the number of mirrors in the house since mirror images may frighten patients. Exercise and nutrition Regular exercising is highly recommended for everybody, including Alzheimers disease patients. This helps to maintain healthy joints, muscles and improve their mood. It also prevents constipation and augments sound sleep. These patients need to be well identified while exercising for easy identification by the public and offer them assistance once needed. Immobile patients can adopt stationary bikes and other approved machines (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2011). Regarding meals, Alzheimers patients need a balanced diet to maintain their deteriorating health. Reminding them to eat and giving them a hand in preparation and serving is healthy and encouraging. Conclusion From the above analysis of Alzheimer s disease, clearly its prevention and treatment remain a major challenge for neurologists around the world. While efforts to discover drugs for preventive purposes are on, it is imperative for the public to understand the manifestation of the disease in order for them to seek medical attention or help affected individuals to access specialized treatment before the disease advances. The use of FDA-approved drugs should be prescribed by a doctor to curb against negative side effects or wrong drug choice. Other healthy practices like excising and proper nutrition are equally essential in preventing the progression of symptoms (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2011). References Alzheimers Association. (2010). Alzheimers Disease. Alzheimers Association. Retrieved from alz.org/alzheimers_disease_alzheimers_disease.asp Alzheimers Disease Research. (2011). Common Alzheimers Treatments. Alzheimers Disease Research. Retrieved from ahaf.org/alzheimers/treatment/common/ Alzheimers Society. (2011). What is Al zheimers disease? Alzheimers Society. Retrieved from http://alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=100 Brill, M. (2005). Alzheimers disease. Singapore: Marshall Cavendish. Callone, P. (2010). Alzheimers Disease: The Dignity Within: A Handbook for Caregivers, Family, and Friends. NYC: ReadHowYouWant.com. Cohen, E. (1999). Alzheimers Disease. New York City, U.S.: McGraw-Hill Professional. Cummings, J. (2001). Treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Clinical Cornerstone, 3(4), 27-39. Delrieu et al. (2011). Managing Cognitive Dysfunction through the Continuum of Alzheimers Disease. Article Review, (25)3, 213-220. Growdon, J. (1992). Treatment for Alzheimers Disease? New England Journal of Medicine, 327, 1306-1308 Harvard Health Publications. (2009). A Guide to Alzheimers Disease. New York City: Harvard Health Publications. Hill, L. (2011). Drug treatments in Alzheimers. Royal College of Psychiatrists. Retrieved from rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinfo/alzheimersanddeme ntia/drugtreatmentofalzheimers.aspx Kantor, D. (2010). Alzheimers Disease. New York Times. Retrieved from http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/alzheimers-disease/overview.html Mayo Clinic Staff. (2011). Alzheimers disease. Mayo Clinic Staff. Retrieved from mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers-disease/DS00161 National Institute of Aging. (2010). Alzheimers Information. National Institute of Aging. Retrieved from nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/AlzheimersInformation/Treatment/ National Institute on Aging. (2003). Alzheimers Disease: Unraveling the Mystery. NYC: Government Printing Office. Nazario, B. (2011). A Treatment Overview of Alzheimers Disease. WebMD. Retrieved from webmd.com/alzheimers/guide/treatment-overview NHS. (2010). Alzheimers Disease. NHS. Retrieved from nhs.uk/conditions/alzheimers-disease/Pages/Introduction.aspx Nordqvist, C. (2011). What Is Alzheimers Disease? What Causes Alzheimers Disease? Medical News Today. Retrieved from medicalnewstoday.com/articles/159442.php S oukup, J. (1996). Alzheimers disease: a guide to diagnosis, treatment, and management. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Publishing Group. Turkington, C., Mitchell, D. (2009). The Encyclopedia of Alzheimers Disease. New York City: InfoBase Publishing.