Annotated+Bibliography

Springfield Township High School ** Graduation Project Annotated Bibliography **

** Student Name: Eliza Birkelbach ** ** Annotation # 1 **

** MLA Citation: ** Congressional Testimony. //Alzheimer’s Challenges: Harry Johns.// __Federal Document Clearing House.__ 9 December, 2010. Web. 22 February, 2011. .

** INFORMATION: ** Author’s credentials: This article does not have one specific author. However, it is a statement of Harry Johns, who is President and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association Committee on House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health. He has been the President of the organization since September, 2005.

__Scope and purpose of the work__: This article is an informational report on Alzheimer’s disease and how it is affecting Americans today.

__Intended Audience__: This article was taken from a statement by an individual who is an expert in this field, thus giving the article more scholarly credibility and is useful for those researching the topic or is simply interested in it. It is also beneficial for those with Alzheimer’s or a family member with the disease.

** SUMMARY: ** Thesis or main idea: Alzheimer’s is not only a financially draining disease; it is an emotionally draining disease as well. As the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease increases, so does the number of caregivers. These caregivers are financially and emotionally responsible for the individual. Yet, there is growing support for caregivers and research towards finding specific causes and cures for Alzheimer’s disease.

__Summary of main arguments:__ The article begins with facts regarding the trend in an increase in Alzheimer’s disease in the future. Then, it discusses the financial stress Alzheimer’s causes families and Medicare. Other than being a large financial responsibility, patients with Alzheimer’s are an emotional responsibility and caregivers often feel a high level of stress.

** EVIDENCE: ** Alzheimer’s disease is projected to increase in elderly individuals over the next several years. As these statistics grow, the cost of caring for these people will grow and many will have to find care for those with Alzheimer’s. Caregivers often feel stress or exhaustion while dealing with those with Alzheimer’s, because they “must be available 24 hours a day, at home or in a residential care facility” (Congressional Testimony). Along with the emotional stress of care giving for someone with Alzheimer’s, the annual cost of care for someone with Alzheimer’s is about $20,780 (Congressional Testimony).

** EVALUATION: ** __Evaluation of research:__ The article is thoroughly supported by statistics. It is taken from a testimony from an expert in the field.

__Evaluation of scope__:The topic has been adequately addressed and supported. The focus on the article is not just background information, but detailed statistics on the future of Alzheimer’s disease.

__Evaluation of author bias:__The article presents a bias due to the fact that it addresses many negative aspects of Alzhiemer’s and does not focus a lot on the research for the future. The stress of caring for someone with the disease is the main topic for the article, however, the opinion of the article is backed up by factual evidence and statistics, thus making it credible.

** REFLECTION: ** This source was helpful in guiding me through my topic. It provided me with essential facts I need for my research. It addressed not only the emotional aspect of Alzheimer’s, but the finantial aspect as well. I will use this article in my final product, because it gave essential details regarding my topic.

**Student Name: Eliza Birkelbach ** **Annotation # 2 ** **MLA Citation: ** Anonymous. //Alzheimer’s Disease; Caring.com Launches First Customizable Alzheimer’s Resource for Family Caregivers.// __Computers, Networks & Communications.__ Page 136. Atlanta. 21, October, 2010. Web. 23 February, 2011. .

** INFORMATION: ** Author’s credentials: This article does not have a specific author.

Scope and purpose of the work: This article is a periodical reporting on how caring.com has aided caregivers. It provides statistics on stress related to caregiving.

Intended Audience: The audience is most likely individuals who are interested in support and information on caregiving.

**SUMMARY: ** Thesis or main idea: Since care giving is a stressful endeavor, caring.com was launched and has set up programs to reduce stress in caregivers. Caring.com provides approaches to the process of care giving along with information on the different stages of Alzheimer’s.

Summary of main arguments: Since care giving can be stressful for families, caregiving.com provides specific information on Alzheimer’s symptoms and stages. “As new Alzheimer’s symptoms arise, caregivers can update their Care Guide, and the information and advice changes dynamically” (//Alzheimer’s Disease; Caring.com…)//.

**EVIDENCE: ** Summary of evidence: Caring.com’s survey of over 1,100 caregivers showed that 61% of people caring for family members with Alzheimer’s disease said that the diagnosis was provided one or more years after initial symptoms were present. In addition, 49 % of caregivers “say that their caregiving role for an Alzheimer’s patient is their single biggest source of stress” (//Alzheimer’s Disease: Caringl.com…).// However, caring.com provides essential support, such as newsletters and a Custom Care Guide.

**EVALUATION: ** <span style="color: #17365d; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Evaluation of research: The positive effects of caring.com and of care giving support are adequately addressed in this article.

<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Evaluation of scope: The focus of the article is on caring.com and how having support positively impacts caregivers.

<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Evaluation of author bias: This article has limited bias because it is an information al periodical on the positive changes charing.com has created.

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">This source aided me in my research on how Alzheimer’s affects caregivers. It showed how support and information is essential for caregivers. Although it can be a stressful, there are resources for caregivers that provide information on the stages and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Ultimately, I will use this source in my final project.
 * <span style="color: #17365d; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">REFLECTION: **

MLA Citation: Connell, Cathleen M; Boise, Linda; Holmes, Sara B; Hudson, Margaret L. "Attitudes Toward the Diagnosis and Disclosure of Dementia Among Family Caregivers and Primary Care Physicians." Gerontologist 4(2004):500. eLibrary. Web. 02 Mar. 2011. <http://elibrary.bigchalk. com>. Author’s credentials: Cathleen Connell works with the Department of Health Behavior and Health Education. Dr. Linda Boise has a Master's degree in Public Health from the University of North Carolina and a Ph.D. in Urban Studies and Social Policy from Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. She has also been heavily involved in research regarding caregiver stress. Scope and purpose of the work: This article is an informational report on a study that surveyed 52 caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Specific details and quotes from this study is provided. The purpose is to inform the reader about different reactions caregivers have to hearing the patient’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and the early stages of caregiving. Intended Audience: Due to the fact that this article was taken from a scholarly source, it is intended for those who are conducting in-depth research on the topic. The language of the article was sophisticated, yet the layout of the article was easy to follow.
 * Student Name: Eliza Birkelbach **
 * Annotation # 3 **
 * INFORMATION: **

Thesis or main idea: 52 caregivers participated in a study that consisted of nine interviews regarding their reactions to the diagnosis and the months following the diagnosis. Quotes from the interviews were provided in the article, along with several methods physicians use to disclose the diagnosis. Summary of main arguments: The article began by stating that caregivers regret not seeking a diagnosis earlier, because the patient had shown signs of memory loss for several years prior to a diagnosis. Then, the article gave different perspectives on how caregivers react when they learn that their loved one has Alzheimer’s disease. Some are relieved, yet others are upset and even embarrassed that they did not realize this sooner. The method the doctor used to tell the caregivers was also vitally important; some caregivers preferred a direct approach while others wished the news had been given to them more gently. Overall, this article demonstrated how the stress of caregiving begins even before the diagnosis and the diagnosis itself can bring about high levels of stress, because caregivers must now plan out their family member’s life.
 * SUMMARY: **

Summary of evidence: Obtaining a specific diagnosis can help caregivers, because it gives them a plan of action. Once they have been told that the patient has Alzheimer’s disease, they can begin making plans for the future. However, it was noted that caregivers can have a variety of reactions, such as “shock, embarrassment at having not recognized the problem earlier, devastation, and anger, caregivers also reported relief and validation” (Connell, Boise, Holmes, Hudson). One caregiver commented: “I was angry, I didn’t want her to be sick, I didn’t want to have to take care of her. I was still taking care of my kids and my grandchildren.” (Connell, Boise, Holmes, Hudson). The study clearly showed the stress the disease has on the caregivers, especially coping with the diagnosis. Some caregivers wished the doctor had directly told them that the patient had Alzheimer’s disease; although, many doctors will avoid harsh terms and will let the family know gently. Other caregivers felt that the doctors were too direct in their approach, and many wanted a follow-up exam to check on the patient. Another caregiver commented in the study that “[i]t’s difficult…everyone feels uncomfortable telling somebody bad news” (Connell, Boise, Holmes, Hudson).
 * EVIDENCE: **

Evaluation of research: Both the article and the study were well researched. The authors of the article are experts in their field and can successfully comment on the study. Evaluation of scope: The topic has been well-addressed and gives the results of the interviews with the 52 caregivers. However, not each caregiver’s quote was used, but a wide variety of reactions were used to illustrate the point of the article. Evaluation of author bias: The information given by the caregivers may be biased; however, this shows different perspectives and reactions to Alzheimer’s disease. The authors themselves present very little bias in this article. **REFLECTION:** This source provided me with quotes and an emotional response to hearing that a person has Alzheimer’s disease. The struggles that follow this diagnosis are addressed and will greatly help me in my research. The authors presented the information logically and sophisticatedly.
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