Module 12 Study Questions
Dementia in Aging 

STUDY ACTIVITY 12.1:

1. What would be the ethical implication of having an early test for a devastating disease like Alzheimer's disease? Would you take the test and what would you do with a positive test result?

2. Some researchers are looking for a genetic fingerprint indicating Alzheimer's disease that in the future may be used as a prenatal test, just like they now test for Down's Syndrome and Tay Sacs Disease. Would you want to know that your unborn child will have Alzheimer's disease? What would you do if you found this out? Discuss the ethical and moral implications of knowing this information for individuals? What about the potential for government intervention for containment of health care costs?

STUDY ACTIVITY 12.2: Your 67 year old father is having increased memory problems. He has led a very independent lifestyle and has a strong will. You believe he should give up driving. He strongly disagrees and says "There is no point to living if I can't drive". What would you do and why.

STUDY ACTIVITY 12.3: Discuss some of the differences between a nursing home for a general population of older adults and a special unit in a nursing home for people with Alzheimer's disease. Speak to topics such as staffing, staff education, environment (flooring, lighting, locked or unlocked), recreation, and entertainment. Speak to the pros and cons of your suggestions about the issue of safety vs. dignity and quality of life.