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DEMENTIA PUGULISTICA
DEMENTIA PUGULISTICA
Topic: Dementia Pugulistica
General purpose: To inform
Specific purpose: to draw the attention of my audience to the reality of existence of
Dementia Pugulistica.
Thesis: even though it is not easily diagnosable, Dementia Pugulistica exists and is a
serious mental disorder.
Introduction:
Boxers –also called Boxers Dementia or ‘Punch Drunk Syndrome’ (Gould & Pineda, 2010). It is a generative head disorder resulting from repetitive head trauma. Symptoms are described after cessation of exposure to chronic to brain injury. It commonly affects boxers. It is in other words a disease of boxers.
Reason to listen: many boxers have suffered the disease either during or after they have retired from their career. Terry Norris, who was a lightweight boxer with knock out power and fast hands, is a victim (Pitt, 2010).
Thesis: although it is not easily diagnosable, Dementia pugilistica exists and is a serious mental disorder.
Credibility statement: I have consulted widely from different sources in my endeavor to unravel the truth about Dementia Pugulistica.
Preview of main points:
First, I will discuss Dementia Pugulistica itself.
Second, I will discuss the neurophysiology related to sports injury
Thirdly, I will discuss the DSM-IV criteria.
Finally, I will discuss views about Dementia Pugulistica.
II. Even though it is not easily diagnosable, Dementia Pugulistica exists and is a serious mental
disorder.
Dementia Pugulistica is the most prevalent mental disorder among boxers.
Dementia pugilistica also referred to as Boxers Dementia manifests in boxers after they have retired from their career. It is also referred to in the short form as DP. According to Gould and Pineda (2010), DP can be caused by other factors provided they produce stimuli that causes repetitive head trauma. Repetitive head trauma is described as, one occurring even before recovery from an existing head trauma.
DP is characterized with progressive neurological deterioration of the victim. Other symptoms of DP include:
Gait ataxia-imbalanced gait
Slurred speech
Impaired hearing-difficulty hearing
Tremors
Disequilibrium of the whole body
Neurobehavioral disturbances
Progressive cognitive decline.
According to David Cifu (2012) in his article ‘Repetitive Head Injury Syndrome’, repetitive damage to the brain can lead to neuro generative disease and cognitive impairment in later life.
Cifu (2012) also outlines the factors that lead to DP’s complications as: delayed diagnosis, subtlety of symptoms, overlapping of clinical signs, lack of knowledge on the specifics of diagnosis and paying attention only to the more concomitant injuries.
Transition: now that I have elaborated Dementia Pugulistica, I will discuss about its evidential
existence and its devastating, undesirable effects.
Dementia Pugulistica has been found to affect many renowned athletes and boxers: According to Pitt (2010), in his article ‘Fistic Medicine Dementia Pugulistica and MMA’, Terry Norris, a lightweight boxer is a victim of Dementia Pugulistica. Pitt (2010) further observes that not only boxers and athletes are victims to DP: Rugby players, football players, and wrestlers like Chris Benoit have been diagnosed with the condition. Due to this, Pitt (2010) refutes the name Boxer’s Dementia and prefers Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
The DSM-IV criteria for Dementia. DSM-IV is a criterion for diagnosing mental illnesses. It was developed by the American psychological Association. Here I am going to discuss the DSM-IV criteria in relation to Dementia.
The development of many cognitive defects characterized by both:
Impaired ability to recall learned information or to learn new information.
One or more of these cognitive disturbances:
Language disturbances referred to as aphasia.
Struggling with carrying out motor activity despite intact motor functioning referred to as apraxia.
Inability to recognize and identify objects despite good sensory function referred to as agnosia.
Executive functioning disturbances, for example, in planning, being organized and in sequencing.
The cognitive defects in criteria 1a and 1b lead to impairment in occupational and social functioning and they represent a massive deterioration in from a pre-existing level of functioning.
Existence of focal neurological symptoms and signs, for example, extensor planter responses, exaggerated deep tendon reflexes, gait disturbances, pseudo bulbar palsy, and weaknesses in extremities plus others whose etiology can be judged to be related to the condition.
These defects noted not to occur exclusively in the course of delirium.
McKee, et. Al (2009). Outlines the specific signs of Dementia as behavioral and personality changes, memory disturbances, Parkinsonism, speech and gait abnormalities. It is observed that atrophy of components of the brain occurs inclusively of the thalami, temporal lobe, mamillary bodies and the brainstem.
Transition: now that we have discussed the DSM-IV classification of dementia, it is important we look at the views of various people about dementia pugilistica.
Those people who agree that Dementia Pugulistica exists and is a serious mental disorder, and it requires serious attention. Also in focus, the people who agree that dementia is not a disease of boxers and athletes alone.
According to Pitt (2010), Dementia Pugulistca has been diagnosed in other categories of patients apart from boxers. Pitt laments that Dementia Pugulistica, should no longer be referred to as the disease of boxers. According to his observation, Dementia Pugulistica has been diagnosed and confirmed in footballers, rugby players as well as athletes. He gives an example of Chris Benoit as a footballer who has been diagnosed with DP to emphasize his point. Pitt further claims that Dementia is irreversible and that neuro motor dysfunction will most likely result to psychological decline.
McKee et al. (2009), observes that Dementia Pugulistica is distinguished from other mental disorders in that superficial mental cortices are the most affected by the condition. They further connote that progressive brain degeneration is prevalent during the prognosis of the condition. They agree that Dementia Pugulistica most often occurs due to repetitive brain injury. The authors conclude that the deposition of diffuse plaques is noticeable in the presence of Dementia Pugulistica.
Barnes et al. (1999) relates Dementia Pugulistica with brain concussion, Second Impact Syndrome and Post-Concussion Syndrome. Of all the researchers, this article the decision of victims of Dementia Pugulistica to return to play. They argue that Dementia pugulistica exists as a continuum, and thus, the victim is highly likely to go back to play. The authors emphasize the need for a comprehensive neurophysiologic assessment in the diagnosis and management of Dementia Pugulistica. Importance of treating minor head injuries is also emphasized.
III. Conclusion.
Review of main points
Today, I first discussed Dementia Pugulistica itself.
Second, I discussed the neurophysiology related to sport injury.
Third, I discussed the DSM-IV criteria for vascular dementia.
Finally, I discussed the views of some researchers on Dementia Pugulistica.
Restate Thesis: Even though it is not easily diagnosable, Dementia pugulistica exists and is a serious mental disorder.
Closure: Dementia Pugilistica is a serious mental disorder that mostly affects boxers. It results from repetitive brain injury. Treatment of minor brain injuries and continuous reassessments are essential in prevention and management.
References
American Psychological Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual for mental disorders, (4th ed). Washington DC: American Psychological Association.
Cifu, D. (2012). Repetitive head injury syndrome. Medspace. Retrieved from HYPERLINK “http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/92189” http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/92189
Barnes, R., HYPERLINK “http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Erlanger%20DM%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=10949160” Erlanger, D.M., HYPERLINK “http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Kutner%20KC%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=10949160” Kutner, K.C., & HYPERLINK “http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Barth%20JT%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=10949160” Barth, J.T. (1999). Neuropsychology of sports-related head injury: Dementia pugilistica to post -concussion syndrome. The Clinical Neurophysiologist, 13(2), 193-209.
Gould, J.D. & Pineda, P. (2010). The neuroanatomical relationship of dementia pugulistica and Alzheimer’s disease. Retrieved from HYPERLINK “http://www.neuroanatomy.org/2010/005_007.pdf” http://www.neuroanatomy.org/2010/005_007.pdf
HYPERLINK “http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=McKee%20AC%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=19535999” McKee, A.C., HYPERLINK “http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Cantu%20RC%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=19535999” Cantu, R.C., HYPERLINK “http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Nowinski%20CJ%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=19535999” Nowinski, C.J., HYPERLINK “http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Hedley-Whyte%20ET%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=19535999” Hedley, Whyte, E.T., HYPERLINK “http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Gavett%20BE%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=19535999” Gavett, B.E…….Stern, R.A. (2009). Chronic traumatic encephalopathy in athletes: Progressive tauopathy after repetitive head injury. Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology, 68(7), 709-35.
Pitt, M. (2013). Fistic medicine dementia pugulistica and MMA. Crave Online Media. Retrieved from HYPERLINK “http://www.sherdog.com/” http://www.sherdog.com
Counseling Transgender Clients
Counseling Transgender Clients
Student’s Name
Institution Affiliation
Course Name and Code
Professor’s Name
Date
Counseling Transgender Clients
Transgender people include transexuals as well as other individuals who cross-dress due to different reasons (Sue et al., 2022). A person’s gender is determined at birth by external genital and biological processes. Therefore, no one controls what gender they want to be or make. Therefore, it is wise for transgender counselors to start their talks by making their clients understand that nature has to take its course, no human can control it, and no one stands to be discriminated against.
While dealing with transgender clients, I would recommend that counselors always try to have a conversation that is based on science. Adopting bias-conscious counseling will allow them to be highly aware of their values. It’s very important to let clients understand that religion has nothing to do with who someone is, either male or female but appreciate it.
A qualified counselor should always use gender-fair language. using gender inclusion terms are always best. For example, in counselling sessions, the counselor can talk about the chairperson instead of the chairlady or chairman (Lindqyist et al., 2019). The counselor must try to understand how their clients feel when referred to by different gender. Transgender persons are not mentally ill. However, most transgender persons experience dysphonia at various times as they do their various life duties. The counselors must know that they have to treat the dysphonia and assist them in finding possible ways of expressing gender physically and socially.
To sum up, lack of knowledge, comfort, and skills among providers who work with transgender is one of the challenges faced. There is an imbalance between the counselor and the client. Transgender people rarely seek counseling, but when they do, in most cases, there is a challenge of average rates of depression, suicide, and self-mutilation (Morris et al., 2020).
Reference
Lindquist, A., Renström, E. A., & Gustafsson Sendén, M. (2019). Reducing a male bias in language? Establishing the efficiency of three different gender-fair language strategies. Sex Roles, 81(1), 109-117.
Morris, E. R., Lindley, L., & Galupo, M. P. (2020). “Better issues to focus on”: Transgender Microaggressions as Ethical Violations in Therapy. The Counseling Psychologist, 48(6), 883-915.
Sue, D. W., Sue, D., Neville, H. A., & Smith, L. (2022). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice. John Wiley & Sons.
DEMENTIA AND TECHNOLOGY
Dementia and Technology
Dementia is a serious decline in global cognitive functions or mental abilities in a previously non-impaired person beyond what might be expected from normal ageing. The person loses cognitive abilities such as planning, recognizing people or objects, memory, languageor even the ability to reason. Dementia may be static, from a serious brain injury, or progressive, from a prolonged disease or damage. Despite a lot of research, there is no known cure and no way of reducing the progression of the syndrome.
Over the years, researchers have developed assistive technology to help patients with dementia. These technologies are aimed at letting people with dementia make independent decisions, offer more secure living, give more privacy and dignity,and be affordable and efficient. The technologies designed are classified as either fixed, portable or electronic. Fixed assistive technology involves adding to or completely changing an existing structure. This may involve construction of grab rails, use of wheelchairs, stair lifts, modification of light switches and showers and finally the installation of ramps. Portable assistive technologies are devices that aid daily living activities and include dressing aids, hearing aids, adjustable beds, riser-recliner chairs, walking sticks and other mobility-assist systems. New assistive technologies, telecare and existing technologies form part of Electronic assistive technologies for example smart wiring, electronic stoves, alarms, computers, smart toilets and alarms.
However, while anew idea or innovation may have the promise of improved potential benefits, it may alsobe subjected to misuse. A device may be beneficial but also have hidden costs to the person with dementia or to their careers. The main areas of concern with respect to such costs are firstly, about their impact on the telecare of the society and assistive technologies. Some may reduce human contact with the patient and also be used to decrease services rendered to them.Secondly, there are concerns the type of technology adopted may be difficult to use and far too complicated for the patient due to reduced reasoning ability.Also, there some devices may be designed to perform functions that the patient can still perform and thus worsening their condition. The current computer technologies rely a lot on the sharing of information and thus it takes continuous effort to ensure personal and sensitive information do not fall into the wrong hands.
Theories underlying the Cognitive process
Jean Piaget theory of cognitive development
This theory was developed by Jean Piaget and is concerned with how a child develops his thought process. It tries to explain how the process influences a child’s understanding and interaction with the world.Piaget argues that early development of cognitive senses is action based and later progresses to mental operations. The theory is divided into four stages of cognitive development:
Sensorimotor Stage – Piaget argues that infants obtain knowledge through manipulation of objects and sensory experiences in this stage.
Preoperational Stage – children engage in pretend play and acquire knowledge in the process but are still influenced by the point of view of others and have a difficult time with logic.
Concrete Operational Stage – although children at this stage start to be a bit logical, their thinking tends to be very rigid. They have to struggle with hypothetical and abstract concepts.
Formal Operational Stage – this last stage involves the ability to use deductive reasoning, increase in logic and the ability to understand abstract ideas.
Psychometrics theory
Is a theory that involves the use of calculated steps to measure human intelligence.it includes measuring personality traits, educational measurements, abilities and traits. The study focuses majorly on personal assessments.
Theory of multiple intelligences
The theory was developed by Howard Gardner. He argues that humans can process information differently and all these ways are independent. Gardner argues that a person is able to know the world through, spatial representation, logical-mathematical analysis, musical thinking, language, and use of the body to make things or solve problems, understanding of other individuals and understanding ourselves. He argues that students have different have different minds and thus understand, perform and remember concepts differently. Individuals differ in the strengths of their intelligence and thus why they solve problems differently. The challenge of the education system is to assume that everyone learns everything the same way. He therefore argues that the society would be better off if disciplines were introduced through different approaches and assessed through diverse means.
Gaps in technology
Some electronic assistive technology such as smart wiring may not be as easy to use among different patients with cognitive disorders as the developers would have anticipated. This follows Gardner’s argument of the need to destandardise the technology to try and suit the needs of different patients.
Cognitive abilities are developed through different means according to Piaget’s stages of cognitive development process. Thus patients with cognitive disorders need to be exposed to different environments to enable them remember what they ones knew. Being around people who love and care for them help in the process of trying to stabilize the condition of the patients and to avoid further degeneracy.
Improvements
By using Piaget’s cognitive stages of development, care-takers of patients with cognitive disorders should be able to determine the stage each patient is in and thus the best medical steps to be taken to help improve their conditions.
Different individuals have different intellectual abilities. The care and attention given to different patients should be according to the measure of their intelligence which can be obtained through psychometrics theory. Thereafter, using Gardner’s theory, care can be given to the patients through diverse means depending on their levels of intelligence.
Contemporary relevance
The three theories are relevant to the argument on dementia and the impact of assistive technology.
Firstly, one of the symptoms of dementia is the loss of memory and recollection of past events. According to Piaget, children go through different stages in acquiring important life knowledge. By taking patients through similar stages, care-takers may be able to help patients recollect important events about their lives and also help maintain their intelligence. This will help the patients be more independent and help reduce dependence on human caregivers.
Secondly, in the theory of multiple intelligence, individuals gather knowledge from different sources depending on their environment and diverse interests. Thus, in caring for the patients, the caregivers should expose them to environments they are familiar with to trigger their recollection of the life they lived. The patients should also be around people who love them and will thus hasten their recover.
The part of this research that is training of care givers on how to calculate intelligence through psychometrics as this would require a lot of time and not-readily available expertise.
I plan to share my findings with the body in charge of cognitive patients in my country and discuss how to better improve the care of their patients using my findings and their expertise as part of the guideline.
Project Methodology
The socially responsible techniques that can be applied involve
Home based care of the patients.
Introduction of more efficient assistive technology in different care centers.
Destandardising the type of care offered to patient inorder to offer care as per the needs of each patient.
Implications of the techniques
Home based care
The patient is surrounded with love and support of family members. The exposure to familiar settings helps the patient constantly remember their setting and be aware of their surroundings. However this may also prove expensive as the patient needs constant specialized attention. The house should also be installed with the appropriate assistive devices such as ramps and guard rails
Technology in care centers
This will help to efficiently monitor patients within the facility and also help chart their progress. This however may prove costly to different institution. Also, it is not easy to find a single technology that serves the needs of all patients equally.
Destandardising the type of care offered
Standard healthcare is meant to cover as many people as possible. But patient may have similar but uniquely different conditions and thus the type of care offered may not be the most efficient. However, there are myriad cases of dementia and caring for each individual patient on without standard medication is impossible.
Therefore the best method I would advocate for would be promoting home-based care of the patients since this works to quicken their recovery and helps in keeping the patients comfortable. Families with members with dementia should be trained on the best methods to care for them. Incentives should also be offered on assistive technology to make them affordable.
REFERENCES
Weiten, W. (2010). Psychology: Themes & variations. Belmont, Calif: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning.
Gardner, H. (2010). Multiple intelligences: New horizons. United States: Read How You Want
King, T. W. (1999). Assistive technology: Essential human factors. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Piaget, J., & CTB/McGraw-Hill Conference on Ordinal Scales of Cognitive Development. (1969). The theory of stages in cognitive development: An address … to the CTB/McGraw-Hill Invitational Conference on Ordinal Scales of Cognitive Development, Monterey, California, February 9, 1969. Monterey: CTB/McGraw-Hill.
Robitaille, S. (2010). The illustrated guide to assistive technology and devices: Tools and gadgets for living independently. New York: Demos Medical Pub.