OPTION #1

This options states that Ann is already to the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease. When trying to help Ann’s husband Micheal evaluate his treatment options I think it would be good to keep this in mind. Alzheimer’s disease is normally given a 5-10 year span from when the patient is first diagnosed in the early stages until death. (Alzate, 2018. pg 28) On top of that Ann also has lung cancer, although it fails to mention what stage or if it is curable, but even if it was, her life expectancy is limited by her alzheimer’s disease. Knowing that she is already unable to recognize her husband of 55yrs and that it is advanced tell us that she may only have a few short years left even if she was otherwise healthy. Having a health condition such as cancer can shorten the expected life span. (Alzate, 2018. pg 28)

Having this information in mind, I would ask Micheal if Ann ever talked about her wishes when it came to health care decisions if she was ever unable to make them. Or if she had ever voiced what she valued most in life. (U.S Department of Health & Human Services, 2017) Sometimes family can think back to a time when the patient had seen or dealt with a family member or friend with a similar condition and may have voiced their option on what they would want if they were that person. Another question to ask Micheal to think over is what would be want if he was in her shoes? Giving him information on the disease process of Alzheimer’s disease as well as the prognosis of her cancer is one of the best way to aid him in helping make his wife’s medical decisions as well as serve as an advocate for the patient.

Alzate, L. (2018). Alzheimer’s Disease. Nutritional Perspectives: Journal of the Council on Nutrition of the American Chiropractic Association, 41(2)

U.S Department of Health & Human Services. (2017). End of Life Understanding Healthcare Decisions at the End of Life. Retrieved from National Institute on Aging: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/understanding-healt…