NUR 3306 Integration of Genetics and Genomics Professor Candy Bradbury Comprehesive Summary Guide Latest Updated 2023

NUR 3306 Integration of Genetics and Genomics Professor Candy Bradbury Comprehesive Summary Guide Latest Updated 2023 COMPREHENSIVE CASE SUMMARY Alzheimer’s is a form of progressive dementia that affects the memory and cognitive abilities of an individual. The first symptom in its early stages is the inability to remember newly acquired information (“What is Alzheimer’s?” n.d.). About 40-60% of people affected with Alzheimer’s carry the APOE-e4 gene (“Is Alzheimer’s Genetic?” n.d.). However, genetic testing for the APOE-e4 gene alone cannot predict the possibility of developing Alzheimer’s disease because other factors contribute to a person developing this disease in their lifetime (“Alzheimer’s Disease Genetics…” 2019). Many family members who care for a loved one with dementia are concerned if they too may develop a form of dementia like Alzheimer’s Disease. This disease is inherited through an autosomal dominant pattern (“Alzheimer’s Disease: Medline…” 2021). Alzheimer’s disease can be passed down from generation to generation by this genetic pattern. If one person has a father who has the APOE-e4 gene, then they have a possibility of inheriting that gene. If both parents pass down the APOE-e4 gene, then the risk and probability are higher for the next generation to inherit this gene as well (“Alzheimer’s Disease: Medline…” 2021). The type of protein tested for the APOE-e4 gene is apolipoprotein (“APOE Genotyping” 2021). It examines the DNA of an individual to determine the combination of an APOE genotype form. Ethical considerations for a person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is that their autonomy will still need to be considered throughout their cognitive decline (Chiong et al., 2021). It is imperative that while patients with Alzheimer’s Disease have the full cognitive function, they plan to have legal documentation and a power of attorney to help facilitate their advanced healthcare decisions while they are still able to (Chiong et al., 2021). If a patient has progressed to the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and there is no advanced care directive to lead healthcare givers in providing care, they must act upon the ethical duties of fidelity, justice, and nonmaleficence to determine what the patient would have wanted if they could make their own decisions (Chiong et al., 2021). Through this, the theory of principalism is practiced in the care of the patient with Alzheimer’s (Robichaux, 2016). The ethics of care theory is also practiced while maintaining the patient’s independence and dignity in the continuation of care through caring and nurturing the patient and making them a priority in the care plan (Robichaux, 2016).