“It’s a Small World After All” is the interactive storybook that was self written is the primary resource relied upon for this experimentation.  This storybook assesses the six human emotions: happiness, sadness, fear, disgust, surprise, and confused (as pictured above) multiple times.  Incorporated into these emotions are four of the senses: see, hear, touch, and smell (as pictured below).  The main character in this story is a little girl from England named, Isabella.  Throughout this story she takes a trip around the world with her nanny, Martha visiting every continent.  Along the way she experiences new adventures, and meets new people.  In each continent three to all six of the emotions were used and incorporated to a sense.  For example, in North America Isabella visits the Vancouver Aquarium and she is SURPRISED by how soft the dolphin feels.  In the storybook there is a piece of material that would resemble that of a dolphin and the Alzheimer’s patient is to feel the material.  The emotions are capitalized throughout the story to assist the reader with identifying the exact point at which the patient should be showing emotion.  Size 16 font was used to ensure that people could clearly read the story and each page has a least 1 colorful photo. 

AS SEEN ON THE WEBSITE "WWW.ATTACKINGALZHEIMERS.CA"

Alzheimer’s Awareness Survey

My name is Alexandra Milak and I am a grade 10 student attending Innisdale Secondary School in Barrie.  I am currently conducting research on Alzheimer’s patients in regards to their psychological state and what therapies can help to minimize psychological disruption.  The purpose of this study is to examine and have a better understanding of how much the general public knows about Alzheimer’s.  This survey will take less than 5 minutes to complete, and all information gathered from this study will be kept confidential.  With the exception of your year of birth, level of education, and location of residence (urban, rural), no other personal information will be required.  If at any time you need to withdraw from the survey please simply exit out of internet explorer and the prior information that you have given will be eliminated.  If you have already completed the survey and would like your information taken out, please email "alexandra.milak@hotmail.com" and your information will be eliminated.  Thank you very much for taking your time and participating in this study.  It is greatly appreciated. 

What year were you born in?

What level of education have you acquired?
-Elementary School (Grades K-8)
-High School (Grades 9-12)
-Post Secondary
-Post Graduate
-Other

What gender are you?
-Male
-Female

What type of neighborhood to do currently live in?
-Rural
-Urban
-Suburban

 

1.) Have you ever heard of Alzheimer’s Disease?
-Yes
-No

2.) Are you aware that Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disease?
-Yes
-No

3.) Do you know what the symptoms of Alzheimer’s are?
-Yes
-No

4.) Is Alzheimer’s the most common form of Dementia?
-Yes
-No

5.) Did you know that Alzheimer’s is hereditary and that scientists have identified an Alzheimer risk gene identified as apoliprotein E-e4 (APOE-e4)?
-Yes
-No

6.) Are there any advantages with beginning diagnosed with Alzheimer’s its earliest stages?
-Yes
-No

7.) How many cholinesterase inhibitors are currently available to treat cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s?
Answer: 3

8.) Which vitamin is prescribed to Alzheimer’s patients because it may help healthy brain cells defend themselves from “attacks”?
Answer: E

9.) Is the number of estimated dementia cases worldwide expected to rise by 2010?
-Yes
-No

10.) Is it true that over half of all dementia cases are in developing countries?
-Yes
-No

11.) Overall, do you feel you have an understanding of Alzheimer’s Disease?
-Yes
-Somewhat
-Minimal
-No

12.) Do you have any other questions about Alzheimer’s Disease that you are not aware of?  If so, please ask them in the space provided below.

Thank you very much for participating in this survey.  It is greatly appreciated.  If you have any further questions or inquiries please contact "alexandra.milak@hotmail.com".