Alzheimers Disease Symptoms, Stages, Causes and Treatments - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 7 Words: 2025 Downloads: 10 Date added: 2019/04/12 Category Medicine Essay Level High school Tags: Alzheimer's Disease Essay Did you like this example? Introduction The brain is a significant and complex organ with a vast array of roles necessary for sustaining human life. Some of these include cognitive functions, homeostatic regulatory responsibilities, motor controls, and sensory information reception. While the human brain has numerous capabilities essential to life, a wide range of neurological disorders can impede these, causing a variety of potentially fatal diseases, such as Alzheimers disease. German physician Dr. Alois Alzheimer first described Alzheimers disease as presenile dementia in 1906. Now known to be a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, Alzheimers disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for nearly 35 million cases globally (Martorelli, et al.). In the United States today, it is speculated that someone develops Alzheimers disease every 66 seconds, however in 2050, a new case of Alzheimers is expected to develop in as little as every 33 seconds (Alzheimers Association). Subsequently, since Alzheimers disease has become much more widespread, it has also become much more fatal. As of 2014, in the United States alone, the disease was reportedly responsible for approximately 85,000 deaths. Moreover, during the years 2000 to 2013, the number of deaths caused by Alzheimers disease increased by over 71%, while mortality caused by stroke, heart disease, and prostate cancer actually decreased by 23%, 14%, and 11%, respectively (Alzheimers Association). However, it is important to suggest that these mortality statistics may be greatly underestimated since death certificates may list other complications as causes of death, rather than the underlying Alzheimers disease. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Alzheimers Disease: Symptoms, Stages, Causes and Treatments" essay for you Create order Additionally, a key aspect of the surging prevalence of Alzheimers disease as a fatal disorder is that it is only intensifying with increasing longevity in humans. For example, in his article Pathogenesis of Alzheimers disease, Dr. Russell Swerdlow, the Director of the University of Kansas Alzheimers Disease Center and the KUMC Neurodegenerative Disorders Program, references a survey of brains from persons over the age of 85 that all showed evidence having at least some degree of Alzheimers disease. He states that therefore, it is worth considering that at some point in the aging continuum, Alzheimers disease ceases to become a disease because it becomes a norm. Thus, as the facts and statistics stated above may imply, Alzheimers disease is becoming a widespread disease characterized as much more than the memory loss commonly associated with it. Unfortunately, however, the diagnosis of Alzheimers disease is primarily reliant on observations of cognitive and functional decline (Martorelli, et al.). These symptoms include: agnosia, the loss of perceptual ability regarding the interpretation of sensory perceptions; apraxia, the inability to understand the meaning or appropriate use of things; and dysphasia, the failure to arrange words in a meaningful manner (Martone and Piotrowski). Therefore, due to the complexity and extent of the neurological deficits that which it causes, Alzheimers disease is typically terminal once it has finally been diagnosed. In addition to its inability to be diagnosed through practical medical testing, Alzheimers disease is even more so fatal as a result of the uncertainty behind its physiological causes and the lac k of a known cure. Causes An early feature of Alzheimers disease is synaptic loss that renders neurons dysfunctional and prone to irreversible death, ultimately precipitating the severe brain atrophy and cognitive impairment observed in later stages of the disease (Seddighi, et al.). Simply put, Alzheimers disease causes the volume of the brain the shrink considerably. However, there are several hypotheses as to why this happens. The most well-known theory, the amyloid cascade hypothesis, has been the mainstream concept underlying Alzheimers disease research for more than 20 years (Kametani and Hasegawa). Usually resulting from genetic mutations on chromosome 21, this hypothesis states that various pathological changes occur in response to abnormally increased concentrations of beta-amyloid protein (Widmaier, et al). This protein is derived from its much larger precursor, the beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP), by two proteases, beta-secretase and gamma-secretase. Specifically, a mutation in two amino acids (lysine and methionine mutated to asparagine and leucine) of APP adjacent to the beta-secretase site is known to increase beta-secretase activity and thus, beta-amyloid protein production (Martone and Piotrowski). In addition to mutations affecting chromosome 21, the specific mutations of the genes presenilin 1 and presenilin 2 associated with chromosomes 14 and 1, respectively, also result in the increased production of the beta-amyloid protein. Alternatively, this protein is the much larger and more pathogenic version, which is known as the beta-amyloid protein 42 (Martone and Piotrowski). Because of this, the two presenilin mutations usually trigger an early onset of Alzheimers disease, and presenilin 1, specifically, can even occur in patients as early as age 30. Therefore, it can be inferred that Alzheimers disease caused by mutation of the presenilin 1 gene is characterized as being far more malignant than the other forms of the disease. Not only is this due to its extraordinarily early onset, but it also is the result of its increased aggression characterized by the abundance of amyloid plaques in more detrimental regions of the brain, such as the cerebellum (Martone and Piotrowski). As stated previously, the increase in beta-amyloid protein production results in a triad of of pathological changes, including the formations of senile plaques, amyloid angiopathy, and neurofibrillary tangles. To elaborate, senile plaques consist of amyloid deposits surrounded by dystrophic neurons, while amyloid angiopathy is the presence of the same deposits within the brain vasculature. Neurofibrillary tangles, on the other hand, are simply tangled fibrillary protein aggregates within nerve cells of the brain, but, however, these components have drawn quite a bit of attention lately (Martone and Piotrowski). Some scientists have begun to develop a new hypothesis focusing on the neurofibrillary tangles as the basis of their Alzheimers research. Neurofibrillary tangles specifically contain abnormally configured and excessively phosphorylated tau protein. This is significant because in most differentiated cells, tau is generally unphosphorylated and is responsible for associating with microtubules to form a permanent cytoskeleton (Swerdlow). The human tau gene is localized on chromosome 17, and as the result of mRNA alternative splicing, it has six known isoforms expressed in the adult human brain. In other neurodegenerative disorders, such as frontotemporal dementia, mutations associated with the tau gene result in either protein accumulation, which causes neuronal degeneration, or impairment of microtubule regulation, ultimately leading to extensive cell damage (Kametani and Hasegawa). Furthermore, recent positron emission tomography (PET) studies have shown that the spatial patterns of t au tracer binding are closely linked to the patterns of neurodegeneration and clinical presentation in Alzheimers disease patients (Kametani and Hasegawa). In addition, tau lesions in the brain have also been shown to occur earlier than beta-amyloid protein deposits. Therefore, it is believed that Alzheimers disease progression is more reliant on tau pathology than amplified beta-amyloid protein production (Kametani and Hasegawa). Somewhat humorously, there has been a long-standing debate regarding the significance of the pathological findings in Alzheimers disease. This argument has questioned whether beta-amyloid-protein-associated pathology or the tau-protein-associated pathology is the primary lesion in the disease, which therefore has divided investigators into baptist and aoist camps (Martone and Piotrowski). For example, on one hand, some may argue that the amyloid plaques are a result neurodegenerative processes, such as normal aging or neurofibrillary tangle-associated neuronal degeneration, rather than their cause. On the other hand, however, others may argue that there have been no direct links between the genetics of Alzheimers disease and the tau protein, even though a mutation has been identified in tau when its associated with non-Alzheimers dementia, or frontotemporal dementia (Martone and Piotrowski). Nevertheless, outside of this debate an additional theory, the mitochondrial cascade hypothesis, has recently arose. This idea assumes that similar physiological mechanisms underlie both Alzheimers disease and common brain aging. More importantly, it postulates that since Alzheimers disease mitochondrial dysfunction is systemic, it cannot be a consequence of neurodegeneration (Swerdlow). In contrast to the amyloid cascade hypothesis, which is based on studies of rare, autosomal-dominant mutants, this proposal looks to determine the causes of common late-onset, sporadic Alzheimers disease. In this model, the makeup of an individuals electron-transport chain is inherited and gene-specific. The chain sets basal rates of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which therefore determines the rate at which mitochondrial damage occurs. As a result, oxidative mitochondrial DNA, RNA, lipid, and protein damage amplifies ROS production and triggers three events (Swerdlow and Khan). First, it signals a reset response in which cells respond to the elevated ROS by generating the beta-amyloid protein, which further impedes mitochondrial function. Then, it prompts a removal response in which compromised cells are disposed of through apoptosis mechanism, and finally, it generates a replace response in which neuronal progenitors unsuccessfully attempt to re-enter the cell cycle, which results in aneuploidy, tau phosphorylation, and neurofibrillary tangle formation (Swerdlow and Khan). Ultimately, the probable causes of Alzheimers disease all converge at one main idea: Alzheimers disease is the direct result of neuronal degeneration and decreased synaptic density due to some sort of protein accumulation within the tissues of the brain. Therefore, due to neuronal death, there is a widespread decline in various neurotransmitter-containing cell bodies of the brain. However, the most consistent losses throughout the progression Alzheimers disease are that of the cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain (Mufson, et al). Despite this congruence, however, understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms that drive neurodegeneration, and therefore the subsequent acetylcholine deficits, in Alzheimers disease is crucial for rationally designing neuroprotective agents capable of preventing the disease progression (Coimbra, et al.). Treatments Currently, the treatment options available for patients with Alzheimers disease are primarily palliative options that only address and temporarily alleviate symptoms of the disease. Some of the most common treatment options include acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, such as donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, and tacrine, to name a few (Martone and Piotrowski). By inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, these agents therefore inhibit the degradation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is commonly reduced in individuals with Alzheimers disease due to neuronal degeneration (Widmaier, et al.). In addition, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, are also commonly prescribed in order to limit any inflammatory responses in the brain that may have been caused by any neurotoxic effects of the accumulation of the beta-amyloid protein (Martone and Piotrowski). Furthermore, because of the limited effects of pharmacological treatments, the use of psychological and psychosocial interventions has become increasingly popular in recent years. This method, known as cognition-focused intervention is commonly partitioned into three separate approaches: cognitive stimulation (CS), cognitive training (CT), and cognitive rehabilitation (CR). In short, CS aims to enhance cognitive function through participation in a set of activities that engage mental processes, CT aims to improve specific cognitive functions through a set of standardized tasks with guided practice, and CR aims to address the impact of cognitive impairment of everyday functional ability in order to reduce disability and improve functioning in specific activities of daily living (Oltra-Cucarella). More importantly, in order to better the lives of those afflicted and to decrease the overall mortality rate caused by Alzheimers disease, research on new possible treatments is underway. For example, several groups of researchers worldwide are actively attempting to discover and develop beta-secretase inhibitors in order to limit the proteolytic processing of APP that subsequently produces beta-amyloid protein (Coimbra). Thus, by inhibiting the accumulation of this protein, these potential cures could stop the progression of Alzheimers disease in its tracks. As a result, not only would this hypothetical cure improve the quality of life for those afflicted with Alzheimers disease, but it would also increase the chance of prolonged survival. Conclusion Although Alzheimers disease was first characterized in 1906, we, as humans, still have much to learn about the neurodegenerative disorder, even over 110 years later. Despite having a plethora of possible genetic causes, this disorder is generally classified as a progressive neurodegenerative disease. On the surface, Alzheimers disease seems as though it is simply portrayed as memory loss due to a net shrinkage in brain volume. However, this is far from the truth. Alzheimers disease is characterized by neurological degeneration and degradation caused by protein accumulation, whether it be beta-amyloid plaques or tau protein. As a result, this disease is associated with a variety of cognitive deficits, including agnosia, apraxia, and dysphasia, and it typically results in fatality. In summary, Alzheimers disease research is incredibly significant to the lives of over 30 million people affected worldwide, making it one of the leading causes of death across the globe.

A Practical And Solution Focused Therapy - 987 Words

Cognitive perspectives uses cognitive behavioural therapy also known as CBT to treat mental illness. It combines two different approaches for a practical and solution-focused therapy. The therapy can be used to treat people with a wide range of mental health problems. The therapy examines learnt behaviours and negative thought patterns with the view of altering them in a positive way. CBT aims to help people become aware of when they make negative interpretations, and of behavioral patterns which reinforce the distorted thinking. Cognitive therapy helps people to develop alternative ways of thinking and behaving which aims to reduce their psychological distress. Psychoanalytic or psychodynamic psychotherapy draws on theories and practices of analytical psychology and psychoanalysis. It is a therapeutic process which helps patients understand and resolve their problems by increasing awareness of their inner world and its influence over relationships both past and present. It differs from most other therapies in aiming for deep seated change in personality and emotional development. (Jacobson, 2013) This therapy aim to help people with serious psychological disorders to understand and change complex, deep-seated and often unconsciously based emotional and relationship problems thereby reducing symptoms and alleviating distress. The difference between cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy is that psychodynamic therapy tries to understand the humanShow MoreRelatedSolution Focused Therapy And Rational Emotive Therapy1452 Words   |  6 Pages In the three introductory sessions that took place with my client Jean, I practiced Solution-Focused Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy, and Humanistic Therapy. In this paper I would like to compare and contrast Solution-Focused Therapy and Rational Emotive Therapy as the primary techniques used in the introductory therapy sessions with my client. 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Air Quality as it Effects the Human Body free essay sample

Air quality, be it indoor or outdoor, has a profound, and until recently largely unknown, effect on the health and well-being of the human body.   A direct link from indoor particulate matter, biological contaminants, VOC’s and numerous other substances in the air to common health issues has been found (Garcia-Perez et al, 2009). The public is largely unaware of the problems beset them concerning this issue.   Air quality is difficult to see with the naked eye and many people are completely ignorant of some of the chemicals they breathe in on a daily basis. The most obvious effect of poor air quality is lung cancer.   Cancer clusters have been studied in the vicinity of known air pollution centers and a link has been proposed between the two (Garcia-Perez, 2009).   Other effects that are proposed to have a correlation to air quality are asthma, increased sensitization to allergens, and other respiratory symptoms. General levels of comfort are shown to be affected with an increase in headaches, sore throats, and eye irritation (Daisey et al, 2010).    Studies examining both indoor air quality and disease symptoms are not very numerous, which is an area that requires extensive further research. Children are more affected by the air in which they breathe for several reasons.   Decreased immunity when compared to adults leads to a higher airborne infection rate than those with an established immune system.   Culturally, children are not as much in command of their environment.   This is why schools and homes tend to be studied more than other areas.   Children are subjected to the air in which they are, many times, forced to breathe. While adults may be able to choose to change the ventilation of their surroundings or the materials in their area, children are not.   The leading reason for children’s susceptibility to air pollution, however,   is a factor of dosage.   Their smaller bodies naturally make them prone to a higher concentration of particulate matter or biological contaminants (Hricko et al, 2010). Some of the solutions that should be proposed to nurses and health care workers are obvious.   Proper ventilation is the first area a health care worker should look in improving air quality.   Numerous school atmospheres are below standards set by the ASHRAE standard (Daisey et al, 2010). The EPA backs up this claim but also suggesting that air be filtered continuosly, possibly by forced-air heating and cooling systems.   It is vital that air not be brought from the outside as that may create increased levels of particulate matter and pollution levels from outside (EPA.gov, 2010). Beyond the obvious implications of proper ventilation, education of the public of possible health hazards are necessary.   It is the responsibility of the health care worker to educate the public on possible hazardous materials that may be decreasing their air quality. Formaldehyde along with numerous other possible carcinogens have been found in the air of some schools (Daisey et al, 2010).   The EPA recommends that all potentially hazardous activities either be performed outside if possible or in a properly ventilated environment.   These activities include painting, welding, soldering, paint stripping even sanding along with numerous others.   Many times people are unaware of the impact simple activities can have on their own health. The immediate reaction of a concerned nurse is to change something they deem as a problem.   Caution is necessary, though, in all actions.   An example of a caring group changing a situation for the worse is that of impoverished families in 3rd world countries burning biomass fuels indoors.   It has been well documented by numerous organizations that air quality is severely diminished by burning wood or coal indoors.   However, when proper ventilation was installed in homes heated with biomass fuels, malaria increased significantly. Researchers found out after the fact that the smoke caused by burning the fuel was warding off mosquitoes that cause malaria (Biran et al, 2007).   This is not to say that nurses should not recommend accepted health precautions, it is simply a warning that all suggestions should be weighed against their possible consequences.   At the very least, a solution that benefits all those involved needs to be investigated.   In this case, proper mosquito screening needed to be installed along with better ventilation. The solutions to increasing air quality, especially for children, are simple when compared to numerous other health hazards.   Proper ventilation is both the most obvious and simplest method of improving IAQ.   Reducing the amount of air entering indoor environments by keeping windows closed and clearing indoor air of particulates and possible carcinogens via filtration systems are the two biggest ways to decrease health effects such as asthma, increased allergic reactions or even lung cancer. As with anything else, education of the public by the nurses is necessary for the problem to actually be solved.   It is important that people learn how to help themselves.   Health care workers are in the best position to do so. References Biran, A., Smith, L., Lines, J., Ensink, J., Cameron, M. (2007). Smoke and malaria: are interventions to reduce exposure to indoor air pollution likely to increase exposure to mosquitoes?. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 101, 1065-1071. Daisey, J., Angell, W., Apte, M. (2010). INDOOR AIR QUALITY, VENTILATION AND HEALTH SYMPTOMS IN SCHOOLS: AN ANALYSIS OF EXISTING INFORMATION. Indoor Air, 13(1), 53-64. Garcia, J., Coelho, L., Gouveia, C., Cerdeira, R., Louro, C., Ferreira, T., et al. (2005). Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 1, 526-531.

The Value of Thinking Philosophically By Reflecting On the Meaning of Ones Own Life

Introduction It is imperative for an individual to recognize that his or her existence has a meaning, which must achieve fulfillment before he or she dies. This philosophical piece begins by highlighting the value achieved when individuals thinks rationally as they engage in a reflection of the meaning of their life. Secondly, the piece offers an explication of conceptual foundations of human actions and believes.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Value of Thinking Philosophically By Reflecting On the Meaning of One’s Own Life specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It further explores the nature of human responsibility towards the realization of one’s full potential. In addition, in this piece, I present my philosophical understanding of the â€Å"problem of evil, the existence of God, free will, the mind and body relation, human knowledge and the question of being† (Descartes, Roger Donald 2). F inally, I will evaluate philosophical themes, which I depict from writings of major historical and contemporary philosophers. Value of thinking philosophically by reflecting on the meaning of one’s own life There is a distinct difference between critical thinkers and non-critical thinkers. I believe in the above statement because critical thinkers pose many questions to have sufficient and clear understanding of issues around them. When people think philosophically, they can replicate their livelihood and make superior decisions with constructive influence. That is, they have ample duration to consider effectively different consequences that could arise from their decisions (Descartes, Roger Donald 41). I suggest that individuals should adopt philosophical way of thinking to advance their life setting. Conceptual foundations of human actions and beliefs When human beings undertake any actions or choose to believe in certain systems, they usually follow traditions already prac ticed by previous generations. The foundation of their actions is through experiences and continuous civilizations. Consequently, different societies have crafted procedures through which members of those societies are required to behave. These procedures are set regulations aimed at fostering sanity and development of mutual relationship among various individuals. Affiliates of this societies result to following the recommended practices, which is critically how foundations of their actions originate. Further, the following also provide different foundations of human actions and beliefs; senior members of societies, religious leaders and close associations with great forces. Nature of the self and of human responsibility I believe in the existence of clear set of natural laws, which demand that human beings ought to be selfless and practice quality environmental conservation duties. These laws provide requisite guidelines to human beings towards developing a cohesive society with n oble life ideals which various individuals subscribe to with immense joy.Advertising Looking for essay on philosophy? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More I agree that individuals should take responsibility of any mistakes that they commit so that they are discouraged from practicing evil deeds. Ideally, human beings are prone to mistakes which may negatively influence their performance in various facets of life hence the imperativeness of set regulations to minimize evil occurrences effectively. The problem of evil I stand for the idea that evil is bad and has many associations with various problems that befall humanity. The following are examples that explain negative outcomes of evil. When there is committal of evil such as deceit, betrayal, murder, theft, envy and pride many problems arise. For example, when an individual deceives the other about anything they are latter bound to find out the truth after some time. When the tru th is known the person, who was deceived feels hurt and in some cases, loses his or her self-esteem. In addition, there is also a resentment feeling since the person senses that an act considered unfair was done to them. Consequently, there is also a feeling of embarrassment on the person who told the lie since his or her malice has been discovered. From the above examples of one evil, it is evident that, one evil committed results in to severe problems in human lifestyle. Major setback of evil is its reoccurrence nature that causes more trouble to people who are considered good. Evil makes human beings loose a very important thing in their life; their moral worth. It encourages human beings to be morally irresponsible towards their fellow human beings. This encourages a society in which people suspect each other because they are used to evil deeds and keep anticipating for it to come their way. There is a lack of harmonious existence, constructive ideas fail to be implemented and p eople do not embrace various innovations that come their way. The existence of God All human beings have a common origin because of the presence of similar characteristics for example body structures and ability to communicate irrespective of the diversity in their color or backgrounds. Most individuals believe a superior force pegs their existence. They equate that force that is superior to a spiritual phenomenon they call God. I believe that this phenomenon called God exists because I understand from stories of creation, which are present in the bible. This is a piece I deem sanctified, that certainly I am a conception of God. The belief that God exists also emanates from what I have experienced in life so far.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Value of Thinking Philosophically By Reflecting On the Meaning of One’s Own Life specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More For example, I do not find any other suitable justification for where people originated from apart from the explanation, which states that God created human beings. Many societies’ lives with limited belief that God exists, however, they believe in a superior that supersedes their ability. In most cases, they revere and adore that force because they depend on it for their daily guidance. In the past, some very traditional societies used to present sacrifices to the force, which they deemed great. I am of the opinion that these traditional societies engaged in the practices as offering sacrifices in order to seek peace with the great force. After the creation of a peaceful environment, then the society would communicate with the force through various channels, which were known to them. The mind/body association There is an important co-existence between the train of thought in one’s mind and reactions in their bodies. For instance, when one is experiencing stress, their bodies react to the stress even though the s tress is at the mind level. It is imperative to note that, different emotions, which people display in their life, begin in their minds. I offer that the relationship is responsible for various activities, which human beings believe sometimes to be impossible. For example, one could be tired after working for extended hours, but if they fathom that, they can still achieve more they communicate to the body in achieving anything one sets to do because of the connection that already exists between the two. Whatever an individual thinks about in their minds has an immediate effect on the actions of their body. An individual could think about food then the feeling of hungriness attacks them because they have thought about food. In response to the hunger that the mind first thought of, the body demands for food, which will ensure the individual is comfortable, (not feeling hungry). In addition, one could imagine in their minds of a scenario in which they have different kinds of stresses a ffecting them. It will then follow that their bodies experience the imagined stress and they feel depressed because of that. Many people use this mind and body relationship to shun negative processes. For example, when they have thoughts that could trigger bad occurrences, they simply shun the bad thoughts and all will be well. Human knowledge Complex issues that affect human beings can be solved effectively comprehensive understanding of individual’s perception on various issues. Such issues revolve around opinionated, social and fiscal aspects of life because such issues affect human beings most of the time.Advertising Looking for essay on philosophy? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More I believe human knowledge originates from experiences that people go through and additional edification they earn from various sources. Human knowledge is important because of the following reasons; first, it enables human beings to reason with each other like knowledgeable people. It is my view that conversations between two persons who have good knowledge of the subject, which they are discussing, are more pleasant to listen to due to their immense value. I present this argument because I feel that individuals ought to have basic knowledge of whatever goes around them. Further, human knowledge enables accomplishment of solutions to problems, which could present complications to humanity. I would encourage human beings to ensure that they understand things around them and seek requisite assistance on various issues to advance their knowledge base. This knowledge also enables human beings to make superior decisions when exercising their free will. Human beings have permission to mak e decisions, which affect them. They can do this when they have adequate knowledge on whatever it is that they want to decide on. I do not believe that human beings should misuse their free will. For example, if one is in a position to compromise on issues, which affect him or her, they should choose on the right thing. Even if they are certain that, no one is watching them at that time. Whatever they do freely must not cause inconveniences to people who are close to them. Crucial philosophical themes and matters explored in the writings of the major philosophers Major historical and contemporary philosophers agree that human life is complex because it involves many challenges. They present many arguments, which relate to daily activities of human beings and circumstances that could lead to the occurrences of the activities. Philosophers contribute on suitable ways of life, which people can adopt effectively to ensure holistic reflection on their life .Philosophers encourage human b eings to lead good lives before they die. The availability of these encouragements is through their philosophical writings. According to Plato Grube, human beings experience different things, which they consider pleasurable. However, he cautions human beings on the dangers of over indulging in pleasurable activities Plato Grube (203). I agree that people need to normalize their moments of pleasure for them to get time for additional activities in their lives. It is important for human beings to please themselves but they should always be cautious not to overdo anything. Descartes (98) depicts a phenomenon called God who is responsible for the existence of all humanity. He disagrees with some philosophers who suggest that God never exists since he believes that God created human beings. I believe that theology is not fiction just as Socrates due to their strong perception on Gods inexistence. Further, he suggests that there is more knowledge about the human mind than the human body . I do not agree with this argument because according to me, there is a distinct affiliation amid the body and mind of the human being. Searle (89) offers his philosophical views on the link, which exists between the brain, language and different societies of the world. Consequently, he suggests that language is not very important because people can still communicate without language. I partially agree with this statement because there are incidences where people communicate without language. However, I propose that it should be known that for societies to exist in a harmonious way, its members must learn to converse effectively. The presence of a good communication system is normally facilitated with the presence of human language. Conclusion I offer the following conclusions; first, it is important to think about one’s own life in a philosophical manner in order to understand one’s role on earth. As a human being, one needs to have a reason before believing or acting on anything. This is because when one does that, he or she has a focus in life and can formulate processes that lack unenthusiastic effects on other people. Further, human beings ought to take responsibilities of the mistakes they make in life and understand the nature of other people they interact with. When they do this, they avoid unnecessary confrontations, which could arise from prejudices of actions of other people who are close to them. Evil actions make people fail to exhibit harmonious coexistence due to severe atrocities committed to them based on evil nature of human beings. I deem God exists due to substantive proof contained in the bible, which is the holy book. The fact that I exist proves to me that God, who is the creator of everything on earth, created me and He exists because of that. Work Cited Descartes, ReneÃŒ . Roger Ariew. Donald, Cress. Meditations, Objections, and Replies. Indianapolis, IN: Hackett Pub, 2006. Print. Plato Grube, G M. A. Five Dialogues. I ndianapolis, IN: Hackett Pub. Co, 2002. Print. Searle, John. Mind, Language and Society: Philosophy in the Real World. New York, NY: Basic Books, 1999. Print. This essay on The Value of Thinking Philosophically By Reflecting On the Meaning of One’s Own Life was written and submitted by user Akira Alston to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.