1) The extent of the problem at hand (usually one can include statistics and it is designed to grab the reader’s attention. For example, Over 5 million people in the US have been diagnosed with dementia, and this number is projected to triple by 2030 (reference(s)).
2). In the next sentence or two, you might define the problem/condition/illness, or another relevant term, in an effort to orient your reader. For example, Dementia is an overarching term that is often characterized by memory loss, difficulty with thinking and/or problem-solving, and managing everyday activities (e.g., independent/activities of daily living; reference(s)).
3). In subsequent sentences, you might consider identifying the implications of this particular problem. What are the consequences or additional problems that may arise as a result? For example, Alzheimers disease, which is a type of dementia, is a progressive condition that results in reduced memory, thinking, and behaviors and is identified in nearly 60-80% of dementia diagnoses (reference(s)). Although memory loss is typically associated with the disease process, behavioral symptoms (e.g., physical or verbal aggression or wandering) make living at home a challenge due to increased safety risks and the additional burden placed on caregivers (reference(s)).
4). You can briefly introduce what interventions have been done: Pharmacological approaches have not been effective in reducing behavioral disturbances, rather, they are more likely to increase harm due to adverse effects (e.g., interactions across medications, hallucinations, and heart problems (reference(s)). Non-pharmacological interventions, or non-medicinal approaches, are recommended for persons with Alzheimers disease as they reduce the risk of harm and have shown to be more effective (reference(s)). Specifically, some community-based programs (e.g., PACE) and adult day centers offer to stimulate and diversional programs that have shown to reduce behavioral symptoms. Such programs include cognitive stimulation (ref), music therapy (reference), and even animal-assisted therapy (reference).
5). Then identify the gap in the literature where your proposed study comes from: However, few studies have explored the effects of a structured day program, which provides physical and psychosocial programs, for persons in the early stages of the disease process.
6). Purpose statement: As a result, the purpose of this proposed study is to examine the effectiveness of a half-day cognitive and psychosocial program on the reduction of behavioral symptoms (e.g., agitation, apathy, and mood).
