Geriatrics Commons^™

Reducing Polypharmacy In Older Adults At End Of Life: The Outcome On Quality Of Life, Melissa Jenson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Background: Older adults at the end of life are commonly prescribed multiple medications which can lead to polypharmacy. Research has shown that optimizing medications through targeted deprescribing reduces inappropriate medications, reduces adverse effects and improves select outcomes. However, the impact of deprescribing remains uncertain--specifically whether this intervention improves quality of life (QOL). Objective: Explore polypharmacy in older adults at the end of life examining outcomes of deprescribing on the QOL. Methods: A systematic literature search using Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, Medline, JSTOR and Nursing and Allied Health Database was conducted between October 2020 to November 2020. Select articles …

The Impact Of Social Isolation And Cognitive Decline In Older Adults: A Systematic Literature Review, Jody L. Doll-Wilhelm

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, deaths of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and dementia patients surged. Increased social isolation and decreased activity levels in older adults have been suggested as contributing factors to accelerating AD and dementia. However, assessment tools to gauge interventions and outcomes of cognitive decline are variable among the literature.

Objective: Examine the impact of social engagement versus social isolation, like that experienced with the COVID-19 pandemic, on cognitive decline/dementia in older adults (greater than 60 years of age).

Method: A systematic search for studies evaluating the relationship between social isolation and social activity in cognitive …

Behavioral Implications Of A Cognitive Training Program For Individuals With Moderate Cognitive Impariment, Joseph L.D. Kennedy

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a cognitive training program on behavioral outcomes for individuals with moderate cognitive impairment. A total of twenty participants were randomized into either a waitlist control or an experimental group. Collateral individuals familiar with each participant completed a series of measures of behavioral and emotional functioning at both pre- and post-intervention. Results demonstrated little effectiveness for the cognitive training program in stabilizing or improving behavioral functioning. Limitations and future directions are then provided to enhance future research in this area.