Digital Commons Network^™

Anxiety, Depression And Comorbid Anxiety And Depression: Risk Factors And Outcome Over Two Years, Osvaldo Almeida, Brian Draper, Jane Pirkis, John Snowdon, Nicola Lautenschlager, Gerard Byrne, Moira Sim, Nigel Stocks, Ngaire Kerse, Leon Flicker, Jon Pfaff

Research outputs 2012

Background: This study aimed to determine: (1) the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and depression associated with anxiety (DA); (2) the risk factor profile of depression, anxiety, and DA; (3) the course of depression, anxiety, and DA over 24 months. Methods: Two-year longitudinal study of 20,036 adults aged 60+ years. We used the Patient Health Questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale anxiety subscale to establish the presence of depression and anxiety, and standard procedures to collect demographic, lifestyle, psychosocial, and clinical data. Results: The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and DA was 4.7%, 1.4%, and 1.8%. About 57% of depression …

Anxiety, Depression, And Comorbid Anxiety And Depression: Risk Factors And Outcome Over Two Years, O P Almeida, B Draper, J Pirkis, J Snowdon, N T Lautenschlager, G Byrne, Moira Sim, N Stocks, N Kerse, L Flicker, J J Pfaff

Research outputs 2012

Background: This study aimed to determine: (1) the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and depression associated with anxiety (DA); (2) the risk factor profile of depression, anxiety, and DA; (3) the course of depression, anxiety, and DA over 24 months. Methods: Two-year longitudinal study of 20,036 adults aged 60+ years. We used the Patient Health Questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale anxiety subscale to establish the presence of depression and anxiety, and standard procedures to collect demographic, lifestyle, psychosocial, and clinical data. Results: The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and DA was 4.7%, 1.4%, and 1.8%. About 57% of depression …

Age And Premorbid Intelligence Suppress Complaint-Performance Congruency In Raw Score Measures Of Memory, Matthew Merema, Craig Speelman, Elizabeth Kaczmarek, Jonathan Foster

Research outputs 2012

Background: We aimed to examine the role of age and premorbid intelligence (IQ) in suppressing the relationship between subjective memory complaints (SMCs) and raw score memory performance. Methods: We used a community sample of older adults aged 66"90 years (N = 121) to test whether the inclusion of age and a premorbid IQ measure in multiple regression analyses increased semipartial correlations of raw score memory performance in predicting SMCs. Rank contrast correlations were also carried out to observe how age and premorbid IQ are related to complaint"performance congruency. Measures utilized in the study included the Memory Functioning Questionnaire (for SMCs), …

Predictors Of Rapid Cognitive Decline In Alzheimer's Disease: Results From The Australian Imaging, Biomarkers And Lifestyle (Aibl) Study Of Ageing, A Sona, P Zhang, D Ames, A I Bush, N T Lautenschlager, Ralph Martins, C L Masters, C C Rowe, C Szoeke, Kevin Taddei, Kathryn A Ellis

Research outputs 2012

Background: The AIBL study, which commenced in November 2006, is a two-center prospective study of a cohort of 1112 volunteers aged 60+. The cohort includes 211 patients meeting NINCDS-ADRDA criteria for Alzheimer's disease (AD) (180 probable and 31 possible). We aimed to identify factors associated with rapid cognitive decline over 18 months in this cohort of AD patients.

Methods: We defined rapid cognitive decline as a drop of 6 points or more on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) between baseline and 18-month follow-up. Analyses were also conducted with a threshold of 4, 5, 7 and 8 points, as well as …

Edith Cowan University 1991-2001: The Journey So Far, Ruth Callaghan

Research outputs 2012

In celebrating the 20th anniversary of Edith Cowan University (ECU), we have reflected on: our history; our rapid growth in student numbers; course offerings; infrastructure; and the many achievements of our talented people and, of course, the University as a whole. In looking to the future, we recognise the strength and determination of the people who make up our University community will drive our continued success - our students, staff, alumni, partners, and members of committees, Boards and Council.

Voices Of Migrant Women: The Mediating Role Of Resilience On The Relationship Between Acculturation And Psychological Distress, Min Ing Loh, Jessica Klug

Research outputs 2012

There is limited research on the experience of migrant women’s acculturation to Australian society. This paper outlines a two-part study that attempted to address this gap (i) by investigating the acculturation experiences of a sample of 30 women in Brisbane and (ii) a survey of 108 women in Brisbane and Sydney who have migrated to Australia after the age of fifteen. Results indicated that, while many migrant women experienced a number of acculturation challenges related to their status as ‘migrants’ and as ‘women’, many displayed resilience and developed competencies in acculturating themselves to a new country. Although acculturation to a …

The Trajectories And Correlation Between Physical Limitation And Depression In Elderly Residents Of Beijing, 1992-2009, Xia Li, Wei Wang, Qi Gao, Lijuan Wu, Yanxia Luo, Zhe Tang, Xiuhua Guo

Research outputs 2012

Background Physical limitation and psychological distress have been reported to be related, but studies describing the change of instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and depression syndrome over time or exploring the link pattern for their development are limited. The study was to assess distinctive patterns for the development of physical limitation and depression and to explore their correlation to form a proper prevention strategy. Methods Dual trajectory analysis was conducted using data from the Beijing Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) 1992–2009 hosted by Xuanwu hospital for subjects with full information on depression and physical limitation for all available visits. …

Sirtuin-1 Mediates The Obesity Induced Risk Of Common Degenerative Diseases: Alzheimer's Disease, Coronary Artery Disease And Type 2 Diabetes, Ian Martins, Andrea Wilson, Wei Ling Lim, Simon Laws, Stephanie Fuller, Ralph Martins

Research outputs 2012

Obesity, especially at mid-life, is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome, which in turn contrib- ute to coronary artery disease (CAD), Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The rise in overweight and obesity in all societies is prompting intense research into the causes and effects of the condition. Obesity disrupts many body systems including glucose and lipid me- tabolism, circadian rhythms and liver function. It also causes or increases inflammation and oxi- dative stress. Within cells, the endoplasmic re- ticulum (ER) appears to be particularly suscep- tible to such metabolic disruption. Sirtuin 1 …

An Exploration Of The Experience And Social Construction Of Ageing: Perspectives From Older Adults In A Healthy Ageing Program And Those From Western Australian And Welsh Communities, Sasha A. Stumpers

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

In recent years, a strong focus has emerged towards developing and implementing guidelines, policies, governmental strategies and research agendas that best support a growing ageing population (United Nations, 1983, 1990, 1991, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2012; United Nations Programme on Ageing/International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 2007; United Nations/Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2008; World Health Organization, 2002, 2004a). Locally in Western Australia (WA), nationally and internationally, this attention has culminated in a focus on promoting the notion of “healthy ageing” (Commonwealth of Australia, 1999; Commonwealth States and Territories, 2000; Office for Seniors Interests and Volunteering, 2006; U.S. Department of …

Interpersonal Psychotherapy For Depressed Retirees: Developing And Testing A Clinical Treatment Manual, Sue G. Miller

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Most workers adjust well to retirement, but some experience depression due to poor adjustment. No evidence-based treatments were identified that targeted the developmental needs of this complex transition. In phase 1, a treatment manual (IPT-RM) was developed. The manual comprised an adaptation of Interpersonal Psychotherapy. In phase 2, a pilot study was conducted to determine the treatment’s feasibility. A series of non-experimental AB singlecase studies was conducted with nine retirees. All research participants’ depressive symptoms receded into the non-depressed range by the end of the study. The IPT-RM treatment manual was developed to a Stage 1 level, which incorporated peer-reviewed …

‘New Directions For Traditional Lessons’: Can Handheld Game Consoles Enhance Mental Mathematics Skills?, Susan Main, John O’Rourke

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This paper reports on a pilot study that compared the use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) handheld game consoles (HGCs) with traditional teaching methods to develop the automaticity of mathematical calculations and self-concept towards mathematics for year 4 students in two metropolitan schools. One class conducted daily sessions using the HGCs and the Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training software to enhance their mental maths skills while the comparison class engaged in mental maths lessons using more traditional classroom approaches. Students were assessed using standardised tests at the beginning and completion of the term and findings indicated that students who undertook the Brain …

Efficacy And Safety Of A Modular Multi-Modal Exercise Program In Prostate Cancer Patients With Bone Metastases: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Daniel Galvao, Dennis R. Taaffe, Prue Cormie, Nigel Spry, Susan K. Chambers, Carolyn Peddle-Mcintyre, Michael Baker, James Denham, David Joseph, Geoff Groom, Robert Newton

Research outputs 2011

Background: The presence of bone metastases has excluded participation of prostate cancer patients in exercise intervention studies to date and is also a relative contraindication to supervised exercise in the community setting because of concerns of fragility fracture. However, this group of patients often have developed significant muscle atrophy and functional impairments from prior and continuing androgen deprivation that is exacerbated by subsequent and more intensive interventions such as chemotherapy. The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy and safety of a modular multi-modal exercise program in prostate cancer patients with bone metastases. Methods/Design: Multi-site randomized controlled trial …

Individuals With Chronic Low Back Pain Have Greater Difficulty In Engaging In Positive Lifestyle Behaviours Than Those Without Back Pain: An Assessment Of Health Literacy, Andrew Briggs, Joanne Jordan, Peter O'Sullivan, Rachelle Buchbinder, Angus Burnett, Richard Osborne, Leon Straker

Research outputs 2011

Background: Despite the large volume of research dedicated to understanding chronic low back pain (CLBP), patient outcomes remain modest while healthcare costs continue to rise, creating a major public health burden. Health literacy - the ability to seek, understand and utilise health information - has been identified as an important factor in the course of other chronic conditions and may be important in the aetiology of CLBP. Many of the currently available health literacy measurement tools are limited since they measure narrow aspects of health literacy. The Health Literacy Measurement Scale (HeLMS) was developed recently to measure broader elements of …

A Randomized Controlled Trial Of Whole Body Vibration Exposure On Markers Of Bone Turn-Over In Postmenopausal Women, Sarah Turner, Margaret Torode, Mike Climstein, Geraldine Naughton, David Greene, Michael Baker, Maria Fiatarone Singh

Research outputs 2011

Purpose. To examine the effects of two doses of low-frequency (12 Hz), low-magnitude (0.3 g), whole body vibration on markers of bone formation and resorption in postmenopausal women. Methods. Women were recruited and randomized into a sham vibration control group, one time per week vibration group (1×/week), or three times per week vibration group (3×/week). Vibration exposure consisted of 20 minutes of intermittent vibration for the 1×/week and 3×/week groups, and sham vibration (<0.1 g) for the control group for eight weeks. Double-blinded primary outcome measures were urine markers of bone resorption: N-telopeptide X normalised to creatinine (NTx/Cr) and bone formation: bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Results. Forty-six women (59.8 ± 6.2 years, median 7.3 years since menopause) were enrolled. NTx/Cr was significantly reduced (34.6%) in the 3×/wk vibration group but not in the 1×/wk vibration group compared with sham control (P<.01) group. No effect of time or group allocation was observed on the bone formation marker ALP (P=.27). Conclusion. We have shown for the first time that low-frequency, low-magnitude vibration 3×/week for eight weeks in postmenopausal women results in a significant reduction in NTx/Cr, a marker of bone resorption, when compared with sham vibration exposure.

In Search Of Wellness: Allied Health Professionals' Understandings Of Wellness In Childhood Disability Services, Lauren Breen, Helen Wildy, Sherry Saggers, Jeannine Millsteed, P Raghavendra

Research outputs 2011

Purpose. Wellness approaches are not routine in childhood disability services, despite theoretical and empirical support and an increasing demand for them from health consumers and disability activists. We aimed to investigate how health professionals define or understand wellness and its practice in the context of childhood disability. Method. A qualitative, interpretive approach was taken. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 health professionals (allied health therapists and managers) providing early intervention and ongoing therapy within four Australian childhood health and disability services. Years of experience providing services to children with disabilities and their families ranged from 6 months to 30 years …

Evaluation Of The Neurodegenerative Conditions Coordinated Care Program (Ncccp) In Western Australia: Barriers To Better Service Provision, Susanne T. Bahn, Margaret J. Giles

Research outputs 2011

This paper details a 2009–2010 evaluation of the Neurodegenerative Conditions Coordinated Care Program (NCCCP) commissioned by the Disability Services Commission (DSC) in Western Australia (WA). The program, run by the Multiple Sclerosis Society of WA (Inc.) provides in-home care and supports and respite for people who are under the age of sixty-five and diagnosed with a rapidly degenerative neurological condition. In 2009, the identified barriers to the better provision of services included: shortage of quality out-of-home respite providers, and convoluted paperwork requirements to qualify for the program. Some service providers were unaware of the program and so were not referring …

Lactate Dyscrasia: A Novel Explanation For Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Sivan Vadakkadath Meethal, Craig Atwood

Research outputs pre 2011

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS; Lou Gehrig’s disease) is a progressive debilitating neurodegenerative disease with no cure. We propose a novel molecular model for the pathogenesis of ALS that involves an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent muscle neuronal lactate shuttle (MNLS) at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) to regulate the flow of lactate from muscle to neurons and vice versa. Failure of the MNLS due to respiratory chain dysfunction is proposed to result in lactate toxicity and degeneration of nerve endings at the NMJ leading to nerve terminus dysjunction from the muscle cell. At a critical threshold where denervation outpaces reinnervation, a vicious cycle …

The Pregnancy Hormones Human Chorionic Gonadotropin And Progesterone Induce Human Embryonic Stem Cell Proliferation And Differentiation Into Neuroectodermal Rosettes, Miguel Gallego, Prashob Porayette, Maria Kaltcheva, Richard Bowan, Sivan Vadakkadath Meethal, Craig Atwood

Research outputs pre 2011

Introduction: The physiological signals that direct the division and differentiation of the zygote to form a blastocyst, and subsequent embryonic stem cell division and differentiation during early embryogenesis, are unknown. Although a number of growth factors, including the pregnancy-associated hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are secreted by trophoblasts that lie adjacent to the embryoblast in the blastocyst, it is not known whether these growth factors directly signal human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Methods: Here we used hESCs as a model of inner cell mass differentiation to examine the hormonal requirements for the formation of embryoid bodies (EB’s; akin to blastulation) …

Predicting Memory Decline As A Risk Factor For Alzheimer's Disease In Older Post-Menopausal Women: Quod Erat Demonstrandum?, Mark Rodrigues, Jonathan Foster, Giuseppe Verdile, Karen Joesbury, Richard Prince, Amanda Devine, Pankaj Mehta, John Beilby, Ralph Martins

Research outputs pre 2011

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the major form of age-related dementia worldwide, accounting for more than two-thirds of all dementia cases. The disease is characterized by a progressive loss of cognitive and intellectual functioning (Gilman, 1997). A number of risk factors for AD have been identified. The prevalence of AD increases with age, diabetes, depression, family history of Parkinson's disease and following head injury or exposure to solvents (Jorm et al., 1991; van Duijn et al., 1991; Ott et al., 1995; Yoshitake et al., 1995; Devanand et al., 1996). Published research further suggests that low education levels are associated with increased …

Aging, The Urban-Rural Gap And Disability Trends: 19 Years Of Experience In China - 1987 To 2006, Xiaoxia Peng, Shige Song, Sheena Sullivan, Jingjun Qiu, Wei Wang

Research outputs pre 2011

As the age of a population increases, so too does the rate of disability. In addition, disability is likely to be more common in rural compared with urban areas. The present study aimed to examine the influence of rapid population changes in terms of age and rural/urban residence on the prevalence of disability. Data from the 1987 and 2006 China Sampling Surveys on Disability were used to estimate the impacts of rapid ageing and the widening urban-rural gap on the prevalence of disability. Stratum specific rates of disability were estimated by 5-year age-group and type of residence. The decomposition of …

The Mds Mortality Risk Index: The Evolution Of A Method For Predicting 6-Month Mortality In Nursing Home Residents, Davina Porock, Debra Parker-Oliver, Gregory F. Petroski, Marilyn Rantz

Research outputs pre 2011

Accurate prognosis is vital to the initiation of advance care planning particularly in a vulnerable, at risk population such as care home residents. The aim of this paper is to report on the revision and simplification of the MDS Mortality Rating Index (MMRI) for use in clinical practice to predict the probability of death in six months for care home residents.

Quality Of Life Indicators: The Objective-Subjective Interrelationship That Exists Within One’S ‘Place Of Residence’ In Old Age, Jonathan Georgiou, Peter Hancock

Research outputs pre 2011

Using a largely qualitative research design, this study originally explored how a small cohort of aged clients and human service workers assessed and measured Quality of Life (QOL) amongst older people. A literature review was undertaken and interviews were conducted with participants from Community Vision Incorporated (CVI) and other key informants from separate human service agencies. The findings suggested that there was a dichotomous relationship between the perceived affects that in-home care and aged care facilities had on the QOL of older people. A number of participants suggested that in-home care and aged care facilities were disempowering and overall, impacted …

Perceptions Of Disabled Workers' Transition From Worker Role To Retiree: Narrative Review; The Perceptions Of Ageing Disabled Workers Confronted With The Transition To Retirement, Naomi Goods

Theses : Honours

The disabled working population is ageing creating a need for transitional programs in supported employment. Limited research in this area makes it difficult to design programs which adequately address their needs which affects the quality of service provision. A review of Scopus, CINAHL, MEDLINE; Psyclnfo and ISI Web of Science databases was conducted. Outcomes of interest were studies looking specifically at perceptions of disabled workers in supported employment making the transition to retirement. Due to the dearth of information on this topic studies focusing on non-disabled populations or disabilities though injury or illness were included. Major findings suggest when workers …

The Impact Of Centre Based Respite On Occupational Performance For People With Dementia, Kristy Ness

Theses : Honours

Dementia affects occupational performance by restricting one's ability to carry out valued roles and activities. Centre based respite has been described as one intervention to maintain or improve occupational performance and prevent or delay institutionalisation for people with dementia. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of centre based respite on occupational performance components as outlined by the Occupational Performance Model (Australia) for people with dementia. Five spousal caregivers, recruited through Alzheimer's Australia WA, participated in semi-structured interviews. Data was analysed using framework analysis techniques. Findings revealed centre based respite attendance can positively influence marital relationships, mood, …

A Luteinizing Hormone Receptor Intronic Variant Is Significantly Associated With Decreased Risk Of Alzheimer's Disease In Males Carrying An Apolipoprotein E Epsilon 4 Allele, Ryan J. Haasl, M Reza Ahmadi, Sivan Vadakkadath Meethal, Carey E. Gleason, Sterling C. Johnson, Sanjay Asthana, Richard L. Bowen, Craig S. Atwood

Research outputs pre 2011

Genetic and biochemical studies support the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele as a major risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), though ~50% of AD patients do not carry the allele. APOE transports cholesterol for luteinizing hormone (LH)-regulated steroidogenesis, and both LH and neurosteroids have been implicated in the etiology of AD. Since polymorphisms of LH beta-subunit (LHB) and its receptor (LHCGR) have not been tested for their association with AD, we scored AD and age-matched control samples for APOE genotype and 14 polymorphisms of LHB and LHCGR. Thirteen gene-gene interactions between the …

Gender And Apologies: Exploring Offended Females' Perceptions Of Apologies From Males And Females, Stacey Bennet

Theses : Honours

The construct of apology has recently received more attention by researchers (Allan, 2007) and several factors that may influence apologetic responses have been identified. The gender of an offender is one such factor. A review was undertaken to examine the literature pertaining to the influence of the gender of an offender on apologies. As a result of the review, several themes were identified. These included gender differences and similarities in the frequency of apologies, the quantity and complexity of components, and the actual content of those components. Furthermore, contextual factors that may play a role in the influence of gender …

Developing New And Alternative Quality Of Life Indicators For Older People: A Case Study From Community Vision And A Cohort Of Their Aged Clients In Perth, Wa, Jonathan Georgiou

Theses : Honours

This Honours thesis explored the highly debated construct of Quality of Life and in particular, how this concept was perceived amongst a small cohort of aged clients from Community Vision, a peak Non-Government Organisation operating in the northern suburbs of Perth, W A. The Analytical Framework utilised in this Honours study consisted of two phases; an analysis of existing academic literature and the development of a new qualitative inquiry. Semi-structured interviews and electronic surveys were conducted with a group of aged clients, staff and managers from Community Vision and key informants representing three peak W A aged care service providers. …

The Benefits Of Pet Ownership For Single Adults In Midlife, Lauren Mcgillivray

Theses : Honours

Pets are shown to enhance quality of life through support and companionship. Midlife is a time where pets may be most valuable, since it is a time that involves critical changes to intimate relationships, roles and status. In this article a critical review of the literature on midlife development and demographic trends was carried out. Further, the psychological literature on human-pet relationships was reviewed and integrated with midlife research. Evidence for the psychological and physical benefits of pets is examined and the implications and potential benefits for middle aged adults are discussed. Findings suggest that pets may help to reduce …

Nutrition And Eating Behaviour In Older Adulthood, Catherine Helene Matringe

Theses : Honours

In response to increasing number of older Australians (from 13% over 65 in 2004 to 28% by 2051), policy makers have been exploring strategies aimed at maintaining older adults' quality of life. Nutrition has been recognised as an effective preventive measure to promote well-being among older adults. The purpose of the current paper is to review relevant literature in the area of nutrition and eating behaviour in older adulthood. Biological issues, psychological factors, and social as well as environmental aspects are reviewed. Issues related to the ageing process, mental illness, chronic conditions, body image, social isolation and poverty represent barriers …

The Role And Meaning Of Spirituality Among Older Adults In Western Australia, Sue Grossman

Theses : Honours

Given the large projected increase in the proportion of Australian older adults (13% in 2004 to 22% in 2031) and the personal importance placed on spirituality in the lives of older adults, it is timely to investigate the role of spirituality in the everyday lives of older adults. The present paper analyses the literature pertaining to the psychological implications of spirituality in older adulthood. The points of discussion identified in the review include the relationship between spirituality and religion, theories of spiritual development, psychosocial wellbeing, health, end of life issues, culture, and psychological practice. It is concluded that the paucity …