Digital Commons Network^™

Dementia-Spcific Education In An Assisted Living Facility, Sharon Dianne Samarin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Providing competent, high-quality, and person-centered care is important in the healthcare environment, including the care for the aging and training of those who provide care. A knowledge gap in dementia-specific training was identified at an assisted living facility. The purpose of this project was to answer the question whether a dementia-specific educational staff training program would improve staff members' knowledge and application of dementia-specific competencies as well as caring behaviors. Watson's theory of human caring, the theory of planned behavior, and Leininger's framework of culture care were used to inform this project. The educational project evaluated the success of implementing …

Benefits Of Prayer On Depression In Elderly Adults, Jared Errol Leet

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Depression in the elderly population is a growing concern in the United States. A decrease in depression in the elderly could lead to greater quality of life and reduced cost of healthcare services. The Sense of Coherence Theory was utilized as the theoretical foundation for this study. The purpose of this study was to use archival data to analyze differences in depression scores by groups based on prayer (yes/no) and over time (wave 1/wave 2 of data collection) when controlling for amount of time spent in prayer by category, gender, and ethnicity. The data were retrieved from the National Archive …

Evaluation Of Medication Risks For Falls On An Inpatient Medical/Surgical Unit, Joseph Zegar

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Purpose: Patient falls during hospitalization can delay discharge and decrease quality of life. Medications are one factor that can impact fall risk. This study examines patients who fell while admitted to a cardiac surgery unit to identify which high-risk medications are most prevalent to promote patient safety.

Methods: This was a retrospective case control study. Adult patients over the age of 18 were included. Exclusion criteria included pediatric patients and those with an intentional fall event. A total of 39 falls and 78 controls were analyzed in the study. The primary outcome was a fall event during hospitalization. Other variables …

The Relationships Between Religiosity And Internalizing Symptoms In African American Parent-Adolescent Dyads, Alyssa L. Faro, Laura G. Mckee, Randi L. Garcia, Deborah J. Jones

Psychology: Faculty Publications

Objectives: African American (AA) adolescents face a greater risk of internalizing symptoms, including symptoms of both depression and anxiety, compared with other racial groups; yet, relatively less is known about the variables that contribute to internalizing symptoms. With the aim of advancing this work, this study examined factors that may buffer against such symptoms (maternal warmth, religiosity), as well as those that may confer additional risk (maternal psychopathology). Method: One hundred ninety-three AA single mothers and their adolescent youth reported on religiosity, maternal warmth and depressive symptoms, and youth internalizing symptoms. Dyadic structural equation modeling was used to examine the …

2018 Accountability Plan Sarasota-Manatee, Usf

USF Accountability Reports

No abstract provided.

Systemic Activation Of Activin A Signaling Causes Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral Bone Disorder, Toshifumi Sugatani

Open Access Publications

No abstract provided.

Envisioning A Watertown For All Ages, Caitlin Coyle

Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications

Watertown for All Ages is a group of residents working to improve the livability of Watertown for residents of all ages and abilities. They work closely with the Watertown Council on Aging/Senior Center. The Watertown Council on Aging/Senior Center provides a variety of social, health, educational, recreational, advocacy, and support programs designed to help Watertown’s older adults age well in the community. Services provided to seniors living in the community range from transportation support to nutrition services and social services, along with a range of programs and activities meant to enhance well-being and quality of life. Similar to many Councils …

Alabama Cacrep And Non-Cacrep Graduate Students' Perceptions Of Readiness To Counsel Clients With Substance Use Disorders, Keli M. Brothers

Counselor Education

A quantitative survey study was conducted to assess counselor perceptions of competence to counsel clients with substance use disorders based on educational experiences. The 31 participants included counseling graduates from two North Alabama universities, one with Council for Accrediting of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) certification and one without, and Alabama members of NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals. There were no significant differences found in perceptions of competence to counsel between CACREP and non-CACREP certified graduates. However, a positive correlation was found between participants’ understanding of addiction and perceptions of readiness to counsel clients with substance use disorders.

Vacationing Older Adults, Breanna Taralson, Brittany Winter

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: This scholarly project was conducted to explore the aspects of vacationing in older adults and how age-related changes seen within this population can impact decisions while traveling. The purpose of this project was to create a resource guide for older adults to help navigate the vacationing process.

Methodology: A literature review was conducted using various sources including: online databases, books on travel and vacationing, personal communication via informal interview, and through major travel corporation websites. Information from these sources was then compiled to create a resource guide for older adults.

Results: Information found within the literature …

Screening Techniques For Alzheimer's Disease, Christina Nicole Brooks

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that affects more than 55 million Americans. By the year 2050, experts project this disease will have increased three fold. Many screening techniques have been investigated to detect this disease early and begin treatment to slow its progression. The purpose of this study was to explore which medical modalities are the most effective for screening of Alzheimer’s disease. This literature review includes three databases, including PubMed, CINHAL, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Topics that were researched include: cognitive screening tests, neuroimaging, laboratory diagnostic testing, DNA, and combined studies. Research was conducted from October …

Annual Report Of The Registrar 2017/2018, University Of Northern Iowa

Institutional Effectiveness & Planning Documents

Contents:

--- Definitions
--- Some Comparisons
--- Annual Report Data
--- Summary of Attendance
--- Attendance by Session
--- Degrees Granted 2017/18
--- Degree Summary 2017/18
--- Program Certificates 2017/18
--- Miscellaneous Enrollment Information
--- Degrees Granted by College, Degree and Racial/Ethnic Classification

An Empirical Assessment Of Senior Citizens’ Cybersecurity Awareness, Computer Self-Efficacy, Perceived Risk Of Identity Theft, Attitude, And Motivation To Acquire Cybersecurity Skills, Carlene G. Blackwood-Brown

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Cyber-attacks on Internet users have caused billions of dollars in losses annually. Cybercriminals launch attacks via threat vectors such as unsecured wireless networks and phishing attacks on Internet users who are usually not aware of such attacks. Senior citizens are one of the most vulnerable groups who are prone to cyber-attacks, and this is largely due to their limited cybersecurity awareness and skills. Within the last decade, there has been a significant increase in Internet usage among senior citizens. It was documented that senior citizens had the greatest rate of increase in Internet usage over all the other age groups …

University Of San Diego Graduate Course Catalog 2018-2019, University Of San Diego

Graduate Course Catalogs (1971-)

219 pages

Biological Factors In The Stem Gender Gap, Yamina Nater-Otero

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

The Gender gap in STEM is a long-term problem that has only recently been addressed. Research has just begun to delve into why so few women pursue university degrees in the STEM fields and even less enter the STEM workforce. This research will examine the evolutionary factors which contributed to the gender gap, such as offspring investment, greater investment in male offspring, and female risk aversion. Despite the fact that there are plenty of modern advances which should compensate for these factors, there are societal stigmas against women in the STEM workplace which allow the gender gap to continue. Societal …

Older Adult Men’S Emotional Bonds With Their Dogs, Ranell L. Mueller

Theses and Dissertations--Gerontology

Knowledge of the deeper meanings of attachment to companion animals is limited, particularly in terms of older adults. This study employed a modified grounded theory method, a phenomenological lens and a life course perspective to gather and analyze data garnered from individual interviews and panel discussions in order to investigate the multiple dimensions of older adult men’s relationships with their companion animal dogs. Individual audio-recorded in-depth interviews and repeated panel discussions with a sub-group of the participants, convened as a panel over a three-month period, explored behavioral and emotional manifestations of attachment and the emotional bond to their companion animal …

Music Training As A Neuro-Cognitive Protector For Brain Aging: Cognitive And Neuropsychological Profiles In Professional Musicians, Catherine E. Schneider

Theses and Dissertations--Gerontology

The proportion of older adults living with cognitive impairments is increasing rapidly. This shift will likely increase mortality rates, reduce perceived quality of life, and cause economic burden to patients and health care systems. Currently evidence of highly effective and noninvasive interventions that prevent or slow the onset of cognitive impairment are limited. This study aims to better understand what drives cognitive aging variability among musicians versus non-musicians. Music playing has been shown to improve brain and cognitive functions by engaging networks of brain areas, simultaneously involving cortical mechanisms associated with executive, high-level cognitive and motor functions, and multiple sensory …

Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Thyroid Hormones, And Neuropsychological Function Among Older Adults From Upstate New York, Eva M. Tanner

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of persistent organic pollutants linked to changes in cognitive function and thyroid hormone (TH) levels. However, most studies of PCBs and cognitive function were conducted among children. No studies among older adults have prospectively collected PCB and cognitive performance measurements to evaluate the association over time, and no longitudinal studies have evaluated the association between PCBs and THs over time among a non-occupationally exposed population. Further, the biological mechanism by which PCBs impact cognitive function is unknown, but may be mediated by THs. In addition, reliable self-reported survey data is necessary to obtain precise …

The Impacts Of Honey Bee Queen Stress On Worker Behavior And Health, Sarah R. Preston

Theses and Dissertations--Entomology

Pesticides, poor nutrition, parasites and diseases work synergistically to contribute to the decline of the honey bee. Heritable sub-lethal behavior/immune effects may also contribute to the decline. Maternal stress is a common source of heritable immune/behavior deficits in many species. A stressed honey bee queen has the potential to pass such deficits on to worker bees. Using a repeated measures design, this study will determine whether the health of worker bee is reduced by a cold stress on the queen by analyzing egg hatch rate and protein content, emergence rate, and adult aggression and immune function for offspring laid before …

Using Person-Centered Scheduling With Geriatric Patients To Reduce Anxiety With Telepsychiatry, Jody Long, Patricia A. Wilkerson, Evi Taylor, John Hall, Christopher Peters

Research, Publications & Creative Work

This study explored using person-centered scheduling with telepsychiatry for rural community geriatric patients. Quantitative research approaches were used to determine the level of satisfaction participants experienced with person-centered scheduling and geriatric telepsychiatry. Quantitative data were collected by using the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) before scheduling the first appointment and to assess the intervention’s effectiveness after the telepsychiatry session. Person-centered telepsychiatry scheduling decreased geriatric patients’ anxiety as evidenced by Zung SAS scores. Conclusion: Older adult patients saw telepsychiatry as a viable means of treatment. Future research with geriatrics from different regions is needed. Implications and future directions include exploring patient …

Nietzsche On Loneliness, Self-Transformation, And The Eternal Recurrence, Justin Remhof

Philosophy Faculty Publications

Nietzsche's presentation of the eternal recurrence in Gay Science 341 is often viewed as a practical thought experiment meant to radically transform us. But exactly why and how we are supposed to be transformed is not clear. I contend that addressing these issues requires taking a close look at the psychological setting of the passage. The eternal recurrence is presented in our “loneliest loneliness.” I argue that facing the eternal recurrence from a state of profound loneliness both motivates self-transformation and contributes toward helping us succeed at that project.

Evaluating The Social And Technological Benefits Of An Intergenerational Program For Older Adults, Itza Serrano

Open Access Master's Theses

Intergenerational programs are on the rise. While studies have shown benefits to participation in these programs, most of the research has been focused on students and less on older adult outcomes (see Andreoletti & Howard, 2016 for a review). Currently, the University of Rhode Island (URI) is host to the Engaging Generations: Cyber-Seniors Program, which connects older adults with undergraduate technology mentors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of intergenerational programming participation for older adults related to social isolation, loneliness, social engagement, and digital competency, as measured by the pre/post surveys given to participants. SPSS software …

1829. A Systems Approach To Nursing Home Antimicrobial Stewardship, Stefan Gravenstein, Manning, Rosa R. Baier, Christopher Crnich, H. Edward Davidson, Kerry L. Laplante, David Dosa, Robin Jump

Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Background: Up to 70% of nursing home (NH) residents receive one or more courses of antibiotics (ATB) annually, of which over half may be inappropriate and risk harm. The current availability of in-house NH data is often insufficient to measure and track appropriateness, due to incomplete data or unusable formatting. Our 3-year project to improve antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Core Elements of AMS for NHs, with guided input from NH providers to develop and implement an electronic ATB de-escalation decision support tool that also captures otherwise inaccessible data.

Methods: Our baseline …

Measurement Equivalence Of English Versus Native Language Versions Of The Kessler 6 (K6) Scale: An Examination In Three Asian American Groups, Yuri Jang, Daniel A. Powers, Hyunwoo Yoon, Min-Kyoung Rhee, Nan Sook Park, David A. Chiriboga

Social Work Faculty Publications

The use of languages other than English in population-based surveys is necessitated by the linguistic diversities in the United States. However, inclusion of multiple languages in survey data collection raises concerns about whether an instrument administered in different languages functions equivalently across groups. Using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale 6 (K6), the present study examined differential item functioning (DIF) between surveys conducted either in English or the native language of the groups of Chinese Americans (n = 622), Korean Americans (n = 471), and Vietnamese Americans (n = 513). DIF analyses using a series of multiple-indicator multiple-cause models showed that …

Non-Response To Sad Mood Induction: Implications For Emotion Research, Johnathan Rottenberg, Maria Kovacs, Ilya Yaroslavsky

Psychology Faculty Publications

Experimental induction of sad mood states is a mainstay of laboratory research on affect and cognition, mood regulation, and mood disorders. Typically, the success of such mood manipulations is reported as a statistically significant pre- to post-induction change in the self-rated intensity of the target affect. The present commentary was motivated by an unexpected finding in one of our studies concerning the response rate to a well-validated sad mood induction. Using the customary statistical approach, we found a significant mean increase in self-rated sadness intensity with a moderate effect size, verifying the “success” of the mood induction. However, that “success” …

Through The Eyes Of The Beholder: Simulated Eye-Movement Experience (“See”) Modulates Valence Bias In Response To Emotional Ambiguity, Maital Neta, Michael D. Dodd

Department of Psychology: Faculty Publications

Although some facial expressions provide clear information about people’s emotions and intentions (happy, angry), others (surprise) are ambiguous because they can signal both positive (e.g., surprise party) and negative outcomes (e.g., witnessing an accident). Without a clarifying context, surprise is interpreted as positive by some and negative by others, and this valence bias is stable across time. When compared to fearful expressions, which are consistently rated as negative, surprise and fear share similar morphological features (e.g., widened eyes) primarily in the upper part of the face. Recently, we demonstrated that the valence bias was associated with a specific pattern of …

Wayfinding & Dementia: How Design Can Improve Navigation Among Older Adults In Assisted-Living Facilities, Kaitlyn Kleibusch

SPNHA Review

As we age, our ability to navigate within the environment diminishes and can lead to increased anxiety and fear related to day-to-day mobility. While the aging population continues to grow, the number of older adults living with dementia is projected to increase substantially by 2030. Research shows 40% to 67% of individuals diagnosed with dementia will enter assisted living facilities due to complex care needs and loss of independence. The majority of existing assisted-living facilities were not designed architecturally to accommodate and compensate for cognitive impairment; therefore individuals with dementia may experience reduced spatial orientation and confusion while wayfinding through …

A Study Of Registered Nursing Students’ Perceptions Of Confidence In Providing Quality Nursing Care To Patients With Alzheimer’S Disease Or Other Dementia, Louanne E. Harto

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

There are currently millions of persons living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia; a number that will rise as the older adult population increases. Patients with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia who are admitted to the acute care hospital for a physical problem may not receive the same standard of care as those persons without a cognitive impairment. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of students in a prelicensure registered nursing program regarding their confidence to provide patient-centered nursing care to patients with cognitive impairment, specifically Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. This quantitative study used a …

Female Roller Derby Athletes’ Athletic Identity And Systematic Pursuit Of Leisure, Hungling (Stella) Liu, Timothy Baghurst, Michael Bradley

Health and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

Athletic identity is a foundational element of an individual’s self-concept and affects psychological, social, and behavioral characteristics. The purpose of this study was to investigate a women-dominated sport, roller derby, by exploring the relationships between athletic identity of women athletes and serious leisure pursuit in the sport. Participants were 578 women registered with the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) who completed an online survey regarding their athletic identity. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed demographic variables (family income) were a minor predictor of participants’ serious leisure pursuit. Internal and external components of athletic identity were positively associated with participant’s level …

Etsu Health Annual Report - 2018, 2018

ETSU Health Annual Reports

No abstract provided.

Estimating The Effects Of Z-Drugs On The Risk Of Cognitive Impairment, Xuan Zhang

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Background: Dementia and sleep disorders are two significant health problems in older adults. Studies suggest that sleep disorders and their treatment might associate with the risk of dementia. Z-drugs are one of the most widely used prescription hypnosedatives in the United States (US) for insomnia in addition to benzodiazepines (BZDs). Studies have shown that BZDs are associated with dementia among senior users. Study Aim: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between Z-drug initiation and cognitive impairment among the elderly in the US. Study Design and Data Source: We conducted a retrospective cohort study with a new …