Digital Commons Network^™

Provider And Patient Perspectives On The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Alzheimer's Disease, Philippe Amouyel, Sandrine Andrieu, Angela Bradshaw, Ralph C. Carmona, Magali Dumont, Lea Tenenholz Grinberg, Takeshi Iwatsubo, Oskar Hansson, Clifford R. Jack, Gregory A. Jicha, Simin Mahinrad, Eric Mcdade, Catherine J. Mummery, Ronald C. Petersen, Shelagh Robinson, Julie A. Schneider, Lenny Shellcross, Amanda G. Smith, Heather M. Snyder, Beth Tapply, Charlotte Teunissen, Wiesje M. Van Der Flier, Bruno Vellas, David Wallon, Jeff D. Williamson, Donna Wilcock, Maria C. Carrillo

Neurology Faculty Publications

Since 2016, the Alzheimer's Association and the Fondation Alzheimer have hosted Global Alzheimer's Leadership Series (GoALS) global think tanks, with world-leading experts for innovative discussions to advance Alzheimer's disease (AD) research and care. The second GoALS think tank, held in June 2024 in Paris, focused on the relationship between biological changes and clinical manifestations of AD in the context of the evolving therapeutic landscape. Discussions spanned real-world experiences of providers, patients, and their families, theoretical considerations, and health system challenges. The lived experience perspective was central to these discussions. The importance of shared decision-making, clear and transparent communication, and the …

Fostering Developmentally Nurturant Relationships To Promote Character And Thriving: Perspectives Of Program Practitioners In Rural South Africa, Jonathan M. Tirrell, Alexa Hasse, Margaret Mackin, Elizabeth Dowling, Kirsten Olander, Roya Abbasi-Asl, Katherine Mcconnel, Thobeka Kwela, Raah Msimango, Justine Mccarthy-Martin, Tyler Howard, Angela Larkan, Richard Lerner

Journal of Youth Development

Developmentally nurturant relationships are fundamental to enabling children to thrive across contexts, including homes, schools, and communities. Such relationships are also a central feature of effective positive youth development (PYD) programming. As strengths-based PYD programs are increasingly being adopted in majority-world countries, a better understanding of how to foster and promote developmentally nurturant relationships is needed. As part of the Thanda Study of Character and Health, we interviewed 15 program practitioners about their understandings of and approaches to fostering developmentally nurturant relationships with children enrolled in Thanda programs in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Phenomenological analysis indicated that practitioners’ understanding of …

Analytical And Cross-Sectional Clinical Validity Of A Smartphone-Based U-Turn Test In Multiple Sclerosis, Marta Plonka, Rafal Klimas, Dimitar Stanev, Lorenza Angelini, Natan Naplorkowski, Gaby Gonzalez Chan, Lisa Bunn, Paul Glazier, Richard Hosking, Jennifer Freeman, Jeremy Hobart, Mattia Zanon, Jonathan Marsden, Licinio Craveiro, Mike D. Rinderknecht

School of Health Professions

Background: Gait and balance impairment can profoundly impact people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Objectives: To evaluate the analytical and clinical validity of the U-Turn Test (UTT), a smartphone-based assessment of dynamic balance in PwMS. Methods: The GaitLab study (ISRCTN15993728) enrolled adult PwMS (EDSS 0.0 – 6.5). PwMS performed the UTT in a gait laboratory (supervised) using six smartphones at different wear locations and daily during a two-week remote period (unsupervised) using one smartphone (belt front). Median turn speed was computed per UTT. In the supervised setting, turn detection accuracy of smartphones was compared to motion capture (mocap) via F1 scores. …

Navigating “I” And “We”: Coupled Identity And Spousal Influence In The Physical Activity Of Older Adults, Sapphire H. Lin, Rich Ling, Sonny Rosenthal

Research Collection College of Integrative Studies

This study explored how established dyadic social ties—particularly spousal relationships—influence older adults’ physical activity. While social support is often viewed as a positive force in promoting health behaviours, long-standing spousal dynamics can exert both enabling and constraining effects. Drawing on qualitative interviews with 22 older adults who participated in a field experiment examining the effects of feedback from fitness trackers and spousal influence, this study delves into the relational, individual, and situational factors shaping physical activity patterns. These factors led to both positive and negative outcomes in terms of step counts, goal attainment, and a diminished interdependence in couples’ physical …

The Crossroads Between Osteosarcopenia And Intrinsic Capacity—A Narrative Review, Nailton J. Neto, Guy Hajj-Boutros, Wayne Lok Ok Choo, Miguel G. Borda, Konstantinos Prokopidis, Hassan Rammal, Daniel Rivas, Hussein Samhat, Ivan Baltasar-Fernandez, Mahdi Imani, Cristiano Dos Santos Gomes, Oscar Rosas Carrasco, Marc Sim, Julie A. Pasco, Julia Chabot, Ana M. Ayala-Copete, Francisco J. García-García, Claire Godard-Sebillotte, Raman Agnihotram, Lana J. Williams, Anna Andrianova, Robinson Ramirez-Vélez, Emma Connolly, Harmehr Sekhon, Hidenori Arai, Liang-Kung Chen, Andréa Faust, Howard Bergman, Alexandra Papaioannou, Pierrette Gaudreau, Tiago Alexandre, Leocadio Rodriguez-Mañas, Ricardo Oliveira Guerra, Gustavo Duque

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Intrinsic capacity (IC) is defined as the composite of physical and mental abilities an individual possesses, encompassing 5 domains: cognition, psychological health, sensory function, vitality, and locomotion. This construct is central to the World Health Organization’s framework for assessing functional ability in older adults. Growing evidence highlights the critical role of the musculoskeletal system in maintaining these domains, while conditions such as sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and their coexistence as osteosarcopenia (OS) are increasingly associated with IC decline. This narrative review compiles current evidence on the modulatory role of muscles and bones in IC and the impacts of sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and OS. …

The Interplay Between Osteosarcopenia And Intrinsic Capacity: Insights And Associations With All-Cause Mortality In The Toledo Study For Healthy Aging, Ivan Baltasar-Fernandez, Pedro L. Valenzuela, Irene Rodríguez-Gómez, Fabio Quiñonez-Bareiro, Luis M. Alegre, Konstantinos Prokopidis, Leocadio Rodriguez-Mañas, Ignacio Ara, Oscar Rosas-Carrasco, Lana J. Williams, Robinson Ramirez-Vélez, Julie A. Pasco, Guy Hajj-Boutros, Raman Agnihotram, Marc Sim, Wayne Lok Ok Choo, Mahdi Imani, Ana M. Ayala-Copete, Julia Chabot, Miguel G. Borda, Nailton J. Neto, Claire Godard-Sebillotte, Howard Bergman, Anna Andrianova, Hidenori Arai, Pierrette Gaudreau

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Osteosarcopenia—the coexistence of osteopenia/osteoporosis and sarcopenia—is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes, but its association with intrinsic capacity (IC) remains unknown. We aimed to explore the associations of osteosarcopenia with IC and all-cause mortality in older adults. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of IC and a prospective analysis of all-cause mortality in 1142 participants from the Toledo Study for Healthy Aging (75.1 ± 6.0 years, 53.1% women). Participants were classified as having no musculoskeletal disorders, osteopenia/osteoporosis, sarcopenia, or osteosarcopenia (DXA- and EWGSOP2-based criteria). IC was operationalized as a composite score integrating locomotion, cognition, psychological, vitality, and sensory domains. …

Mitigating Disparities In Diagnosis Of Dementia, Lycia Tramujas Vasconcellos Neumann, Simin Mahinrad, Erin L. Abner, Soo Borson, Goldie S. Byrd, Maria Carrillo, Lindsay Clark, Anthony N. Correro Ii, Kacie D. Deters, Gladys E. Maestre

School of Medicine Publications

The field of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) is undergoing a transformative shift with a better understanding of disease biology, biomarker-based diagnostics, and disease-modifying therapies. Yet, these advancements risk exacerbating existing disparities in diagnosis and care. The 2024 Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) Advancements: Exploring Equity in Diagnosis convened interdisciplinary experts to address these inequities and chart a path toward population-generalizable research and practice. This article synthesizes key insights from the conference, highlighting considerations for inclusive and representative research design, ethical approaches in diagnostic disclosure, as well as challenges and solutions at individual, community, and systemic levels to advance …

Viscoelastic And Morphologic Changes In The Lumbar Intervertebral Discs Of The 5xfad Mouse Model Of Alzheimer's Disease, C E Gonzalez, C A Schurman, K A Wilson, B Schilling, L M Ellerby, S Y Tang

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Chronic low back pain, commonly associated with intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, is highly prevalent in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and the severity of the pain is correlated with the severity of the dementia. While incidences of both afflictions increase dramatically in the elderly population, it is unknown whether AD exacerbates the health of the IVD.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to examine how AD-related mutations affect the structure and mechanics of the IVD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Utilizing one-year-old male and female 5xFAD mice that constitutively express human APP and PSEN1 transgenes with five AD-linked mutations, we …

Developing The Evidence And Associated Service Models To Support Older People Living With Frailty To Manage Their Pain And To Reduce Its Impact On Their Lives: A Mixed Method, Co-Design Study (The Poppy Study).: The Poppy Study, Lesley Brown, Deborah Antcliff, Andrew Clegg, Anne Grice, Pat Schofield, Asim Suleman, Amanda Williams, Nikki Harrison, Nicky Kime, Alan Wright, Natalie Lam, Dan Howdon, Davide Tebaldi, Rahena Mossabir, Sarah Hallas, Thomas F Crocker, Anne Forster

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Background: Frailty increases vulnerability to adverse events (falls, illness) resulting in poorer health outcomes in later life. Persistent pain is common and impactful in older adults with frailty. Pain impact is potentially modifiable, and addressing it is important for supporting this population. The Pain in Older People with Frailty study aimed to generate evidence and develop service models to improve pain management for older adults with frailty and inform service provision for this underserved population. Objective(s): Phase 1: Map research evidence and synthesise findings from randomised controlled trials of multi-component pain management programmes and psychological therapies for community-dwelling older adults. …

Empowering Lifelong Choice: Supporting Older Individuals With Idd To Thrive At Work, Transition To Retirement With Dignity, And Maintain Community Connections, Leslie Quarles

Critical and Creative Thinking Capstones Collection

This synthesis addresses the need to support older individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their engagement in continued work. The project traces the journey from an initial focus on supporting older individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to work as long as they wish to an eventual shift toward a phased retirement approach. It considers issues such as a reimagined visualization of the support team structure, integration of tailored job supports and Community Life Engagement (CLE). The author's familial history sparked a sense of injustice that would not stay buried, shaping a career path in disability services and access. …

Analyzing The Impact: Foster Grandparent Program, Shanetta Weatherspoon, Miyue Chen, Monica Pereda

The Scholarship Without Borders Journal

The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) is a multigenerational approach to community volunteerism. The study uses intergenerational solidarity to conceptualize the impact of the FGP. The study aims to examine the impact of two dimensions by analyzing data from the Assignment Assessment Forms and the New General Self-Efficacy Scale. Paired t-tests were conducted to determine whether there is a difference in the mentees’ behavior pre- and post-intervention over four years and by way of three priority areas. Results indicated that the FGP has an impact on both the mentees and volunteers. Findings suggest that the program’s activities are the vehicle for …

Dgs Programme 2026, Dgs Committee

Dublin Gastronomy Symposium

This is the full and final Programme for the DGS 2026 - Food and Crisis/Hope, as well as the Map of Producers who furnished the delicious food and drink we serve at lunch over the two days of the event.

Updated Trends In The Global Prevalence And Burden Of Mental Disorders, 1990–2023: A Systematic Analysis For The Global Burden Of Disease Study 2023, Damian F. Santomauro, Paul Anthony Miller, Jamileh Shadid, Sarah Wulf Hanson, Anh Vo, Darius Jake Roy, Hailey Hagins, Ana M. Mantilla Herrera, James G. Scott, Holly E. Erskine, John J. Mcgrath, Hasan Aalruz, Hedayat Abbastabar, Nadin M.I. Abdel Razeq, Ahmed Abdelrahman Abdelgalil, Ali Abdolizadeh, Deldar Morad Abdulah, Abisola Esther Abdulmalik, Meklit Girma Abebe, Mesfin Abebe, Habtamu Abebe Getahun, Roberto Ariel Abeldaño Zuñiga, Olifan Zewdie Abil, Richard Gyan Aboagye, Shady Abohashem, Abdullahi Tunde Aborode, Moaz Elsayed Abouelmagd, Mohammad T. Abuawwad

All Works

Background The 2023 iteration of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) estimated prevalence, incidence, and health burden for 375 diseases and injuries, including 12 mental disorders. We assess past, current, and emerging trends in the prevalence and burden of mental disorders across sexes and age groups, for 21 regions, 204 countries and territories, and by Socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintile, from 1990 to 2023. Methods Mental disorders included in GBD 2023 were anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, dysthymia, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, conduct disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, idiopathic developmental intellectual …

Clinical Profile Of Hyponatremia And Its Impact On Activities Of Daily Living Among Older People (A Prospective Observational Study), Kushal Bhangale, Aniruddha Umarji, Anand Ambali, Muddasir Indikar

Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU

Introduction: Hyponatremia is a common, serious problem among older people. The aetiology is multifactorial and has a significant association with different comorbidities, which makes it pertinent to identify the underlying causes, and it has a negative impact on activities of daily living (ADL). In this study, we tried to correlate the impact of hyponatremia on activities of daily living. Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted in the intensive care unit of Shri B M Patil Medical College and Hospital, Vijayapura, on one hundred consecutive elderly patients admitted with true hyponatremia for twelve months. Detailed medical history, clinical examination, laboratory …

Clinical Practice Guideline Emergency Department Discharge Acuity Scale To Improve Care Transitions, Charlisa Hedrick

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Educating Staff On The Use Of The Phq-9 Screening Tool For Depression, Clarice Malla

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Staff Education Introducing Music Therapy For Older Adults With Depression, Yvette Negnemboh Takwe

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

The S.A.V.E. Model Of Biblically-Based Existential Therapy For Residents Of The Assisted Living Facility Casa Di Riposo Sardara In Sardinia, Italy, Gregory K. Cherven

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Christian gerontological counseling, a traditionally non-progressive field, is a crucial area of ministry, particularly for older adults in assisted living facilities and nursing homes. At Casa di Riposo Sardara in Sardinia, Italy, many residents aged 70 and older lacked a solid biblical understanding of existence and eternal life, contributing to widespread existential anxiety among this population. To address this issue, the researcher developed the S.A.V.E. (solitude, autonomy, value, eternity) model of biblically based existential therapy. This model targets the four main pillars of existential therapy: meaninglessness, isolation, freedom, and death, offering biblical solutions for each. The approach incorporates positive imagery …

Governing Longevity: Biopolitics And Economic Restructuring In East Asian Aging Societies, Sherlyn She

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

How do rapidly aging societies govern longevity when demographic change threatens established welfare arrangements? This thesis examines aging governance in China, Japan, and South Korea to show how states simultaneously manage aging as a public-health problem and build it into an economic sector through what I term life capitalism.

Two interpretations of East Asian aging policy are widely circulated: that it is a peripheral case of Western neoliberalism, or a residue of Confucian familism. I reject both: the neoliberal reading captures marketization but misses the state as its active builder, since these states are expanding rather than retreating; the Confucian …

A Cross-Cultural Investigation Of Consumer Hoarding Behavior During Covid-19: Differences Between Sweden And The United States, Christy M. Cook, Pia A. Albinsson, James E. Stoddard

Atlantic Marketing Association Proceedings

No abstract provided.

Dance/Movement Therapy As A Person-Centered Treatment For Alzheimer’S Disease And Dementia Through Physical, Social, And Sensory Elements: A Literature Review, Margaret Carson Thatcher

Expressive Therapies Theses

This thesis explores the use of dance/movement therapy as treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The literature review covers dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, current and emerging approaches to treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, dance/movement therapy, and dance/movement therapy for individuals with dementia. The theme of dance/movement therapy as a person- centered treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is explored. The efficacy and outcomes of dance/movement therapy with the population are examined. Key components of dance/movement therapy with this population emerged. These elements, social, physical, and sensory, are described and connected to person-centered outcomes for treatment. Applications for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and …

Characterizing A Potential Cbp/P300 Histone Acetyltransferase Homolog In Tardigrade Germline Specification And Development, Brittney Michelle Hartshorn

Honors Projects

Germline specification is a fundamental process that ensures the proper development of germ cells. Germline specification occurs either through germ cell determinants maternally inherited through the mechanism of preformation or through induction, where cell interaction and epigenetic modifications direct specification. Determining how these mechanisms evolved and diverged remains an important question in developmental biology. Despite research on germline regulation in model organisms such as Caenorhabditis elegans or Drosophila melanogaster, such regulation remains poorly understood in many other animal groups. Tardigrades are an emerging model system for investigating developmental mechanisms due to their phylogenetic placement and experimentally tractable embryos. CBP/P300 is …

Improving The Assessment And Treatment Of People With Low Back Pain, Kayla Krueger

WUSM Theses and Dissertations – All Programs

Low back pain (LBP) is a significant and continually growing public health problem. While some people recover from an initial episode, a proportion will develop chronic or recurrent LBP that limits their ability to perform daily functional activities. The variable and often function-limiting course of LBP underscores the clear need for improved methods of assessment and treatment. One way to improve the assessment and treatment of LBP is to develop a more comprehensive understanding of factors that contribute to LBP. In this dissertation, we investigated two categories of factors that may contribute to a person’s LBP: (1) spinal movement impairments …

Sesquicentennial Commencement [Program], May 15-16, 2026, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Commencement Programs

Contents:

Brief History of UNI --- 2
Board of Regents --- 3
Institutional Leadership --- 3
Ceremony Symbols & Traditions --- 4
Commencement Over the Years --- 6
University Honors Program --- 8
Graduation with Honors --- 8
Legacy Graduates --- 8
Military Science --- 9
Merchant Scholarship --- 9
Outstanding Student Leader --- 9
Commencement Student Speakers --- 9
Purple and Old Gold Awards --- 10
Lux Service Award --- 11
7 p.m. Program --- 13
College of Education --- 15
David W. Wilson College of Business --- 22
10 a.m. Program --- 29
College of Humanities, Arts & …

Feasibility Of A Functional Reach Tool For Individuals With Lower Extremity Amputations, Neil Bongolan, Dustin Hoy, Ashlyn Strange

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose: Patients with lower extremity amputations are at increased risk of falls due to decreased balance ability between amputated and sound side. The purpose of this study was to examine the usefulness of a reaching tool for practitioners to assess balance in an inpatient rehab facility. It was anticipated that clinicians will find the reaching device useful when administering the Functional Reach Test (FRT) in a clinical setting, given the frequent use of these assessments and the device’s demonstrated reliability.

Participants: Physical Therapists and patients at an Inpatient Rehab Facility in Henderson, Nevada

Materials/Methods: A prototype reaching tool was provided …

Golden Steps: A Dance-Based Program To Improve Balance In Older Adults — A Feasibility And Acceptability Study, Ramyr Bognot, Sophia Botelho, Nolan Caberto, Lauren Valerio, Joshua Yu, Jason Zeidman

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background

Falls are a leading cause of injury and loss of independence among older adults. Evidence-based programs such as Otago and Tai Ji Quan reduce fall risk, yet barriers to access and adherence remain. Dance-based interventions may offer a practical, enjoyable approach to engage older adults in balance training.

Purpose

This formative pilot study aimed to develop four dance routines grounded in evidence- based balance principles and evaluate their feasibility and acceptability among older adults, including factors influencing enjoyment and willingness to continue participation, to inform future clinical and community implementation.

Methods

Four routines (Polka, Country, Rockabilly, Salsa) were developed …

Quality Improvement (Qi) Project Aimed At Reducing Unnecessary Antibiotic Usage Among Older Adult Patients By Addressing Inappropriate Antibiotic Prescribing In Primary And Long-Term Care Settings, Pamela M. Thomas

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Antibiotic overuse among older adults remains a significant patient safety and public health concern. Recent national data indicate that approximately 30%–50% of outpatient antibiotic prescriptions may be unnecessary, particularly for viral or self-limiting conditions (Chua et al., 2021). Antimicrobial resistance has been associated with more than 1.27 million deaths globally (Murray et al., 2022). This quality improvement project evaluated a multifaceted antimicrobial stewardship intervention in primary and long-term care settings. Baseline review of 167 antibiotic cases revealed 37.1% were inappropriate or questionable, and 28.7% lacked adequate diagnostic documentation. The intervention incorporated provider education, electronic health record decision-support tools, audit and …

The Use Of Video Modeling With Older Learners With Autism Spectrum Disorder To Increase Adl Skill Acquisition: A Systematic Review, Marianne Feliciano

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong condition that can significantly impact functional independence across the lifespan. Although video modeling is an evidence-based intervention shown to improve adaptive and daily living skills in children and young adults with ASD, its effectiveness for adults aged 40 years and older remains unclear. This systematic review examined the existing literature on the use of video modeling to increase daily living (ADL) skills and independence among older adults with ASD. A systematic review of PsychINFO via EBSCO was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Of 578 records initially identified, 20 full-text articles were assessed for …

The Role Of Risk And Resilience In Psychological Distress: An Application Of The Minority Stress Model, Rachel Clair Franklin

Theses and Dissertations

LGBT individuals experience disproportionate levels of psychological distress compared to heterosexual populations, often attributed to minority stressors, including experiences of discrimination and victimization. Guided by the Minority Stress Model, the present study examined whether social and community support moderated the relationship between minority stress and psychological distress, and whether rejection sensitivity and fear of discrimination mediated these associations. Data were collected from a sample of 251 individuals who self-identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender in the United States. Multiple regression, moderation, and mediation analyses using the PROCESS macro were conducted to examine relationships among experiences of discrimination, sexuality-based victimization, …

Seroprevalence Of Hepatitis B And Hepatitis C In Patients Hospitalized In Palliative Care Service, Meryem Betos Koçak, Burcu Güler

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: Patients receiving palliative care often have complex comorbidities and frequent healthcare exposure, which may place them at risk for blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, data on the seroprevalence and prognostic impact of these infections in palliative populations remain limited. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV markers in patients hospitalized in a palliative care unit and to assess their association with mortality. Methods: This retrospective study conducted on 545 adult patients a tertiary palliative care unit between 2018 and 2024. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, nutritional support, mobility, …