Digital Commons Network^™

From Childhood To Adult Cognitive Health: Analyzing Adverse Experiences And Subjective Cognitive Decline Using Brfss 2020-2023 Dataset, Kyaolin Rajbhandary

NYMC Student Theses and Dissertations

The chronic impact of early-life experiences on long-term health is a critical area of investigation, especially regarding cognitive health in adulthood. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been linked to an increased risk of developing various health issues in adulthood, including mental health disorders, substance abuse, and chronic diseases. The connection between ACEs, substance abuse and cognitive health, particularly subjective cognitive decline (SCD), remains relatively underexplored. The aim of this study is to examine the intricate relationships between ACEs, alcohol abuse, and SCD in adulthood. This study draws on trauma theory and the biopsychosocial model to conceptualize the long-term impact of …

Music As Medicine: The Impact Of Music On Pain Reported After Surgery, Anastasia Pike, Gregory T. Chesnut

Journal of Global Awareness

The impact of music on subjective reporting of pain and anxiety has been increasingly described in medical literature. Multimodal methods of alleviating postoperative pain and anxiety, including the use of live or recorded music in perioperative settings, have been shown to improve patient-reported pain levels and, in some studies, to result in decreased opioid usage. The overprescription of opioids after surgery can contribute to long-term abuse or trafficking of medications, and the use of non-opioid medications, alternative methods of pain relief, and environmental/auditory stimuli offer new mechanisms to promote safe opioid prescribing while improving both pain control and patient wellbeing. …

Perceptions And Experiences Of Kenyan Immigrants On Culturally Appropriate Cancer Health Education In Washington State: A Qualitative Study, Rael Odengo, Patricia Talbert, Joy Anderson

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Access to culturally appropriate cancer health education (CACHE), such as cancer information in languages other than English, that considers a group’s cultural beliefs, traditions, values, and practices, is increasingly recognized as a global health communication priority. CACHE is essential for reducing healthcare disparities and improving service accessibility among African immigrants, a rapidly growing demographic in the United States. This study explored the perceptions and experiences of Kenyan immigrants in Washington State regarding CACHE. We used a qualitative descriptive design, with a purposive sample of ten participants from the Kenyan immigrant community in Washington State. The Andersen Behavioral Model of Healthcare …

A Systematic Review Of Brief Cognitive Test Used Among The Veteran Population, Joel Mcpherson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The practice problem this DNP project addressed was the lack of a of consensus for a brief cognitive screening (BCS) tool that can be most predictive of mild cognitive disorder (MCI) and dementia in a Veteran Affairs (VA) outpatient clinic. Addressing this gap in practice is important because the veteran population may be at increased risk of MCI and dementia due to age, a history of traumatic brain injury, and posttraumatic stress disorder. This DNP project was a systematic review of the literature. A population, exposure, outcome (PEO) framework and the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance (RE-AIM) theory guided …

Staff Education To Increase Knowledge And Education Of Urinary Tract Infection To Reduce Rehospitalization, Yia Lor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are considered the most common infections in healthcare, particularly in nursing homes. If appropriate preventive measures are taken, infection rates will be reduced. The DNP project aimed to enhance clinicians' knowledge to reduce and prevent UTIs in nursing homes. This knowledge expansion also significantly has potential to reduce the risk of unnecessary hospitalizations. A knowledge gap was identified that focused on the necessary preventive measures to impact patient outcomes positively. Addressing this in nursing is essential because it can help reduce mortality risks. The participants consisted of six registered nurses and six certified nurse assistants who …

Staff Education To Prevent Falls In Long-Term Care Facilities, Shekinah Gleason

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In this staff education initiative, I focused on fall prevention in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) by reinforcing the Morse Fall Scale fall risk assessment tool. Falls in LTCFs are a significant concern, leading to injuries, hospitalization, and declining residents' quality of life. The practice problem stems from insufficient staff training, contributing to inadequate patient care and an increased risk of falls. The practice-focused question was used to explore whether education about fall prevention measures and guidelines improves long-term care nurses’ knowledge and intent to follow these guidelines; a total of 23 participants were involved in this project. Pre- and post-education …

Staff Education On Medicaid And Medicare Programs, Angela R. Smith

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Case managers at the practice site are responsible for helping older and disabled clients receive services from Medicare and Medicaid. The gap in practice was that case managers were failing to recognize the benefit and eligibility differences between these federal and state-run programs. Case managers must be well-informed regarding these programs to effectively manage their clients’ care. The goal of this project was to plan, implement, and evaluate a staff education program on Medicare and Medicaid services. The practice-focused question centered on whether participants demonstrated increased knowledge about Medicare and Medicaid services available to Waiver Program clients. The theoretical framework …

Utilizing A Clinical Resource Hub To Improve Access And Workflow For Retinopathy Screenings In The Veteran Population, Erin Kelly Pope

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Abstract

Utilizing a Clinical Resource Hub to Improve Access and Workflow for Retinal Screenings in the Veteran Population

Erin K. Pope, MSN, RN, AGCNS-BC, AMB-BC

Scot Nolan, DNP, RN, CNS, PHN, CCRN, CNRN, SCRN, FCNS

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a progressive complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), is the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults. As DR can remain asymptomatic until advanced stages, annual screenings are critical for early detection and management. Teleretinal imaging is an evidence-based method for DR screening, offering cost efficiency and reduced demand on ophthalmology clinics. At the Veterans Administration’s (VA) Loma Linda Healthcare System …

Life In The Fast Lane: Improving Patient Intermittent Fasting Compliance, William C. Moreo

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Background: In the United States, 2 in 5 adults are obese. The U.S. spends approximately $147 billion annually on healthcare related to obesity. Intermittent Fasting (IF) has emerged as an evidence-based, safe, and cost-effective approach to weight loss. When instructed correctly, it has been shown to improve patient BMI and total weight over a short-term duration.

Purpose of the Project: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a standardized time-restricted eating (TRE) intermittent fasting education protocol for primary care providers (PCP) and its impact on their confidence levels in managing patients. This project aims to enhance …

Diagnostic Significance Of Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (Nlr) In Dogs With Chronic Enteropathy: A Meta-Analytical Study, Mohamed Marzok, Mahmoud Kandeel, Mohamed Tharwat, Sabry El-Khodery

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

This meta-analysis aimed to determine the diagnostic significance of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in dogs with chronic enteropathy (CE). This meta-analysis was constructed according to the PRISMA statement guidelines. The Web of Science, Sage, EBESCO, Ovid, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and odds ratio (OR) were calculated. Heterogenicity and publication bias were evaluated in this study. Five studies were found to be eligible for the assessment of the diagnostic significance of the NLR in dogs with CE. In total, 570 dogs (263 with CE and 307 healthy controls) were included in this study. NLR …

Staff Education To Improve Quality Of Life For Patients With Dementia, Vanessa Ann Soda

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Dementia is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that is incurable and unpredictable. Patients with dementia experience a decline in functional abilities, communication, and social skills. Fifty-five million people worldwide live with dementia with over 6.9 million people over 65 years of age diagnosed in the United States. The practice problem identified by a 25-bed assisted living facility in the north-central United States was staff’s lack of knowledge of dementia diagnosis, person-centered care approaches, and optimal care strategies supporting a positive quality of life for patients with dementia. The practice-focused question addressed whether an education program consisting of evidence-based practices using the …

Improving Patients' Confidence In Self-Care Management And Preventing Hospital Readmission Within 30 Days Of Discharge In The Heart Failure Population, Kelly Carroll

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Abstract

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a chronic, progressive condition and a leading cause of hospital admissions nationwide. The 30-day readmission rate for HF patients is approximately 23.4%, contributing to increased morbidity, mortality, and significant healthcare costs. Each HF-related readmission is estimated to result in a financial loss of $15,789 per patient due to reduced reimbursement from both private and public insurers. This underscores the critical need for timely follow-up care, particularly within the first 30 days post-discharge.Without adequate follow-up and patient education, many individuals lack the confidence and knowledge necessary for safe and effective self-management in the outpatient setting, …

The Transformative Effect Of A Foundation Year: ‘I’M A Totally Changed Person’, Louise Webber, Jessica Austin

School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences

Developing academic skills and preparing students for university-level study areonly two important outcomes of a foundation year programme. Drawing on thework of Mezirow, this paper will, with a focus on five students, consider thetransformative element of adult learning through transforming previousassumptions and beliefs. The qualitative research was based on a university insouth west England and consisted of several interviews over a four-yearlongitudinal research project, tracking the experiences of five foundation yearstudents, assessing how well it prepared them for university-level study. Thisarticle will consider the transformative nature of the foundation year, highlightingspecific changes in students’ self-belief, agency, power and confidence. Drawing …

Spousal Bereavement Enhances Proinflammatory Cytokine Production To Acute, Psychological Stress., E Lydia Wu-Chung, Ryan L. Brown, Robert Suchting, Jensine Paoletti-Hatcher, Michelle A. Chen, Angie S. Leroy, Kyle W. Murdock, Cobi J. Heijnen, Christopher P. Fagundes

Psychology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Early widowhood is characterized by chronic stress and is associated with a higher risk of incident depression and cardiovascular-related morbidity and mortality. Peripheral inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder and atherothrombosis and may represent a common mechanism underlying widow(er)'s elevated risk for both health conditions. Chronic psychological stress sensitizes the release of proinflammatory cytokines during the peripheral stress response. The present study examined whether recent spousal bereavement enhances the inflammatory response to an acute, psychological stressor. Recently widowed older adults (n = 143) and non-widowed controls (n = 69) participated in a quasi-experimental study, during which …

The Joint Association Of Diet Quality And Sleep Regularity With Incident Cardiovascular Disease In The Multi-Ethnic Study Of Atherosclerosis, Kaitlin S Potts, Claire Veldkamp, Alexis C Wood, Erin D Michos, Raymond Noordam, Tianyi Huang, Susan Redline, Heming Wang

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background/objectives: Diet quality and sleep regularity both influence cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and may influence each other, but there is scarce evidence for their joint or interacting associations in relation to CVD. We assessed these associations in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

Methods: Participants free of CVD with valid diet and sleep measures in 2010-2013 were included and followed through 2020 for detection of incident CVD (188 events detected over 8.8 years among 1782 participants; 55% women). Sleep timing and duration regularity were assessed via the intra-individual SD of sleep onset time and duration across 5- to 7-day actigraphy. …

It Is Not Clear How Well Physical Activity Promotion Materials Are Understood: Findings From A Rapid Literature Review, Jafra D. Thomas, Jasmine C. Wong, Regina F. Hockert, Yi Sheng Wu, Winston Kennedy

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 6, 2025. Efforts to promote physical activity and other health-related behaviors are more effective when resource materials are understood by a wide and diverse audience. Before our lab’s previous investigations (Thomas et al., 2024), only one study seemed to use the cloze procedure to directly test the comprehension (i.e., readability) of physical activity promotion material (Cardinal & Seidler, 1995). Thus, this rapid literature review sought to (a) determine the extent the cloze procedure has been used to study physical activity promotion material comprehension in lay adults and (b) collate …

Interprofessional Collaboration Between Primary Care And Occupational Therapy, Ellen Modlin, Phd, Otr/L, Bcp, Caps, Deana Shevit Goldin, Phd, Dnp, Arnp, Fnp-Bc

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Purpose: This article explores the utilization of occupational therapy (OT) in interprofessional health care teams in adult populations. Primary care settings are typically the first point of contact for individuals seeking health care services; therefore, primary care practitioners (PCPs) are in a unique position to initiate collaboration with specialty clinicians to optimize the use of health care resources.

Method: Peer- reviewed literature from primary care and OT research was reviewed and summarized. The search focused on barriers and potential opportunities for collaboration between primary care and occupational therapy in adult populations.

Results: Occupational therapy (OT) is underutilized, as lack of …

Enhancing Physical Therapy Practice Through Interprofessional Collaboration: Addressing Elderly Self-Neglect Via Pt And Behavioral Health Integration, Alexia Stamas, Feroze Sio, Jodi Thomasian, Kate Jansen, Margaret R. Klausing

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Purpose: This article examines the role of interprofessional collaboration between Physical Therapy (PT) and Behavioral Health (BH) services in identifying and supporting elderly individuals at risk of self-neglect. Through a case study, we explore the benefits of integrating interprofessional collaboration and APS reporting processes into PT practice.

Problem: Self-neglect among older adults is a critical public health issue often overlooked in healthcare settings. PTs, as mandated reporters, frequently encounter patients exhibiting signs of self-neglect but may lack training in psychosocial and cognitive assessment skills necessary for effective intervention.

Significance: Interprofessional collaboration enables PTs to address both physical …

The Face Of Ageism, The Reach Of Ageism: Law, Medicine, And Society, Janet L. Dolgin

Tulsa Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Functional Disabilities On The Quality Of Life Of Older U.S. Adults, Bernadette Lavender

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Among older U.S. adults, functional disabilities are critical determinants of quality of life (QoL), influencing mobility, social engagement, and independence. Despite growing evidence of these impacts, limited research examines how healthcare access, social support, and socioeconomic factors moderate this relationship. This quantitative study explored the effects of functional disabilities on QoL, operationalized through self-reported health, while examining the moderating roles of key social determinants. Using a cross-sectional design, secondary data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were analyzed. The sample included 42,405 participants aged 60 years and above from all 50 states. Multiple regression analyses and ANOVA were employed …

Analyzing The Effectiveness Of Dance Movements In Enhancing Activities Of Daily Living For Geriatric Patients And Relevant Implications For Nursing Care, Rachel Bruce

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Within the healthcare industry, the geriatric population holds a unique set of patient-care needs due to a myriad of physical and cognitive challenges that are not present in other subcategories of the population (Cremer et al., 2023). The presentation of these challenges can negatively impact a patient’s quality of life and their overall independence, which in turn decreases their overall quality of life (Cremer et al., 2023). One specific challenge healthcare providers must consider when caring for elderly patients is the reduced range of mobility typically associated with growing older (Machacova et al., 2015; Hartigan, 2007; Sinoff & Ore, 1997; …

Comparing Gains And Losses: Examining The Effects Of Incentives On Working Memory Capacity And Motivational Processes In Older Adults, Julie Q. Pham

Psychology Theses and Dissertations

Working memory is critical for the storage and maintenance of information but is susceptible to age-related changes. Prior studies have shown that incentives can be used to successfully modulate cognition in older age. However, research has largely focused on the use of reward incentives. Less is understood about the motivational processes of avoiding losses and whether this can also improve working memory capacity. Given that an aversion to losses may become more salient with age, it is important to determine whether these motivational shifts are reflected in how older adults attend to and store information. The current study compared how …

The Neuropsychiatric Value Of Expressive Arts Therapy Integrated With Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy In Treating Alzheimer's Disease And Related Disorders (Adrd), Alicia C. Hesse-Cleary

Expressive Therapies Theses

Neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease, and other dementias, are progressive disorders that lead to white matter damage in the brain, resulting in structural and functional consequences that disrupt neuronal pathways and contribute to significant cognitive and behavioral impairments. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form and a leading cause of death among older adults. Nearly 97% of patients experience neuropsychiatric symptoms, which are incredibly challenging to treat effectively as the disease progresses and, in some cases, may be untreatable with pharmaceuticals. This situation significantly increases caregiver burden and healthcare costs. Traditional pharmacological treatments for these conditions have …

Commencement [Program], May 16-17, 2025, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Commencement Programs

Contents:

Board of Regents --- 2
Institutional Leadership --- 2
Ceremony Symbols & Traditions --- 3
Academic Honorary Organizations --- 4
University Ambassador Organizations --- 5
University Honors Program --- 6
Graduation with Honors --- 6
Legacy Graduates --- 6
Military Science --- 7
Merchant Scholarship --- 7
Outstanding Student Leader --- 7
Commencement Student Speakers --- 7
Purple and Old Gold Awards --- 8
Lux Service Award --- 9
7 p.m. Program --- 10
College of Social & Behavioral Sciences --- 11
Division of Online Education & Individual Studies --- 24
10 a.m. Program --- 27
College of Education …

University Of Nebraska At Omaha Commencement: May 2025, University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Commencement Programs

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Ataxin-1 Overexpression In The Central Nervous System On Specific Behavioral And Physiological Characteristics Of Drosophila Melanogaster, Sydney Davis

Theses and Dissertations

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disease caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the ataxin-1 gene, which results in an abnormally long polyglutamine tract. Similarly, overexpression of wildtype Ataxin-1 (wt-Atx-1) in Drosophila melanogaster leads to neurodegeneration, reduced lifespan, and impaired negative geotaxis. Observations include disruptions in sleep-wake cycles, increased oxidative stress biomarkers (like protein carbonyls), and dysregulation of developmental genes such as armadillo (arm) and nemo kinase (nmo). Additionally, elevated expression of SUMOylation-related genes (Aos-1, Uba2, and dSmt3 or dSumo) and increased SUMO protein levels indicate enhanced SUMOylation in the brain. Quantitative analysis of neuronal …

Work-Life Balance And The Impact Of Covid-19 On Faculty At Historically Black Community Colleges (Hbccs), Taneshia Turner Winston

Theses and Dissertations

This research study was conducted to determine how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the work-life balance of faculty at HBCCs based on their race, gender, age, marital status, and tenure status. The study employed a quantitative research design utilizing Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to conduct time-based activities separately and group perception-based response variables into meaningful categories to uncover patterns. To analyze the differences in race, gender, age, marital status, and tenure status, Regression and Chi-square test analyses were used to evaluate the collected data. Regression analysis explored relationships between time spent on activities and perceptions of stress, productivity, and satisfaction. Chi-square …

Market Days For Older Adults: Addressing Healthy Aging Among A High-Risk Population At The Downtown Farmers’ Market, Allyson Brothers, India Luxton, Cheryl Noble, Sue Schneider, Alison O'Connor, Yuqin Jiao

Journal of Extension

Market Days for Older Adults is a Colorado State University Extension program that supplies low-income older adults with fresh produce purchased from market vendors at the local farmers’ market. Designed for low-income seniors, this program aims to enhance nutrition while building a sense of community and connection. Program evaluation data from the first four years of the program demonstrate evidence of program feasibility, including high levels of participant satisfaction and program utilization. We also assessed a set of healthy aging indicators (diet quality, social connection, functional health, and well-being) to drive future work. Implications for Extension professionals are discussed.

The Human Dimension Of "Home", Robert A. Destro

Catholic University Law Review

All societies provide a legal framework that protects the pivotal functions of home and family. None provide a clear legal definition of “home”. Nor, this article argues, can they. “Home” is a concept rooted in the lived experience of human persons. In this article, the second in a series, the author employs the “human dimension” [HDIM] concept, initially developed by the U.S. military and later adopted by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, as the lens through which one can examine the “human element” of human rights. The framework for this analysis is the “four clusters of value-types” …

The Effects Of Blood Flow Restriction And Body Weight Support Treadmill Walking On Electromyographic Activity In Lower Limb Muscles, Cyanea Davies

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Blood flow restriction (BFR) is an emerging rehabilitation modality shown to enhance muscle activation and elicit strength gains comparable to high-intensity training at lower loads (Cognetti et al.,2019). Body weight support (BWS) treadmill walking is another modality that has gained popularity due to the effect it has on lowering muscle activation with increasing support levels (Jensen et al.,2016). However, to date no research has looked at electromyographic (EMG) activity utilizing both modalities concurrently. This study investigated if stride frequency (SF) and muscle activity of the rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF), tibialis anterior (TA) and gastrocnemius (GA) would be influenced …