Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Neuropsychiatric Symptoms Of Dementia In Those With And Without A Recorded History Of Psychological Trauma: A Comparative Study From An Australian Dementia Support Service, Monica Cations, Mustafa Atee, Thomas Morris, Daniel Whiting

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: To compare the number and severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) and associated caregiver distress between those with and without a noted history of psychological trauma among those referred to a specialised national dementia NPS support service. Methods: This was a 5-year retrospective observational study of records from the Dementia Support Australia NPS support service. NPS were reported by formal or informal caregivers at service entry using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Nursing Home version or Questionnaire version. A history of psychological trauma was recorded in the person's social or medical history and/or endorsed as a contributor to NPS by a trained …

Predicting Neurodegeneration From Sleep Related Biofluid Changes, Yue Yang, Woojin S. Kim, Johannes C. Michaelian, Simon J. G. Lewis, Craig L. Phillips, Angela L. D'Rozario, Pratishtha Chatterjee, Ralph N. Martins, Ron Grunstein, Glenda M. Halliday, Sharon L. Naismith

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Sleep-wake disturbances are common in neurodegenerative diseases and may occur years before the clinical diagnosis, potentially either representing an early stage of the disease itself or acting as a pathophysiological driver. Therefore, discovering biomarkers that identify individuals with sleep-wake disturbances who are at risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases will allow early diagnosis and intervention. Given the association between sleep and neurodegeneration, the most frequently analyzed fluid biomarkers in people with sleep-wake disturbances to date include those directly associated with neurodegeneration itself, such as neurofilament light chain, phosphorylated tau, amyloid-beta and alpha-synuclein. Abnormalities in these biomarkers in patients with sleep-wake disturbances …

Editorial: Neurotoxins In Alzheimer's Disease And Other Dementias, Alexandre Henriques, Philippe L. L. Poindron, Binosha Fernando, Kevin N. Hascup

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias are neurodegenerative disorders characterized by a progressive decline in cognition and independence from activities of daily living. Dementia is multifactorial with numerous risk factors including age, genes, molecules, lifestyle, and environmental contributions to disease onset and progression. In recent years, an emerging focus on neurotoxins has added a new layer of complexity to our understanding of dementia. This editorial aims to discuss recent updates regarding the role of neurotoxins in the pathogenesis of dementia.

A Systematic Review Of Dementia Research Priorities, Manonita Ghosh, Pelden Chejor, Melanie Baker, Davina Porock

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Patient involvement is a critical component of dementia research priority-setting exercises to ensure that research benefits are relevant and acceptable to those who need the most. This systematic review synthesises research priorities and preferences identified by people living with dementia and their caregivers. Methods: Guided by Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework, we conducted a systematic search in five electronic databases: CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Scopus. The reference lists of the included studies were also manually searched. We combined quantitative and qualitative data for synthesis and descriptive thematic …

Chemical Restraint As Behavioural Euthanasia: Case Studies From The Royal Commission Into Aged Care Quality And Safety, Patricia Cain, Pelden Chejor, Davina Porock

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The prescription of psychotropic medication to older people living with dementia in residential aged care has become an increasing concern. The use of prescription medication is often prefaced as a way of preventing harm to self and others. However, the use of such medications has been considered a way of managing some of the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. Using a large secondary data set, this study aimed to identify the precursors and mediating factors that influence the use of chemical restraint of older people in residential aged care. Methods: Publicly available documents from the Australian Royal Commission …

Dietary Nitrate Intake In Relation To The Risk Of Dementia And Imaging Markers Of Vascular Brain Health: A Population-Based Study, Tosca O.E. De Crom, Lauren Blekkenhorst, Meike W. Vernooij, M. Kamran Ikram, Trudy Voortman, M. Arfan Ikram

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background

Nitric oxide is a free radical that can be produced from dietary nitrate and positively affects cardiovascular health. With cardiovascular health playing an important role in the etiology of dementia, we hypothesized a link between dietary nitrate intake and the risk of dementia.

Objectives

This study aimed to find the association of total, vegetable, and nonvegetable dietary nitrate intake with the risk of dementia and imaging markers of vascular brain health, such as total brain volume, global cerebral perfusion, white matter hyperintensity volume, microbleeds, and lacunar infarcts.

Methods

Between 1990 and 2009, dietary intake was assessed using food-frequency …

Utility Of Dna Methylation As A Biomarker In Ageing And Alzheimer’S Disease, Lidija Milicic, Tenielle Porter, Michael Vacher, Simon M. Laws

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation have been implicated in a number of diseases including cancer, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. While it is recognized that DNA methylation is tissue-specific, a limitation for many studies is the ability to sample the tissue of interest, which is why there is a need for a proxy tissue such as blood, that is reflective of the methylation state of the target tissue. In the last decade, DNA methylation has been utilized in the design of epigenetic clocks, which aim to predict an individual’s biological age based on an algorithmically defined set …

Dementia Care For People From Culturally And Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds: Qualitative Secondary Analysis Of The Aged Care Australian Royal Commission Data, Pelden Chejor, Patricia Cain, Bridget Laging, Davina Porock

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective:

Understanding the concerns and experiences of people living with dementia from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds is critical to ensure culturally appropriate care is delivered. This study aimed to describe the current experiences and concerns of older people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds using the publicly available evidence from the Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

Methods:

This was a qualitative secondary analysis of the Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety data to explore new and nuanced insights about care for culturally and linguistically diverse people living with dementia. Using the keywords …

Tourism Experiences Reduce The Risk Of Cognitive Impairment In The Chinese Older Adult: A Prospective Cohort Study, Qian Li, Zheng Guo, Fangli Hu, Mengfei Xiao, Qiang Zhang, Jun Wen, Tianyu Ying, Danni Zheng, Youxin Wang, Song Yang, Haifeng Hou

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Given the etiological complexity of cognitive impairment, no effective cure currently exists for precise treatment of dementia. Although scholars have noted tourism’s potential role in managing cognitive impairment and mild dementia, more robust empirical investigation is needed in this area. This study aimed to examine the associations between tourism and cognitive impairment and dementia in older Chinese adults. Method: From a nationwide community-based cohort, 6,717 individuals aged ≥ 60 were recruited from 2011 to 2014, of whom 669 (9.96%) had had at least one tourism experience in the 2 years prior to enrollment. All the participants were then prospectively …

Development And Validation Of The Montreal Cognitive Assessment For People With Hearing Impairment (Moca-H), Piers Dawes, David Reeves, Wai Kent Yeung, Fiona Holland, Anna Pavlina Charalambous, Mathieu Côté, Renaud David, Catherine Helmer, Robert Laforce, Ralph N. Martins, Antonis Politis, Annie Pye, Gregor Russell, Saima Sheikh, Marie-Josée Sirois, Hamid R. Sohrabi, Chyrssoula Thodi, Kathleen Gallant, Ziad Nasreddine, Iracema Leroi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Hearing impairment is common among older adults and affects cognitive assessments for identification of dementia which rely on good hearing function. We developed and validated a version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) for people with hearing impairment. Methods: We adapted existing MoCA 8.1 items for people with hearing impairment by presenting instructions and stimuli in written rather than spoken format. One Attention domain and two Language domain items required substitution by alternative items. Three and four candidate items respectively were constructed and field-tested along with the items adapted to written form. We used a combination of individual item …

Systematic Review Of Dyadic Psychoeducational Programs For Persons With Dementia And Their Family Caregivers, Manonita Ghosh, Melissa Dunham, Beverly O'Connell

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aims and Objectives:

Synthesising evidence for effects of dyadic psychoeducational support programs on both people with dementia and their caregivers' health and well-being.

Background:

There is an increasing need for psychoeducational support programs for people with dementia and their caregivers; therefore, it is important to identify the benefits and practical implications of the programs on the dyads.

Methods:

Guided by Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology, and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, a systematic search of literature was conducted on dyadic psychoeducational programs published in English between January 2012 and January 2021 from four electronic databases. …

Physical Activity And Brain Amyloid Beta: A Longitudinal Analysis Of Cognitively Unimpaired Older Adults, Michael G. Slee, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Victor L. Villemagne, James D. Doecke, Hamid R. Sohrabi, Kevin Taddei, David Ames, Vincent Dore, Paul Maruff, Simon M. Laws, Colin L. Masters, Christopher C. Rowe, Ralph N. Martins, Kirk I. Erickson, Belinda M. Brown

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: The current study evaluated the relationship between habitual physical activity (PA) levels and brain amyloid beta (A ) over 15 years in a cohort of cognitively unimpaired older adults. Methods: PA and A measures were collected over multiple timepoints from 731 cognitively unimpaired older adults participating in the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) Study of Aging. Regression modeling examined cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between PA and brain A . Moderation analyses examined apolipoprotein E (APOE) 4 carriage impact on the PA-A relationship. Results: PA was not associated with brain A at baseline ( = –0.001, p = 0.72) …

Physical Restraint In Older People: A Statement From The Early Career Network Of The International Psychogeriatric Association, Mustafa Atee, Claire V. Burley, Victor A. Ojo, Agboola J. Adigun, Hayoung Lee, Daniel J. Hoyle, Olufisayo Elugbadebo, Tomas Leon

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The International Psychogeriatric Association (IPA) has expressed significant concerns over the use of physical restraints in older people across diverse aged care settings. Following an extensive analysis of the available literature, the IPA's Early Career Network (ECN) has formulated a collection of evidence-based recommendations aimed at guiding the use of physical restraints within various care contexts and demographic groups. Physical restraints not only infringe upon human rights but also raise significant safety concerns that adversely impact the physical, psychological, social, and functional well-being of older adults. Furthermore, their effectiveness in geriatric settings remains inadequate. Given these considerations, the IPA and …

Tackling Dementia Together Via The Australian Dementia Network (Adnet): A Summary Of Initiatives, Progress And Plans, Sharon L. Naismith, Johannes C. Michaelian, Cherry Santos, Inga Mehrani, Joanne Robertson, Kasey Wallis, Xiaoping Lin, Stephanie A. Ward, Ralph Martins, Colin L. Masters, Michael Breakspear, Susannah Ahern, Jurgen Fripp, Peter R. Schofield, Perminder S. Sachdev, Christopher C. Rowe

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In 2018, the Australian Dementia Network (ADNeT) was established to bring together Australia's leading dementia researchers, people with living experience and clinicians to transform research and clinical care in the field. To address dementia diagnosis, treatment, and care, ADNeT has established three core initiatives: the Clinical Quality Registry (CQR), Memory Clinics, and Screening for Trials. Collectively, the initiatives have developed an integrated clinical and research community, driving practice excellence in this field, leading to novel innovations in diagnostics, clinical care, professional development, quality and harmonization of healthcare, clinical trials, and translation of research into practice. Australia now has a national …

A Potential Role For Sirtuin-1 In Alzheimer's Disease: Reviewing The Biological And Environmental Evidence, Mehrane Mehramiz, Tenielle Porter, Eleanor K. O'Brien, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Simon M. Laws

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Sirtuin-1 (Sirt1), encoded by the SIRT1 gene, is a conserved Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) dependent deacetylase enzyme, considered as the master regulator of metabolism in humans. Sirt1 contributes to a wide range of biological pathways via several mechanisms influenced by lifestyle, such as diet and exercise. The importance of a healthy lifestyle is of relevance to highly prevalent modern chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). There is growing evidence at multiple levels for a role of Sirt1/SIRT1 in AD pathological mechanisms. As such, this review will explore the relevance of Sirt1 to AD pathological mechanisms, by describing the involvement …

Comparing Clinico-Demographics And Neuropsychiatric Symptoms For Immigrant And Non-Immigrant Aged Care Residents Living With Dementia: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study From An Australian Dementia-Specific Support Service, Pelden Chejor, Mustafa Atee, Patricia Cain, Daniel Whiting, Thomas Morris, Davina Porock

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background:

Neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia such as agitation and aggression are common in people living with dementia. The presentation of neuropsychiatric symptoms is influenced by the cultural background of people living with dementia. Further, identifying factors contributing to neuropsychiatric symptoms may be complicated if people living with dementia are immigrants or from non-English-speaking backgrounds. Most of what is known about differences in neuropsychiatric symptoms between racial and ethnic groups living with dementia come from community-based samples. This study investigated differences in clinico-demographics and neuropsychiatric symptoms between immigrants and non-immigrants living with dementia in residential aged care homes who were referred …

Exploring Perceptions Of Travel-Eligible Individuals With Dementia And Hotel Operators, Jun Wen, Danni Zheng, Yangyang Jiang, Haifeng Hou, Ian Phau, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Although people with dementia have leisure travel needs, no scholars appear to have empirically explored how to meet this group’s needs as hotel guests. To bridge this research gap in tourism literature, the current study employed in-depth interviews to collect first-hand data from 15 travel-eligible tourists with early-stage dementia and 15 senior luxury hotel managers in China. Specifically, six key themes were extracted from Chinese hotel guests with dementia. Hotel managers’ commentary on meeting travel-eligible tourists with dementia’ needs during leisure travel led to three themes. Innovatively, this study further sheds light on possible contributions the tourism and hospitality industry …

“They Are Dealing With People’S Lives…”: Diagnostic And Post-Diagnostic Healthcare Experiences In Primary Progressive Aphasia, Tisha Ho, Anne Whitworth, Deborah Hersh, Jade Cartwright

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: The healthcare experience is a multifaceted and varied process, particularly for people living with complex conditions such as primary progressive aphasia (PPA). Different experiences influence pathways through the health system, impacting client outcomes. To our knowledge, no previous studies have directly explored the healthcare experiences of people with PPA and their families. This study aimed to explore the experiences of people living with PPA from the perspective of both the person with PPA and their families during diagnostic and post-diagnostic phases, and to identify factors influencing service access and perceptions of quality of care. Method: The study followed an …

Development And Feasibility Testing Of An Evidence-Based Occupational Therapy Program For Adults With Both Down Syndrome And Dementia, Sujatha E. Raj, Shylie Mackintosh, Jocelyn Kernot, Caroline Fryer, Mandy Stanley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper describes the development of a home-based occupational therapy intervention program for people with Down syndrome who experience early on-set dementia causing a decline in their performance skills and increasing care dependency on their informal caregivers. A six-step methodological process adapted from the Medical Research Council framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions was formulated to develop an evidence-based occupational therapy program for people with both Down syndrome and dementia and their informal caregivers. The first two steps gathered evidence through systematic reviews of the literature and determined the scope of current occupational therapy practice. The gathered evidence was …

Analgesic Effect Of Auricular Point Acupressure For Acute Pain In Patients With Dementia: Study Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial, Xiao Min Chai, Hong Yan Shi, Jun Jun Zhang, Lei Wang, Hai Xiang Gao, Ya Liang Dai, Lu Lu Gao, Jian Qiang Yu, Yu Xiang Li, Carol Chunfeng Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Common and frequent as acute pain is, it is often underestimated and undertreated in older people with dementia in nursing homes and inadequate pain management remains an issue. Methods: The study is designed to be a randomized, sham-controlled trial and is underway in nursing homes located in China. A total of 206 dementia patients are being recruited from nursing homes in Yinchuan, China. They are randomly allocated to an intervention or a controlled group in a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group will be treated with true APP therapy, while the other group will receive APP at sham point stimulation …

Potential Role Of Dietary Nitrate In Relation To Cardiovascular And Cerebrovascular Health, Cognition, Cognitive Decline And Dementia: A Review, Anjana Rajendra, Nicola P. Bondonno, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Samantha L. Gardener, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Catherine P. Bondonno

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

There is currently no effective treatment for dementia, of which Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form. It is, therefore, imperative to focus on evidence-based preventive strategies to combat this extremely debilitating chronic disease. Nitric oxide (NO) is a key signalling molecule in the cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and central nervous systems. Vegetables rich in nitrate, such as spinach and beetroot, are an important source of NO, with beneficial effects on validated markers of cardiovascular health and an association with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Given the link between cardiovascular disease risk factors and dementia, together with the important role …

Sleep, Sirtuin 1 And Alzheimer’S Disease: A Review, Mehrane Mehramiz, Tenielle Porter, Simon Laws, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Sleep plays a major role in brain health, and cognition. Disrupted sleep is a well-described symptom of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, accumulating evidence suggests suboptimal sleep also increases AD risk. The deacetylase Sirtuin 1 (Sirt 1), encoded by the SIRT1 gene, impacts sleep via its relationship to wake-sleep neurotransmitters and somnogens. Evidence from animal and human studies supports a significant and complex relationship between sleep, Sirt 1/ SIRT1 and AD. Numerous hypotheses attempt to explain the critical impact of Sirt 1/ SIRT1 on wake- and sleep- promoting neurons, their related mechanisms and neurotransmitters. However, there is a paucity of studies …

Systemic Perturbations Of The Kynurenine Pathway Precede Progression To Dementia Independently Of Amyloid-Β, Marcela Cespedes, Kelly R. Jacobs, Paul Maruff, Alan Rembach, Christopher J. Fowler, Brett Trounson, Kelly K. Pertile, Rebecca L. Rumble, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Christopher C. Rowe, Victor L. Villemagne, Pierrick Bourgeat, Chai K. Lim, Pratishtha Chatterjee, Ralph N. Martins, Arne Ittner, Colin L. Masters, James D. Doecke, Gilles J. Guillemin, David B. Lovejoy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Increasing evidence suggests that kynurenine pathway (KP) dyshomeostasis may promote disease progression in dementia. Studies in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients confirm KP dyshomeostasis in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) which correlates with amyloid-β and tau pathology. Herein, we performed the first comprehensive study assessing baseline levels of KP metabolites in participants enrolling in the Australian Imaging Biomarkers Flagship Study of Aging. Our purpose was to test the hypothesis that changes in KP metabolites may be biomarkers of dementia processes that are largely silent. We used a cross-sectional analytical approach to assess non-progressors (N = 73); cognitively normal (CN) or mild …

Abdominal Aortic Calcification On Lateral Spine Images Captured During Bone Density Testing And Late-Life Dementia Risk In Older Women: A Prospective Cohort Study, Tenielle Porter, Marc Sim, Richard L. Prince, John T. Schousboe, Catherine Bondonno, Wai H. Lim, Kun Zhu, Douglas P. Kiel, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Simon M. Laws, Joshua R. Lewis

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Dementia after the age of 80 years (late-life) is increasingly common due to vascular and non-vascular risk factors. Identifying individuals at higher risk of late-life dementia remains a global priority. Methods: In prospective study of 958 ambulant community-dwelling older women ( ≥ 70 years), lateral spine images (LSI) captured in 1998 (baseline) from a bone density machine were used to assess abdominal aortic calcification (AAC). AAC was classified into established categories (low, moderate and extensive). Cardiovascular risk factors and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotyping were evaluated. Incident 14.5-year late-life dementia was identified from linked hospital and mortality records. Findings: At …

Experiences Of Older Immigrants Living With Dementia And Their Carers: A Systematic Review And Meta-Synthesis, Pelden Chejor, Bridget Laging, Lisa Whitehead, Davina Porock

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective To systematically review and synthesise evidence on the experiences of older immigrants living with dementia and their carers. Design A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies. Methods Studies exploring the experiences of older immigrants living with dementia and their carers were eligible. Databases were searched including CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library from January 2000 to April 2021. Quality assessment was undertaken using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for qualitative studies. Data were then synthesised using the thematic synthesis approach. Results The results of this meta-synthesis were reported according to the Preferred …

An Intergenerational Playgroup In An Australian Residential Aged-Care Setting: A Qualitative Case Study, Gabrielle B. Rosa Hernandez, Carolyn M. Murray, Mandy Stanley

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Intergenerational programs are emerging within the aged-care context as they provide a unique opportunity for older adults living with or without cognitive impairments to connect with children. One type of intergenerational program is an ‘intergenerational playgroup’ which creates opportunities for children to develop their skills, parents to create a local peer support network and provides older adults at risk of isolation with vital community interaction. The objective of this research was to evaluate an intergenerational playgroup taking place weekly within a residential aged-care setting. A qualitative case study research design was used to perform five observation sessions and semi-structured in-depth …

Alzheimer's Disease Research Progress In Australia: The Alzheimer's Association International Conference Satellite Symposium In Sydney, Claire E. Sexton, Kaarin J. Anstey, Filippo Baldacci, C. J. Barnum, Anna M. Barron, Kaj Blennow, Henry Brodaty, Samantha Burnham, Fanny M. Elahi, Jürgen Götz, Yun-Hee Jeon, Maya Koronyo-Hamaoui, Susan M. Landau, Nicola T. Lautenschlager, Simon M. Laws, Darren M. Lipnicki, Hanzhang Lu, Colin L. Masters, Wendy Moyle, Akinori Nakamura, Giulio Maria Pasinetti, Naren Rao, Christopher Rowe, Perminder S. Sachdev, Peter R. Schofield, Einar M. Sigurdsson

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The Alzheimer's Association International Conference held its sixth Satellite Symposium in Sydney, Australia in 2019, highlighting the leadership of Australian researchers in advancing the understanding of and treatment developments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias. This leadership includes the Australian Imaging, Biomarker, and Lifestyle Flagship Study of Ageing (AIBL), which has fueled the identification and development of many biomarkers and novel therapeutics. Two multimodal lifestyle intervention studies have been launched in Australia; and Australian researchers have played leadership roles in other global studies in diverse populations. Australian researchers have also played an instrumental role in efforts to understand mechanisms …

Effect Of Auricular Acupressure On Acute Pain In Nursing Home Residents With Mild Dementia: A Single-Blind, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Study, Jun Jun Zhang, Li Yu, Jun Hui Mei, Hong Xin Wang, Hai Xiang Gao, Ju Fang Fu, Ye Cheng, Lu Lu Gao, Lei Bu, Jian Qiang Yu, Carol Chunfeng Wang, Yu Xiang Li

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction. Acute pain is a prevalent problem for dementia residents in nursing homes. A variety of intervention strategies have been applied to address this problem. However, there remains an issue of inadequate pain control. This study aims to explore the analgesic efficacy of auricular acupressure (AA) for dementia residents with acute pain in nursing homes. Methods. A multicenter, single-blind, randomized, and sham-controlled clinical trial was performed in three nursing homes in Yinchuan, China. All of the 206 eligible patients with acute pain were randomly divided into two groups for real AA therapy or sham AA (at sham point stimulation) therapy. …

Faces Of Pain In Dementia: Learnings From A Real-World Study Using A Technology-Enabled Pain Assessment Tool, Mustafa Atee, Kreshnik Hoti, Paola Chivers, Jeffery D. Hughes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Pain is common in people living with dementia (PLWD), including those with limited verbal skills. Facial expressions are key behavioral indicators of the pain experience in this group. However, there is a lack of real-world studies to report the prevalence and associations of pain-relevant facial micro-expressions in PLWD. In this observational retrospective study, pain-related facial features were studied in a sample of 3,144 PLWD [mean age 83.3 years (SD = 9.0); 59.0% female] using the Face domain of PainChek®, a point-of-care medical device application. Pain assessments were completed by 389 users from two national dementia-specific care programs and 34 Australian …

Needs And Views On Healthy Lifestyles For The Prevention Of Dementia And The Potential Role For Mobile Health (Mhealth) Interventions In China: A Qualitative Study, Jinxia Zhang, Esmé Eggink, Xiaoyu Zhang, Xingming Li, Bin Jiang, Hongmei Liu, Siqi Ge, Wei Zhang, Jihui Lyu, Yixuan Niu, Yueyi Yu, Haifeng Hou, Xizhu Xu, Xiaoyan Ye, Wenzhi Wang, Ruben Terlou, Edo Richard, Wei Wang, Youxin Wang, Eric P. Moll Van Charante, Song Manshu, Prodemos Consortium

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives:

Over the coming decades, China is expected to face the largest worldwide increase in dementia incidence. Mobile health (mHealth) may improve the accessibility of dementia prevention strategies, targeting lifestyle-related risk factors. Our aim is to explore the needs and views of Chinese older adults regarding healthy lifestyles to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) and dementia through mHealth, supporting the Prevention of Dementia using Mobile Phone Applications (PRODEMOS) study.

Design:

Qualitative semi-structured interview study, using thematic analysis.

Setting:

Primary and secondary care in Beijing and Tai’an, China.

Participants:

Older adults aged 55 and over without dementia with an increased dementia risk, …