Geriatrics Commons^™

Dual-Task Upper Extremity Motor Performance Measured By Video Processing As Cognitive-Motor Markers For Older Adults, Changhong Wang, Mohsen Zahiri, Ashkan Vaziri, Bijan Najafi

Center on Aging Staff Publications

Introduction: The use of dual-task model such as dual-task gait has been extensively studied to assess cognitive-motor performance among older adults. However, space restriction and safety factor limit its applications in remote assessment. To address the gap, we propose a video processing-based approach to remotely quantify cognitive-motor performance using a 20-s repetitive elbow flexion-extension test with dual-task condition, called video-based motoric-cognitive meter (MCM).

Methods: Eighteen older participants (age: 78.6 ± 6.5 years) who were clinically diagnosed as having either mild cognitive impairment or dementia were included in this study. Participants were asked to perform 20-s repetitive elbow flexion-extension exercise with …

Care4ad: A Technology-Driven Platform For Care Coordination And Management: Acceptability Study In Dementia, Ram Kinker Mishra, Catherine Park, Anmol Salim Momin, Nesreen El Rafaei, Mark Kunik, Michele K York, Bijan Najafi

Center on Aging Staff Publications

Introduction: The technology-driven solution can reduce the caregiving burden; however, the needs of dementia caregiving are unique, and attitudes towards adopting technology from the perspectives of all the stakeholders involved in dementia caregiving are unclear. This study aims to assess the acceptability and feasibility of a technology-driven platform to facilitate care coordination platform, Care4AD, from the end-user perspective.

Methods: Care4AD includes three components: (1) Care4AD app: the app is used by caregivers to coordinate care, monitor physical activity, and schedule reminders; (2) Care4AD tablet: a smart tablet is used by the care recipient to display scheduled reminders; and (3) Care4AD …

Using Wearable Sensors To Measure Goal Achievement In Older Veterans With Dementia, Jennifer Freytag, Ram Kinker Mishra, Richard L Street, Angela Catic, Lilian Dindo, Lea Kiefer, Bijan Najafi, Aanand D Naik

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Aligning treatment with patients’ self-determined goals and health priorities is challenging in dementia care. Wearable-based remote health monitoring may facilitate determining the active participation of individuals with dementia towards achieving the determined goals. The present study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of using wearables to assess healthcare goals set by older adults with cognitive impairment. We present four specific cases that assess (1) the feasibility of using wearables to monitor healthcare goals, (2) differences in function after goal-setting visits, and (3) goal achievement. Older veterans (n = 17) with cognitive impairment completed self-report assessments of mobility, then had an …

Tele-Medicine Based And Self-Administered Interactive Exercise Program (Tele-Exergame) To Improve Cognition In Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment Or Dementia: A Feasibility, Acceptability, And Proof-Of-Concept Study, Catherine Park, Ram Kinker Mishra, Michele K York, Ana Enriquez, Abigail Lindsay, Gregory Barchard, Ashkan Vaziri, Bijan Najafi

Center on Aging Staff Publications

Improved life expectancy is increasing the number of older adults who suffer from motor-cognitive decline. Unfortunately, conventional balance exercise programs are not tailored to patients with cognitive impairments, and exercise adherence is often poor due to unsupervised settings. This study describes the acceptability and feasibility of a sensor-based in-home interactive exercise system, called tele-Exergame, used by older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. Our tele-Exergame is specifically designed to improve balance and cognition during distractive conditioning while a telemedicine interface remotely supervises the exercise, and its exercises are gamified balance tasks with explicit augmented visual feedback. Fourteen adults …

Smart-Home Concept For Remote Monitoring Of Instrumental Activities Of Daily Living (Iadl) In Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment: A Proof Of Concept And Feasibility Study, Myeounggon Lee, Ram Kinker Mishra, Anmol Momin, Nesreen El-Refaei, Amir Behzad Bagheri, Michele K York, Mark E Kunik, Marc Derhammer, Borna Fatehi, James Lim, Rylee Cole, Gregory Barchard, Ashkan Vaziri, Bijan Najafi

Center on Aging Staff Publications

Assessment of instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) is essential for the diagnosis and staging of dementia. However, current IADL assessments are subjective and cannot be administered remotely. We proposed a smart-home design, called IADLSys, for remote monitoring of IADL. IADLSys consists of three major components: (1) wireless physical tags (pTAG) attached to objects of interest, (2) a pendant-sensor to monitor physical activities and detect interaction with pTAGs, and (3) an interactive tablet as a gateway to transfer data to a secured cloud. Four studies, including an exploratory clinical study with five older adults with clinically confirmed cognitive impairment, who …

The Trend Of Disruption In The Functional Brain Network Topology Of Alzheimer’S Disease, Alireza Fathian, Yousef Jamali, Mohammad Reza Raoufy, The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Michael W. Weiner, Norbert Schuf, Howard J. Rosen, Bruce L. Miller, Thomas Neylan, Jacqueline Hayess, Shannon Finley, Paul Aisen, Zaven Khachaturian, Ronald G. Thomas, Charles D. Smith, Gregory A. Jicha, Peter A. Hardy, Partha Sinha, Elizabeth Oates, Gary Conrad

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive disorder associated with cognitive dysfunction that alters the brain’s functional connectivity. Assessing these alterations has become a topic of increasing interest. However, a few studies have examined different stages of AD from a complex network perspective that cover different topological scales. This study used resting state fMRI data to analyze the trend of functional connectivity alterations from a cognitively normal (CN) state through early and late mild cognitive impairment (EMCI and LMCI) and to Alzheimer’s disease. The analyses had been done at the local (hubs and activated links and areas), meso (clustering, assortativity, and …

Detecting Cognitive Impairment And Dementia In The Emergency Department: A Scoping Review, Armin Nowroozpoor, Jeff Dussetschleger, William Perry, Mary Sano, Amy Aloysi, Michael Belleville, Alexandria Brackett, Jon Mark Hirshon, William Hung, Joan Michelle Moccia, Ugochi Ohuabunwa, Manish N Shah, Ula Hwang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

OBJECTIVES: To identify research and practice gaps to establish future research priorities to advance the detection of cognitive impairment and dementia in the emergency department (ED).

DESIGN: Literature review and consensus-based rankings by a transdisciplinary, stakeholder task force of experts, persons living with dementia, and care partners.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Scoping reviews focused on adult ED patients.

METHODS: Two systematic scoping reviews of 7 medical research databases focusing on best tools and approaches for detecting cognitive impairment and dementia in the ED in terms of (1) most accurate and (2) most pragmatic to implement. The results were screened, reviewed, and …

Plasmalogen Deficiency: A Risk Factor For Dementias And Potential Treatment Target, Mitchel A. Kling, Mallika Mendu, Rima F. Kaddurah-Daouk, Sheldon Jordan, Dayan B. Goodenowe

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Altered lipid metabolism is implicated in the risk of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD); however, the precise mechanisms accounting for findings from observational studies remains to be fully elucidated.

Plasmalogens are a subclass of integral membrane phospholipids with unique properties that appear to play important roles relevant to the pathophysiology of AD and ADRD, including vesicle fusion necessary for synaptic neurotransmitter release, modulation of membrane fluidity and microdomain dynamics, membrane antioxidant functions, and neuroprotection. Like the more familiar phosphatides, plasmalogens are synthesized on a 3-carbon glycerol backbone; however, they differ from phosphatides by the presence of a …

New Insights Into The Genetic Etiology Of Alzheimer’S Disease And Related Dementias, Céline Bellenguez, Fahri Küçükali, Iris Jansen, Luca Kleineidam, Sonia Moreno-Grau, Najaf Amin, Adam C. Naj, Rafael Campos-Martin, David W. Fardo, Yuriko Kastumata, Erin L. Abner, Radb, Gr@Ace, Degesco, Eadi, Gerad, Demgene, Finngen, Adgc, Charge

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

Characterization of the genetic landscape of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias (ADD) provides a unique opportunity for a better understanding of the associated pathophysiological processes. We performed a two-stage genome-wide association study totaling 111,326 clinically diagnosed/‘proxy’ AD cases and 677,663 controls. We found 75 risk loci, of which 42 were new at the time of analysis. Pathway enrichment analyses confirmed the involvement of amyloid/tau pathways and highlighted microglia implication. Gene prioritization in the new loci identified 31 genes that were suggestive of new genetically associated processes, including the tumor necrosis factor alpha pathway through the linear ubiquitin chain assembly …

Alzheimer's And Patient Caregiver Burnout: A Review Of The Literature, Madeline Hekeler

James Madison Undergraduate Research Journal (JMURJ)

The term “silent epidemic” is fitting for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), as its negative impact is widely felt but rarely discussed. Burnout among AD caregivers has become an epidemic of its own as caregivers experience an increase in health risks, stress, and financial burden. This literature review focuses on caregiver burnout and how imperative it is that caregivers are better supported in their role. Researchers have developed instruments to assess and intervene in caregiver burnout that have shown effectiveness among caregivers and their families.Nevertheless, further longitudinal research is warranted regarding more effective interventions, including stress management and social support mechanisms.

African-American Lay Pastoral Care Facilitators’ Perspectives On Dementia Caregiver Education And Training, Nik M. Lampe, Nidhi Desai, Tomeka Norton-Brown, Alexandra C. H. Nowakowski, Robert L. Glueckauf

The Qualitative Report

The African-American Alzheimer’s Caregiver Training and Support Project 2 (ACTS 2) is a faith-integrated, skills-training and support program for distressed African American family caregivers of persons living with dementia across Florida. Caregivers participate in a 12-week, telephone-based, skills-building and support program led by faith community workers (i.e., lay pastoral care facilitators) who provide volunteer services to their denominations. In this case study, we examined facilitators’ perspectives and recommendations for supplementary audiovisual and written training materials to optimize group process and goal-setting skills. Utilizing a qualitative approach, we explored facilitators’ needs, experiences in using current training materials, and recommendations for supplementary …

Sensory Processing Abnormalities In Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment: A Mixed Methods Study, Elizabeth K. Rhodus, Elizabeth G. Hunter, Graham D. Rowles, Shoshana H. Bardach, Kelly Parsons, Justin M. Barber, Maryellen Thompson, Gregory A. Jicha

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia often leads to behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Sensory processing abnormalities may be associated with BPSD. The purpose of this study was to explore relationships among sensory processing, behavior, and environmental features within the homes of people with MCI or dementia. This project used mixed methods to assess participants’ sensory processing, care partner perspectives on behaviors, and in situ observations of the home environment. Nine participants with cognitive impairment (MCI n = 8, early dementia = 1) and their care partners were included. Seven participants with cognitive impairment were reported to have …

Sound And Silence For Patients With Dementia, Jess Porteous

Theses and Graduate Projects

Dementia, a condition that causes cognitive and physical impairments in the aging population, is becoming a global health issue as life expectancy continues to rise. Ineffective and inhumane interventions, such as physical and chemical restraints, are often used in acute hospitalizations due to safety concerns stemming from behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Nurses often feel overwhelmed by the complex needs of patients with dementia and may suffer from moral injury while trying to care for them with limited interventions. Fortunately, integrative therapies such as mindfulness meditation, energy therapies, and sound healing, show promising results for patients with dementia. Resonant …

Effect Of Living Arrangements On Cognitive Function In Chinese Elders: A Longitudinal Observational Study, Yanwei Lin, Qi Zhang, Tingxian Wang, Zhirong Zeng

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Objective To examine how living arrangement as a social contextual factor can affect Chinese elders’ cognitive function.

Setting and participants Our sample consists of 2486 Chinese elders from two waves (2014 and 2018) of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) that was administered in 22 of China’s 31 provinces using a multi-stage, disproportionate, purposive random sampling method. The CLHLS aims to better understand the determinants of healthy longevity in China and collects extensive data on a large population of fragile elders aged 80–112 in China.

Outcome measures Cognitive function was measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Living arrangement …

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. …

A Survey Of Delirium Self-Reported Knowledge And Practices Among Emergency Physicians In The United States, Anita N. Chary, Adriane Lesser, Sharon K. Inouye, Christopher R. Carpenter Md, Msc, Amy R. Stuck, Maura Kennedy

Journal of Geriatric Emergency Medicine

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate United States emergency physicians’ self-reported knowledge and practices regarding the detection, prevention, and management of delirium, a common and deadly syndrome that disproportionately affects older emergency department (ED) patients. Knowledge and practices of the broader emergency physician community about these priority topics in geriatric emergency medicine are understudied.

Design: Electronic self-administered online survey

Setting: United States

Participants: One-hundred ninety-seven emergency physicians of the American College of Emergency Physicians Emergency Medicine Practice Research Network

Measures: Descriptive statistics were generated from survey responses.

Results: Of 734 physicians in the research network who were sent the …

Dementia Risk Reduction: Why Haven't The Pharmacological Risk Reduction Trials Worked? An In-Depth Exploration Of Seven Established Risk Factors, Ruth Peters, John Breitner, Sarah James, Gregory A. Jicha, Pierre-Francois Meyer, Marcus Richards, A. David Smith, Hussein N. Yassine, Erin L. Abner, Atticus H. Hainsworth, Patrick G. Kehoe, Nigel Beckett, Christopher Weber, Craig Anderson, Kaarin J. Anstey, Hiroko H. Dodge

Neurology Faculty Publications

Identifying the leading health and lifestyle factors for the risk of incident dementia and Alzheimer's disease has yet to translate to risk reduction. To understand why, we examined the discrepancies between observational and clinical trial evidence for seven modifiable risk factors: type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, estrogens, inflammation, omega-3 fatty acids, and hyperhomocysteinemia. Sample heterogeneity and paucity of intervention details (dose, timing, formulation) were common themes. Epidemiological evidence is more mature for some interventions (eg, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]) than others. Trial data are promising for anti-hypertensives and B vitamin supplementation. Taken together, these risk factors highlight a future need …

Overcoming The Covid-19 Pandemic For Dementia Research: Engaging Rural, Older, Racially And Ethnically Diverse Church Attendees In Remote Recruitment, Intervention And Assessment, Lisa Kirk Wiese, Ishan C. Williams, Nancy E. Schoenberg, James E. Galvin, Jennifer Lingler

Behavioral Science Faculty Publications

Background: Access to cognitive screening in rural underserved communities is limited and was further diminished during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined whether a telephone-based cognitive screening intervention would be effective in increasing ADRD knowledge, detecting the need for further cognitive evaluation, and making and tracking the results of referrals.

Method: Using a dependent t-test design, older, largely African American and Afro-Caribbean participants completed a brief educational intervention, pre/post AD knowledge measure, and cognitive screening.

Results: Sixty of 85 eligible individuals consented. Seventy-percent of the sample self-reported as African American, Haitian Creole, or Hispanic, and 75% were female, with an average …

Committee On High-Quality Alzheimer’S Disease Studies (Chads) Consensus Report, Gregory A. Jicha, Erin L. Abner, Steven E. Arnold, Maria C. Carrillo, Hiroko H. Dodge, Steven D. Edland, Keith N. Fargo, Howard H. Feldman, Larry B. Goldstein, James A. Hendrix, Ruth Peters, Julie M. Robillard, Lon S. Schneider, Jodi R. Titiner, Christopher J. Weber

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

Background: Consensus guidance for the development and identification of high-quality Alzheimer's disease clinical trials is needed for protocol development and conduct of clinical trials.

Methods: An ad hoc consensus committee was convened in conjunction with the Alzheimer's Association to develop consensus recommendations.

Results: Consensus was readily reached for the need to provide scientific justification, registration of trials, institutional review board oversight, conflict of interest disclosure, funding source disclosure, defined trial population, recruitment resources, definition of the intervention, specification of trial duration, appropriate payment for participant engagement, risk-benefit disclosure as part of the consent process, and the requirement …

Analysis Of Genes (Tmem106b, Grn, Abcc9, Kcnmb2, And Apoe) Implicated In Risk For Late-Nc And Hippocampal Sclerosis Provides Pathogenetic Insights: A Retrospective Genetic Association Study, Adam J. Dugan, Peter T. Nelson, Yuriko Katsumata, Lincoln M. P. Shade, Kevin L. Boehme, Merilee A. Teylan, Matthew D. Cykowski, Shubhabrata Mukherjee, John S. K. Kauwe, Timothy J. Hohman, Julie A. Schneider, Alzheimer’S Disease Genetics Consortium, David W. Fardo

Biostatistics Faculty Publications

Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy neuropathologic change (LATE-NC) is the most prevalent subtype of TDP-43 proteinopathy, affecting up to 1/3rd of aged persons. LATE-NC often co-occurs with hippocampal sclerosis (HS) pathology. It is currently unknown why some individuals with LATE-NC develop HS while others do not, but genetics may play a role. Previous studies found associations between LATE-NC phenotypes and specific genes: TMEM106B, GRN, ABCC9, KCNMB2, and APOE. Data from research participants with genomic and autopsy measures from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC; n = 631 subjects included) and the Religious Orders Study and Memory …

Cognitive And Behavioral Domains That Reliably Differentiate Normal Aging And Dementia In Down Syndrome, Jordan P. Harp, Lisa M. Koehl, Kathryn L. Van Pelt, Christy L. Hom, Eric Doran, Elizabeth Head, Ira T. Lott, Frederick A. Schmitt

Neurology Faculty Publications

Primary care integration of Down syndrome (DS)-specific dementia screening is strongly advised. The current study employed principal components analysis (PCA) and classification and regression tree (CART) analyses to identify an abbreviated battery for dementia classification. Scale- and subscale-level scores from 141 participants (no dementia n = 68; probable Alzheimer’s disease n = 73), for the Severe Impairment Battery (SIB), Dementia Scale for People with Learning Disabilities (DLD), and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales—Second Edition (Vineland-II) were analyzed. Two principle components (PC1, PC2) were identified with the odds of a probable dementia diagnosis increasing 2.54 times per PC1 unit increase and by …

An Investigation Of New Medications Initiation During Ambulatory Care Visits In Patients With Dementia, Alexandra Wallem, Ashley I. Martinez, Lauren Vickers, Michael Singleton, Daniela C. Moga

Pharmacy Practice and Science Faculty Publications

Background
There is currently insufficient data describing how new medications are provided to older adult ambulatory patients with dementia in the United States (US).

Objectives
To describe characteristics of ambulatory care visits for adults ≥ 65 years old and investigate differences in prescribing of new medications between patients with and without dementia.

Methods
We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study using the 2016 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) in the US. Non-perioperative ambulatory care visits of patients ≥ 65 years old with sampling weights were used to provide national estimates of visits. Baseline characteristics were compared between visits for patients …

An Overview Of Individualized Management Of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms In Dementia, Megan B. Knoll

Theses and Graduate Projects

Background: It is estimated that about 11% of adults 65 and older have dementia in the United States. Neuropsychiatric symptoms are common in the presentation of dementia. These symptoms often result in increased morbidity and mortality, negative patient outcomes, caregiver burden, institutionalized care, and diminished quality of life. The focus of this paper is to analyze the therapeutic effectiveness of nonpharmacologic interventions in the management of neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia.

Methods: A literature review was conducted to critique current evidence on the use of nonpharmacologic interventions in managing neuropsychiatric symptoms in older adults with dementia. Searches were performed using PubMed, …

Dysregulation Of Systemic Immunity In Aging And Dementia, Jenny Lutshumba, Barbara S. Nikolajczyk, Adam D. Bachstetter

Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

Neuroinflammation and the tissue-resident innate immune cells, the microglia, respond and contribute to neurodegenerative pathology. Although microglia have been the focus of work linking neuroinflammation and associated dementias like Alzheimer’s Disease, the inflammatory milieu of brain is a conglomerate of cross-talk amongst microglia, systemic immune cells and soluble mediators like cytokines. Age-related changes in the inflammatory profile at the levels of both the brain and periphery are largely orchestrated by immune system cells. Strong evidence indicates that both innate and adaptive immune cells, the latter including T cells and B cells, contribute to chronic neuroinflammation and thus dementia. Neurodegenerative hallmarks …

Q134r: Small Chemical Compound With Nfat Inhibitory Properties Improves Behavioral Performance And Synapse Function In Mouse Models Of Amyloid Pathology, Pradoldej Sompol, Jenna L. Gollihue, Susan D. Kraner, Irina A. Artiushin, Ryan A. Cloyd, Emad Chishti, Shon A. Koren, Grant K. Nation, Jose F. Abisambra, Orsolya Huzian, Lajos I. Nagy, Miklos Santha, Laszlo Hackler Jr., Laszlo G. Puskas, Christopher M. Norris

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

Inhibition of the protein phosphatase calcineurin (CN) ameliorates pathophysiologic and cognitive changes in aging rodents and mice with aging-related Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like pathology. However, concerns over adverse effects have slowed the transition of common CN-inhibiting drugs to the clinic for the treatment of AD and AD-related disorders. Targeting substrates of CN, like the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATs), has been suggested as an alternative, safer approach to CN inhibitors. However, small chemical inhibitors of NFATs have only rarely been described. Here, we investigate a newly developed neuroprotective hydroxyquinoline derivative (Q134R) that suppresses NFAT signaling, without inhibiting CN activity. …

Rule Out Screening For Undiagnosed Dementia And Alzheimer’S Disease Using An Ehr Based Machine Learning Solution, Branum Stephan, David A. Julovich, Dustin Bracy, Jeff Nguyen

SMU Data Science Review

Abstract. Current detection methods for Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease include cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) markers and/or the use of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, both being high-cost, highly invasive testing methods. The need for low-cost, minimally invasive methods to prescreen individuals for cognitive impairment has been a challenge for many years. Today’s costs associated with an annual screen for all adults 65 and above using current methods (CSF, PET) reach well beyond trillions of dollars per year. Motivated by the limited accessibly and high costs, an alternative tool presented within this paper demonstrates an effective rule out screening for Dementia …

Improving Caregivers’ Perceived Involvement In Care Through Facilitating Communication With Hospital Providers, Heather Manolas

Student Scholarly Projects

Practice Problem: Involvement of family in care-planning for prevention of delirium in acute care settings is crucial, yet remains underutilized in those who are cognitively impaired. Despite the incidence of delirium in acute care worsening during COVID-19, many factors have led to it being placed on the back burner.

PICOT: In caregivers of cognitively impaired individuals, can implementation of an evidence-based, best practice tool that advocates for evidence-based delirium prevention strategies tailored to their loved-one and facilitates family involvement in care planning for these strategies during a healthcare experience as compared to no other intervention improve confidence in, and …

Interdisciplinary Community-Based Support For Caregivers Of Individuals Living With Dementia, Gina Tucker-Roghi, Jamie Escoubas, Renee Tolliver, Sarah Tucker

Occupational Therapy | Faculty Scholarship

Evidence indicates family caregivers of individuals living with dementia (ILwD) are at risk for diminished physical and mental health; which may decrease their quality of life and directly impact their ability to provide care. An interdisciplinary approach to self-care and skill-building for caregivers is provided in a virtual support group offered by Council on Aging in Sonoma County, CA. As part of the nonprofit’s Adult Day Program, the group is offered to client caregivers and has two goals: First, creating a communitybased, long-term support system for ILwD who are agingin-place; second, fostering a safe and supportive community for family caregivers, …

The Impact Of Social Isolation And Cognitive Decline In Older Adults: A Systematic Literature Review, Jody L. Doll-Wilhelm

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, deaths of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and dementia patients surged. Increased social isolation and decreased activity levels in older adults have been suggested as contributing factors to accelerating AD and dementia. However, assessment tools to gauge interventions and outcomes of cognitive decline are variable among the literature.

Objective: Examine the impact of social engagement versus social isolation, like that experienced with the COVID-19 pandemic, on cognitive decline/dementia in older adults (greater than 60 years of age).

Method: A systematic search for studies evaluating the relationship between social isolation and social activity in cognitive …

Benefits Of Equine-Based Therapy For Individuals With Dementia, Lauren Fearn

Student Capstone Papers

Individuals living with dementia typically experience progressive, cognitive, and functional decline which limits their ability to communicate and fully perform activities (Pimouguet el al., 2019). Horses have been shown to benefit individuals with dementia by improving well-being, physical health, functional capacity, and social relationships (Fields et. al., 2019).

A 6-week OT-based virtual equine-assisted activities program was conducted to determine if participation in equine-assisted activities could improve the quality of life of individuals with dementia. Outcomes of the program resulted in improvements in mood, energy level, engagement, communication, memory, socialization, and overall quality of life.