Geriatrics Commons^™

Slip, Trip And Fall Risk Among Elderly Men And Women Living In The Hawaii Adult Foster Care Home System, Michelle Echauz Ching

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Adults 65 years of age and older (hereby referred to as “elderly”) are one of the fastest growing populations in the United States (U.S.). A major public health concern affecting the elderly population is unintentional injuries, particularly slips, trips, and falls (STFs). While there is extensive research on STFs among the elderly living in the community and long-term health care facilities, little to no research is found on STFs among the elderly living in community-based health care facilities. Research has also shown that STFs are caused by the interaction between multiple risk factors. Therefore, the purpose of this quasi-experimental study …

Connecticut's Elderly Population: An In-Depth Analysis Of Current And Future Trends In Elder Care, With A Focus On Dementia And Cognitive Decline, Emily J. Snodgrass

Honors Scholar Theses

The aging population in Connecticut currently represents ~15% of the state’s population but is anticipated to rapidly increase over the next 20 years. My thesis is an examination of the types of interventions and programs currently available for elderly persons with memory impairment and cognitive decline, as well as the challenges associated with caring for a larger elderly population. Data collected from interviews with CT healthcare and research professionals representative of the diverse specialties of aging together with an analysis of current research literature are used to demonstrate the importance of continued research and expansion of appropriate and accessible services …

Closed Head Injury In An Age-Related Alzheimer Mouse Model Leads To An Altered Neuroinflammatory Response And Persistent Cognitive Impairment, Scott J. Webster, Linda J. Van Eldik, D. Martin Watterson, Adam D. Bachstetter

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

Epidemiological studies have associated increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related clinical symptoms with a medical history of head injury. Currently, little is known about pathophysiology mechanisms linked to this association. Persistent neuroinflammation is one outcome observed in patients after a single head injury. Neuroinflammation is also present early in relevant brain regions during AD pathology progression. In addition, previous mechanistic studies in animal models link neuroinflammation as a contributor to neuropathology and cognitive impairment in traumatic brain injury (TBI) or AD-related models. Therefore, we explored the potential interplay of neuroinflammatory responses in TBI and AD by analysis of the temporal …

Attenuation Of Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Cognitive Impairment In Mice By Targeting Increased Cytokine Levels With A Small Molecule Experimental Therapeutic, Adam D. Bachstetter, Scott J. Webster, Danielle S. Goulding, Jonathan E. Morton, D. Martin Watterson, Linda J. Van Eldik

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Evidence from clinical studies and preclinical animal models suggests that proinflammatory cytokine overproduction is a potential driving force for pathology progression in traumatic brain injury (TBI). This raises the possibility that selective targeting of the overactive cytokine response, a component of the neuroinflammation that contributes to neuronal dysfunction, may be a useful therapeutic approach. MW151 is a CNS-penetrant, small molecule experimental therapeutic that selectively restores injury- or disease-induced overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines towards homeostasis. We previously reported that MW151 administered post-injury (p.i.) is efficacious in a closed head injury (CHI) model of diffuse TBI in mice. Here we test …

Embedded System Design For Real-Time Monitoring Of Solitary Embedded System Design For Real-Time Monitoring Of Solitary, Robert Philip O'Brien

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia cause cognitive disabilities in the afflicted person. As a result, the person with dementia often requires assistance from a primary caregiver. However, while the caregiver is away from the home they are unaware of the person's status and may not be able to find out without returning to the home due to dementia's effects on cognition.

In this thesis work, a system of embedded devices is presented which tracks a solitary dementia patient in the home in real-time. The system is composed of three main hardware components. Multiple passive and active sensors are …

Unlocking The Mysteries Of Tdp-43, Keith A. Josephs, Peter T. Nelson

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Hospice Home Immersion Project: Advancing Medical Education, Marilyn R. Gugliucci, Himanshu Malhotra, Andrea Gaul

Geriatric Medicine Faculty Publications

The University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNECOM) Hospice Immersion project was piloted in 2014 in southern Maine. It was designed and implemented as an experiential medical education learning model whereby medical students were “admitted” into the local Hospice Home to live there for 48 hours. Until this project, palliative and end of life care education at US Medical Schools and specifically UNECOM were accomplished through traditional medical education methods. The Hospice Immersion project utilizes qualitative ethnographic and autobiographic research designs, whereby a unique environment or “culture” (Hospice Home) is observed and life experiences of the medical student …

A Practical Algorithm For Managing Alzheimer's Disease: What, When, And Why?, Jeffrey L. Cummings, Richard S. Isaacson, Frederick A. Schmitt, Drew M. Velting

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and its prevalence is increasing. Recent developments in AD management provide improved ways of supporting patients and their caregivers throughout the disease continuum. Managing cardiovascular risk factors, maintaining an active lifestyle (with regular physical, mental and social activity) and following a Mediterranean diet appear to reduce AD risk and may slow cognitive decline. Pharmacologic therapy for AD should be initiated upon diagnosis. All of the currently available cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs; donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine) are indicated for mild-to-moderate AD. Donepezil (10 and 23 mg/day) and rivastigmine transdermal patch (13.3 mg/24 …

Mitochondria-Associated Micrornas In Rat Hippocampus Following Traumatic Brain Injury, Wang-Xia Wang, Nishant P. Visavadiya, Jignesh D. Pandya, Peter T. Nelson, Patrick G. Sullivan, Joe E. Springer

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability. However, the molecular events contributing to the pathogenesis are not well understood. Mitochondria serve as the powerhouse of cells, respond to cellular demands and stressors, and play an essential role in cell signaling, differentiation, and survival. There is clear evidence of compromised mitochondrial function following TBI; however, the underlying mechanisms and consequences are not clear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally, and function as important mediators of neuronal development, synaptic plasticity, and neurodegeneration. Several miRNAs show altered expression following TBI; however, the …

The Association Of Cognitive Endophenotypes And Risky Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Of Alzheimer's Disease Within The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (Adni) Database, Kyle Joseph Jennette

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) previously associated with Alzheimer's disease on specific domains of cognition, when controlling for Apolipoprotein E gene (APOE), in a sample of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Methods: The data were drawn from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database, a comprehensive, longitudinal database of controls, persons with mild cognitive impairment, and persons with mild Alzheimer's disease. Each subject has a full neuropsychological assessment, neuroimaging, genetic sequencing, and physical evaluation. For the purposes of this study, individuals were selected based on the presence of the three …

Search Strategies Used By Older Adults In A Virtual Reality Place Learning Task, Rebecca L. Davis, Catherine Weisbeck

Peer Reviewed Articles

Purpose of the study: Older adults often have problems finding their way in novel environments such as senior living residences and hospitals. The purpose of this study was to examine the types of self-reported search strategies and cues that older adults use to find their way in a virtual maze

Design and Methods: Healthy, independently living older adults (n = 129) aged 55–96 were tested in a virtual maze task over a period of 3 days in which they had to repeatedly find their way to a specified goal. They were interviewed about their strategies on days 1 and 3. …

Long Term Care Nurses' Knowledge And Perceived Competency Of Palliative Care, Carol Evans

Doctor of Nursing Practice Technical Reports

Background: Palliative care is considered a right for human beings. By 2040, it is estimated that 40% of the 65 years of age and older population in the United States will die in long term care (LTC) facilities. Because of the chronicity of the geriatric population’s medical conditions, the patients may require end-of-life (EOL) care. Numerous LTC facilities are located in rural areas which may create a disparity in the provision of quality EOL care.

Methods: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional design was utilized. The purpose of this study was to examine rural and urban nurses’ knowledge of palliative care and …

Disappearing Before My Eyes, Edward F. Ansello

Director's Editorials from Age in Action

Dr. Edward Ansello details the last memories he made and recalled with his mother, who struggled with memory loss in later life.

Preventing Financial Exploitation, Edward F. Ansello

Director's Editorials from Age in Action

Financial exploitation of older adults isn’t going away. We each need to be aware and proactive.

Remembering Our Friends, Edward F. Ansello

Director's Editorials from Age in Action

We remember three men whose caring for others was, indeed, exceptional: Bill Egelhoff, Benny Lambert, and Frank Hall.

Available Telephone Services For Older Virginians Who Are Deaf Or Hard Of Hearing, Clayton E. Bowen

Case Studies from Age in Action

Educational Objectives:

1. To identify signs of hearing loss in older adults.

2. To introduce the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH) and some of its programs and services.

3. To examine three VDDHH services and qualification guidelines.

4. To review how service recipients benefit from these programs.

Sleep Disorders And Cardiac Consequences, Robert D. Vorona

Case Studies from Age in Action

Educational Objectives:

1. Review the clear relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension.

2. Discuss the cardiac consequences of sleep apnea, including coronary heart disease, heart failure, and different dysrhythmias.

3. Understand that sleep disorders beyond obstructive sleep apnea, such as insufficient sleep itself, may have an impact on the cardiovascular system.

4. Appreciate the potential benefits of identifying and treating sleep disorders for our health.

Bringing Comfort To People With Advanced Dementia, Ann Wyatt

Case Studies from Age in Action

Educational Objectives

1. Explain the purpose of looking at palliative care through a dementia lens.

2. Define dementia-capable palliative care.

3. Identify and provide examples of specific care practices that can bring comfort to people with advanced dementia.

4. Describe the process that staff use in identifying what brings comfort to individual residents.

Building Interprofessional Teams Through Evidence Based Practice Training In Falls Prevention, Constance L. Coogle, Edward F. Ansello, Patricia Slattum, Pamela L. Parsons

Case Studies from Age in Action

Objectives

1. Analyze an Evidence Based Practice (EBP) program on falls prevention as a vehicle for successful interprofessional team-building.

2. Examine ways that organizational characteristics can affect team functioning.

3. Compare interprofessional teambuilding in two sites.

4. Discuss elements of interprofessional teams that contributed to practice changes.

Health And Aging- Internet, Kathleen Phillips

Faculty Research and Creative Activity

This course is designed to examine common health changes, issues and concerns as they pertain to the aging individual.