Developmental Considerations for Assessment and Treatment of Impulsivity in Older Adults

Mental health practitioners are encountering an ever-growing number of older adults and so an up-to-date and comprehensive text addressing the special considerations that arise in the psychological assessment and treatment of this population is vital. This accessible handbook does just that by introducing the key topics that psychologists and other health professionals face when working with older adults. Each area is introduced and then the special considerations for older adults are explored, including specific ethical and healthcare system issues. The use of case examples brings the topics further to life. An important feature of the book is the interweaving of diversity issues (culture, race, sexuality, etc.) within the text to lend an inclusive, contemporary insight into these important practice components. The Pikes Peak Geropsychology Knowledge and Skill Assessment Tool is included in an appendix so readers can test their knowledge, which will be helpful for those aiming for board certification in geropsychology (ABGERO). This an ideal text for mental health professionals transitioning to work with older clients, for those wanting to improve their knowledge for their regular practice, and for trainees or young clinicians just starting out.

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Pain Management and Opioid Free Treatment Order Sets: An Evolving Role for Pharmacists

The Senior Care Pharmacist ◽

10.4140/tcp.n.2020.406 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 35 (10) ◽

pp. 406-407

Author(s):

Lacey Davis

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Pain Management ◽

Vital Sign ◽

The United States ◽

Free Treatment ◽

Assessment And Treatment ◽

Prevalence Of Pain ◽

Patients Experience ◽

Treatment Order

Over the past twenty five years, significant changes to the assessment and treatment of pain have occurred. In the 1990s, the identification of "pain as the fifth vital sign" impacted how providers assessed and treated pain. Now, with the opioid epidemic and recommendations from multiple organizations to remove pain as the fifth vital sign, the practice of pain management is changing again. Despite these changes, pain is still a common condition many patients experience. It is estimated about 50% of older adults in the community report daily pain, and there is an increased prevalence of pain in the facility setting, with 45-80% of residents reporting chronic pain impacting their quality of life. With the growing number of older adults in the United States, pharmacists working with geriatric patients need to be familiar with the treatment of pain and new approaches that are being utilized.

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Symptomatology, assessment, and treatment of anxiety in older adults with cancer

Journal of Geriatric Oncology ◽

10.1016/j.jgo.2020.06.011 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Kelly M. Trevino ◽

Rebecca M. Saracino ◽

Andrew J. Roth

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Assessment And Treatment

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Patient Versus Informal Caregiver Proxy Reports of Pain Interference in Persons With Dementia

Journal of Applied Gerontology ◽

10.1177/0733464820902632 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 073346482090263 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Amber B. Amspoker ◽

A. Lynn Snow ◽

Brenna N. Renn ◽

Phoebe Block ◽

Sabrina Pickens ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Informal Caregiver ◽

Pain Interference ◽

Severe Dementia ◽

Proxy Reports ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Assessment And Treatment ◽

Prevalence Of Pain ◽

Caregiver Report

Objectives: Pain assessment and treatment is challenging among persons with dementia (PWDs). To better understand reports of pain interference, we examined ratings made by PWDs, as well as corresponding ratings about PWDs, as reported by the caregiver. We aimed to assess alignment between and predictors of caregiver and PWD report of pain interference. Methods: The sample consisted of 203 veterans with pain and mild to moderately severe dementia and an informal caregiver. Results: Most PWDs and their caregivers reported at least some pain interference and similar levels of pain interference. PWDs with greater cognitive impairment reported less pain interference, whereas caregivers who perceived the PWD to have greater depression reported more pain interference. Conclusions: PWD and caregiver characteristics were differentially associated with PWD versus caregiver report of pain interference. Results suggest the importance of caregiver reports to inform assessment, as well as factors complicating assessment. Pain in Dementia As one ages, the risk of developing both dementia and pain increases substantially (Scherder et al., 2009). It is estimated that 30% to 50% of persons with dementia (PWDs) experience persistent pain, a complex multifactor problem (Corbett et al., 2014). Despite the high prevalence of pain among older adults with dementia, and major advances in pain management, pain often remains unrecognized or undertreated (Hodgson et al., 2014).

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