scholarly journals Online Assessment of Cognitive Functioning: A Reliable Alternative to Laboratory Testing?

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 576-577
Author(s):  
Maximilian Haas ◽  
Sascha Zuber ◽  
David Framorando ◽  
Elissa El Khawli ◽  
Susanne Scheibe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Rapid Assessment ◽  
Cognitive Disorders ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Adult Lifespan ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Online Tools

Abstract As the population ages, risks for cognitive decline threaten independence and quality of life for older adults. Classically, psychological assessment tools to evaluate cognitive functioning are administered in face-to-face laboratory sessions, which is time- and resource-consuming. With the aim of reducing such costs, the present study set out to develop and validate two new online tools, allowing a rapid assessment of general cognitive abilities and of prospective memory. We collected data from 250 participants equally spread across the adult lifespan (aged 18 – 86). Results suggest that performance assessed via these newly developed online tools is comparable to performance in face-to-face laboratory settings. Our findings thereby indicate that these online tools can reliably measure cognitive functioning across the lifespan at a reduced cost, which may help detect individuals at risk of developing age-related cognitive disorders.

scholarly journals Home run—results of a chronic kidney disease Telemedicine Patient Education Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 867-872 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea M Easom ◽  
Ashutosh M Shukla ◽  
Dumitru Rotaru ◽  
Songthip Ounpraseuth ◽  
Sudhir V Shah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Informed Choice ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Care Group ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) incidence is increasing and associated mortality and morbidity are high. Educating patients is effective in delaying progression and establishing optimal renal replacement therapy (RRT). Tele-education/telemedicine (TM) can be an effective tool to provide such education, but there are no available data quantifying its effectiveness. We attempted to establish such evidence correlating the effect of education in patient choices and with the start of actual RRT. We present results from a 3-year pilot study evaluating the effectiveness of comprehensive predialysis education (CPE) through TM for CKD patients compared with a standard care group [face to face (FTF)]. The patient’s ability to choose RRT was the primary endpoint. Methods This was a randomized controlled study providing CPE over three classes at nine sites (one FTF and eight TM). Three assessment tools were utilized to compare groups: CKD knowledge, literacy and quality of life. Results A total of 47.1% of FTF and 52.2% of TM patients reported not having enough information to choose a modality. This decreased by the third visit (FTF 7.4%, TM 13.2%). Home modality choices more than doubled in both groups (FTF 25.8–67.7%, TM 22.2–50.1%). In patients that completed one visit and needed to start RRT, 47% started on a home modality or received a pre-emptive transplant (home hemodialysis 6%, peritoneal dialysis 38%, transplant 3%). Conclusions Results show almost 90% (TM 87%, FTF 95%) of the attendees could choose a modality after education. Home modality choices doubled. Patients were able to make an informed choice regardless of the modality of education.

Quality of life and cognitive functioning impairment associated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy in testicular cancer survivors.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e21607-e21607 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michal Chovanec ◽  
Lucia Vasilkova ◽  
Lucia Setteyova ◽  
Katarina Rejlekova ◽  
Jana Obertova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Testicular Cancer ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Sexual Functioning ◽  
Subscale Score ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Eortc Qlq ◽  
The Impact

e21607 Background: Testicular cancer (GCT) survivors are at risk for different types of late treatment sequelae. This study aimed to evaluate long-term quality of life (QOL), sexual (SexF) and cognitive functioning (CogF) issues resulting from cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Methods: QoL, SexF and CogF data were prospectively collected in 83 GCT survivors with median 9 year follow-up (range 5-32). The chemotherapy group (CTG) consisted of 53 and 18 patients receiving a cisplatin cumulative dose of ≤ 400mg/m2 (LCD) and > 400mg/m2 (HCD), respectively. The control group (CG) included 12 patients treated with orchiectomy (6 pts) and adjuvant radiotherapy (6 pts). Data were collected using EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-TC26, FACT-Cog and sexual functioning questionnaires and analyzed according to the scoring guidelines. Results:The CTG survivors had significantly (all p < 0.05) more limitations while working or doing daily activities (37% vs 8%), needed to rest more often (61% vs 33%) and feared the disease relapse more often (73% vs 50%) compared to the CG. A subscale for family problems within QLQ-TC26 have shown higher impairment in the CTG vs. CG (mean score ± SEM: 54.2 ± 26.7 vs. 38.8. ± 7.3, P < 0.05). Cognitive abilities were perceived better in CG vs. CTG (mean score 24.5 ± 1.8 vs. 20.5 ± 0.7, P < 0.05). The CG surivors had higher education level and fathered more children compared to the CTG. The CTG felt more unsettled than the CG (all P < 0.05), however the impact of perceived cognitive impairment on their lives did not significantly differ ( P = 0.4). Patients who received HCD have suffered from dyspnea more often than patients treated with LCD (mean dyspnea subscale score ± SEM: 22.2 ± 4.4 vs 8.9 ± 2.6, P < 0.05). The HCD group also reported more difficulties to concentrate while watching television/reading newspaper and struggled to name things during conversation compared with the LCD group ( P < 0.05 for both). No impairment in sexual functioning was reported. Conclusions: Our study shows thatGCT survivors cured with cisplatin-based chemotherapy suffered from QoL issues and their perception of cognitive abilities was altered. The HCD of cisplatin further impaired several QoL and cognitive aspects.

Teaching, Learning, and Assessment During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 128-145
Author(s):  
Upasana Gitanjali Singh ◽  
Chenicheri Sid Nair
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Method Study ◽  
African Students ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Online Tools ◽  
Quality Of Delivery ◽  
Digital Pedagogy ◽  
Technological Competency ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Teaching Learning

The COVID pandemic raises several questions in terms of the adaptability of the higher education sector and its readiness to act , while providing the same quality of delivery as face-to-face classes. This mixed method study investigated academic perceptions of the forced change of delivery and the effects on the quality of teaching, learning, and assessment. This study identified that many African academics, though not having formal training in digital pedagogy, rated themselves as more than average in their ability to adopt technology for the online environment. The most effective online tools adopted during this crisis was Zoom and WhatsApp with the LMS tools mostly adopted for assessment purposes. The major factors that affected African students' ability to engage online included lack of access to connectivity and devices, technological competency, and emotional and social factors. The study reinforced the need to consider all the pillars proposed by the Khan framework.

scholarly journals Sensory impairments and cognitive disorders in older age

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giancarlo Logroscino ◽  
Francesco Panza
Keyword(s):  
Oldest Old ◽  
Cognitive Disorders ◽  
Motor Systems ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
Sensory Impairments ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Older Subjects ◽  
The Impact

Age-related and neuropathological changes in the olfactory, visual, auditory, and motor systems suggesting that sensory and motor changes may precede the cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by several years and may signify increase the risk of developing AD. In particular, peripheral age-related hearing impairment and social isolation have been identified as potentially modifiable dementia risk factors. The impact of age-related hearing and vision impairments on cognition appeared to be especially important among the oldest old suggesting a strong link of these connections with frailty, a critical intermediate status of the aging process at higher risk for negative health-related outcomes. The link among age-related hearing and vision impairments and cognition suggested the potential for correcting hearing and vision losses so that older subjects can function better cognitively with improved social involvement, quality of life, and lifetime cognitive health.

scholarly journals The Determination of knowledge level of family physicians for frailty; A Cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 171-178
Author(s):  
Selçuk Akturan ◽  
Bilge Tuncel
Keyword(s):  
Memory Loss ◽  
Cognitive Disorders ◽  
Family Physicians ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Knowledge Level ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Face To Face

Introduction: Frailty syndrome, which affects the quality of life negatively in patients of 65 years old and over, can be observed from physical inactivity to immobility, and can affect cognitive disorders. General symptoms of frailty are; slowing walking speed, involuntary weight loss, decreased appetite, decreased body mass index (BMI), decreased muscle strength, feeling insufficient while doing physical activity, weakness, fatigue, impaired cognitive functions, and memory loss. Fragility is reversible, but if it is not noticed earlier it can progress to immobility or death. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is important in detecting a frail elderly. The aim of the study is to determine the knowledge level of family physicians in Erzincan. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. It is aimed to reach at least 80% of family physicians (FPs) employed actively in 73 primary care units in Erzincan. The researchers applied questionnaire face-to-face to the participants. Erzincan Clinical Research Ethics Committee approval was received for the study. SPSS 23 statistics program was used for data analysis. Results: The frailty questionnaire was applied to 58 FPs. Only 12.1% of FPs correctly answered the question of which word first comes to mind for ‘frailty’. The 74.1% (n: 43) of participants did not consider themselves sufficient for CGA, and 70.7% (n: 41) of participants wanted training on CGA. The answer for question if they evaluate the patients for frailty in homecare visits was yes in 38.2%. Conclusion: It can be said that the ‘frailty’ knowledge level of FPs should be increased in Erzincan. In light of the data obtained, it may be suggested to organize “frailty” and CGA trainings for family physicians. Frailty and CGA should be included in undergraduate medical education and continuous trainings of FPs.

Performance-based everyday functional competence measures across the adult lifespan: the role of cognitive abilities

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (12) ◽  
pp. 2059-2069 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika Borella ◽  
Alessandra Cantarella ◽  
Emilie Joly ◽  
Paolo Ghisletta ◽  
Elena Carbone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Processing Speed ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Text Comprehension ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Everyday Functioning ◽  
Adult Lifespan ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Effect Of Age

ABSTRACTBackground:The effects of age on the ability to manage everyday functioning, crucial to ensure a healthy aging process, have been rarely examined and when, self-report measures have been used. The aim of the present study was to examine age effects across the adult lifespan in everyday functioning with two performance-based measures: the Everyday Problems Test (EPT), and the Timed Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (TIADL) tasks. The role of some crucial cognitive abilities, i.e. working memory (WM), processing speed, reasoning, vocabulary, and text comprehension in the EPT and the TIADL were also assessed to see whether or not they have a similar influence (and to what extent) in accounting for age-related effects in these two performance-based measures.Method:Two hundred and seventy-six healthy participants, from 40 to 89 years of age were presented with the EPT, the TIADL, as well as WM, processing speed, reasoning, text comprehension, and vocabulary tasks.Results:Path models indicated an indirect effect of age and education on the EPT, which was mediated by all the cognitive variables considered, with WM and reasoning being the strongest predictors of performance. An indirect quadratic effect of age, but not of education, was found on the TIADL score, and an accelerated decline in processing speed mediated the relationship between age and the TIADL score.ConclusionThis study revealed age-related effects in performance-based measures, which are mediated by different cognitive abilities depending on the measure considered. The findings highlight the importance of assessing everyday functioning even in healthy older adults.

scholarly journals Rapid Assessment of Age-Related Differences in Standing Balance

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Kalisch ◽  
Jan-Christoph Kattenstroth ◽  
Sebastian Noth ◽  
Martin Tegenthoff ◽  
Hubert R. Dinse
Keyword(s):  
Postural Sway ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Rapid Assessment ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Quiet Standing ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Rotational Displacement ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Age Related

As life expectancy continues to rise, in the future there will be an increasing number of older people prone to falling. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for comprehensive testing of older individuals to collect data and to identify possible risk factors for falling. Here we use a low-cost force platform to rapidly assess deficits in balance under various conditions. We tested 21 healthy older adults and 24 young adults during static stance, unidirectional and rotational displacement of their centre of pressure (COP). We found an age-related increase in postural sway during quiet standing and a reduction of maximal COP displacement in unidirectional and rotational displacement tests. Our data show that even low-cost computerized assessment tools allow for the comprehensive testing of balance performance in older subjects.

scholarly journals The emerging issue of cognitive disorders and dementia among migrants

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Canevelli ◽  
E Lacorte ◽  
I Cova ◽  
S Cascini ◽  
A M Bargagli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Population Aging ◽  
Cognitive Disorders ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Migrant Population ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Cultural Mediators ◽  
Cognitive Disorders And Dementia

Abstract Background Due to population aging, people with a migration background are (and will be) increasingly exposed to the burden of chronic, age-related diseases. Specifically, the occurrence of dementia and cognitive disorders in this population of individuals can assume special clinical and public health relevance. The ImmiDem project (GR-2016-02364975) is aimed at characterizing the emerging phenomenon of cognitive disorders in migrants in Italy. Methods The number of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) cases among migrants living in the extended European Union was calculated by applying the age- and gender-specific prevalence rates of these conditions to the population data of international migrants provided by Eurostat. A pilot survey was addressed to a representative sample of Italian centers for cognitive disorders and dementia (CCDDs) with the aim of collecting information on the number of migrants attending these services, the adopted diagnostic, and the possible barriers and resources in the provision of care. Results Nearly 700,000 cases of dementia and 680,000 cases of MCI can be estimated in the migrant population living in Europe in 2018. Nevertheless, the number of migrants referred to the surveyed CCDDs was very low and was considered as stable over the last 5 years. Most of CCDDs reported the possibility of contacting cultural mediators and/or interpreters, while only a few reported the availability and regular use of translated and/or cross-cultural cognitive assessment tools. Conclusions The data produced by the ImmiDem project allow a preliminary characterization of the emerging phenomenon of cognitive disturbances in the migrant population. The survey will be extended to all Italian dementia services (CDCD, day centers, residential structures). Activities aimed at identifying and promoting dedicated care pathways or good practices will also be conducted. Key messages The clinical and epidemiological characterization of cognitive disorders occurring in migrants represent an emerging public health matter for Western countries. The onset of dementia in migrants can result in important clinical-diagnostic and healthcare complexities.

scholarly journals Rapid assessment of prevalence of blindness and cataract surgery in Kabul province, Afghanistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000790
Author(s):  
Yuddha Sapkota ◽  
Najeebullah Alizoi ◽  
Abdul Majeed Siddiqi ◽  
Mohammad Naseem ◽  
Ahmad Shah Salaam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Cataract Surgery ◽  
Rapid Assessment ◽  
Vision Impairment ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Age Related ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Uncorrected Refractive Error ◽  
Estimate Prevalence

ObjectiveTo estimate prevalence and causes of blindness and vision impairment and assess cataract surgical coverage and quality of cataract surgery in Kabul.Methods and analysisA total of 3751 adults aged 50 years and above were recruited from 77 randomly selected clusters. Each participant underwent presenting and pinhole visual acuity assessment and lens examination. Those with pinhole visual acuity <6/12 in either eye had a dilated fundus examination to determine the cause of reduced vision. Those with apparent lens opacity were interviewed on barriers to cataract surgery.ResultsThe age-adjusted and sex-adjusted prevalence of blindness was 2.4% (95% CI: 1.8% to 3.0%). Prevalence of severe, moderate and mild vision impairment was 2.2% (95% CI: 1.7% to 2.7%), 6.9% (95% CI: 6.0% to 7.9%) and 8.7% (95% CI: 7.5% to 9.8%), respectively. Cataract was the main cause of blindness (36.8%), severe (54.4%) and moderate (46.1%) vision impairment. Uncorrected refractive error was the leading cause of mild vision impairment (20.3%). Age-related macular degeneration was the second leading cause of blindness (23.0%). In people with a presenting visual acuity of <3/60, cataract surgical coverage was 89.7%, and effective cataract surgical coverage was 67.8%. The major barriers to uptake of the available cataract surgical services were the need for surgery was not felt (23.7%) and cost (22.0%).ConclusionKabul province has a high prevalence of blindness, largely due to cataract and age-related macular generation. The quality of cataract surgery is also lagging in terms of good visual outcomes. This calls for immediate efforts to improving the reach and quality of existing eye services and readiness to respond to the increasing burden of posterior eye disease.

VIPER

2009 ◽  
pp. 1394-1403
Author(s):  
John Beaumont-Kerridge
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Interactive Tools ◽  
Online Tools ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Online Methods ◽  
Audio Video

Recent developments producing new Internet conferencing (IC) and multipoint desktop conferencing (MDC) systems have emerged, which may supersede text-based and audio/video conferencing (AVC) software. The newer IC or MDC systems also integrate interactive tools and have the advantage of operating at a fraction of the cost when compared to AVC systems. Communication by face to face methods are important within the learning process, but can online methods that incorporate sound, video, and integrated online tools be as effective? AVC systems within higher education (HE) have been available for some time although the quality of such approaches, however, has been open to question. This chapter evaluates an exploratory study of one MDC application, “Voice Café,” in a higher education, business school setting. For commercial distinctiveness, the academic application of this software was called “VIPER” (voice Internet protocol extended reach). Consideration is given to the software itself in terms of its features, pedagogic aspects, and how students and faculty viewed its use.

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