scholarly journals Community Engagement and Human-Centered Design: Lessons From HEARS in Inclusive Recruitment of Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 473-473
Author(s):  
Hae-Ra Han ◽  
Nicole Marrone ◽  
Jonathan Suen ◽  
Sarah Szanton ◽  
Jami Trumbo ◽  
...  

Abstract Within hearing care, significant disparities persist despite the highly prevalent nature of age-related hearing loss and relatively few trials include representation of racial/ethnic minorities. HEARS is an affordable, accessible hearing care intervention delivered by older adult peer mentors. The HEARS randomized controlled trial (NCT03442296) is a community-engaged RCT with an embedded human-centered design practitioner. Recruitment efforts occurred over 18 months in partnership with 13 affordable housing and social centers. The cohort (n=151) includes 43% (n=65) who self-identify as African American and 63.6% (n=96) with <$25,000 annual household income. The cohort represents the largest to-date of African American and low-income older adults with hearing loss. Recruitment efforts entailed 470.5 staff hours and $4,917.26 in supplies, equating to 1.4 hours and $14.13 per 1 individual screened and 3.1 hours and $32.56 for 1 participant randomized. Community-engaged research, partnered with human-centered design, may offer critical approaches to increasing representation within behavioral intervention trials.

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 795-795
Author(s):  
Frank Lin

Abstract Age-related hearing loss is prevalent in two-thirds of older adults and reflects progressive impairments in cochlear function leading to impoverished peripheral neural encoding of sound. Research has demonstrated the broader implications of hearing loss for the health and functioning of older adults, particularly with respect to brain aging and dementia. This presentation will summarize current epidemiological and neuroimaging evidence for how hearing loss in older adults affects cognitive load and brain structure/function and relate this contemporary research with previous psychological studies proposing ‘information degradation’ and ‘sensory deprivation’ hypotheses of how hearing may affect cognitive function. Finally, the design of an ongoing NIA-funded randomized controlled trial (ACHIEVE- Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders) that will determine if hearing treatment reduces the risk of cognitive decline, dementia, and brain aging in adults will be discussed. Part of a symposium sponsored by Brain Interest Group.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 761-762
Author(s):  
Jennifer Bacci ◽  
Joshua Akers ◽  
Katie Mahan ◽  
Geoffrey Meer ◽  
Jeffrey Kinter ◽  
...  

Abstract In 2015, one independent community pharmacy partnered with the local Area Agency on Aging to provide medication coaching to low-income, culturally diverse, older adults living in 6 affordable housing buildings in the Seattle area. A pilot was conducted during the 2015-2016 fiscal year to determine the need for and feasibility of the service. Process outcomes, including patient and service demographics, medication-related problems, and pharmacist interventions, were captured via the pharmacists’ patient care documentation. Pharmacists had 34 total visits with 17 unique residents who were taking an average of 8.1 medications. Pharmacists identified 97 medication-related problems, averaging 5.7 problems per resident, and performed 88 interventions, averaging 5.2 interventions per resident. The findings of this pilot demonstrated the needs and feasibility of implementing pharmacists’ services within a housing organization structure and has resulted in the continuation and growth of the program.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 214-214
Author(s):  
Michael McKee ◽  
Yunshu Zhou ◽  
Joshua Ehrlich ◽  
Elham Mahmoudi ◽  
Jennifer Deal ◽  
...  

Abstract Age-related hearing loss (HL) is both common and associated with elevated risk for cognitive decline and poorer health. To care for an aging population, it is critical to understand the effect of coexisting HL and dementia on functional activities. The effect of co-existing dementia and self-reported HL on daily functioning were assessed. A cross-sectional analysis was performed using nationally-representative data from the 2015 National Health and Aging Trends Study consisting of U.S. adults 65+. The sample included 1,829 adults with HL (22.8%) and 5,338 adults without HL. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to model the independent effects and interaction of self-reported HL and dementia status on three validated functional activity scales (self-care, mobility, and household). All analyses adjusted for sociodemographic and medical factors. HL participants were more likely to be white, older, male, less educated (p <0.01). 8.4% had possible dementia and 6.5% had probable dementia. Respondents with HL or possible or probable dementia had significantly lower mobility, self-care, and household activity scores (p<.001 for all comparisons) compared to their peers. A small yet significant interaction was present in all models, suggesting that HL respondents with co-occurring dementia had lower mobility, self-care, and household activity scores than predicted by the independent effects of dementia and self-reported HL (p<.001 for all comparisons). Older adults with co-occurring dementia and HL are at increased risk for poor functioning and should be screened by healthcare providers. Future work should consider the impact of intervention in this vulnerable/at-risk population.


2018 ◽  
Vol 61 (10) ◽  
pp. 2589-2603 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara K. Mamo ◽  
Nicholas S. Reed ◽  
Carrie Price ◽  
Dona Occhipinti ◽  
Alexandra Pletnikova ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this systematic review was to assess studies of treating hearing loss in older adults with cognitive impairment. Of interest to this review is identifying clinical adaptations that may be used to tailor hearing loss treatment to older adults with cognitive impairment in order to better serve this vulnerable population. Method A systematic search with controlled vocabulary and key word terms was applied to PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. Search concepts included terms related to hearing loss and cognitive impairment. The overall search resulted in 4,945 unique references, 50 of which were eligible for full-text review and 13 of which were included in the final review. Included manuscripts were categorized according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's levels of evidence and the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tools. Results Only 1 study implemented a randomized controlled trial design to assess cognitive function and behavioral symptoms after treatment with hearing aids. Other quasiexperimental studies evaluated dementia-related symptoms and/or auditory function after treating hearing loss in pre/post research designs. Finally, evidence from case studies suggested that hearing loss treatment is feasible, reduces stressful communication for caregivers, and improves dementia-related behavior problems. Conclusion Based on the systematic review, evidence suggests that treating hearing loss in persons with cognitive impairment can have benefits to communication and quality of life. Because of the quasi- and nonexperimental nature of most of the evidence found in this review, further studies are necessary to understand the effect of treatment in the context of a variable and progressive disease.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 215-215
Author(s):  
Darina Petrovsky ◽  
Shana Roan ◽  
Nalaka Gooneratne ◽  
Joke Bradt ◽  
Laura Gitlin ◽  
...  

Abstract Sleep disruption in older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) is debilitating and contributes to increased institutionalization, reduced cognitive function, and accelerated disease progression. Given the potential harmful effects of pharmacologic treatment, non-pharmacologic approaches, such as music, may provide a safer alternative to improve sleep quality in this vulnerable population. No empirically validated music protocol exists to address sleep disruption in older adults with ADRD living at home. Therefore, the specific aims of this wait-list randomized controlled trial were to examine the 1) feasibility; 2) acceptability; and 3) preliminary efficacy of a tailored music intervention in home-dwelling older adults with ADRD with sleep disruption and their caregivers. This presentation focuses on baseline characteristics of dyads, which included persons with ADRD and their caregivers who have completed the clinical trial so far (N=28). The mean age of persons with ADRD was 71.6 (SD: 7.6). The mean age of caregivers was 58.7 (SD: 16.7). Sixty-eight percent (n=19) of persons with ADRD were female. Similarly, the majority of caregivers were female (n=20, 71.4%). Seventy-four percent of persons with ADRD scored 0.5 on the Clinical Dementia Rating instrument, indicative of very mild dementia. The majority of dyads identified themselves as non-Hispanic (>92%). Seventy-nine percent of persons with ADRD identified themselves as Black or African-American (n=22, 79%), while 82.1% of caregivers identified themselves as Black or African American. Preliminary analysis of qualitative data indicates high acceptability of the intervention. Results from this research study will inform a future efficacy trial.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 4-4
Author(s):  
Laura Gaeta ◽  
Tara Sharpp

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine how an interprofessional education (IPE) intervention with Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSAD) and Nursing students can affect their ability to communicate effectively with older adults who have hearing loss. As the older adult demographic increases, healthcare professionals must provide competent care, which includes effectively managing hearing-related communication difficulties in an increasingly diverse population. Faculty received IRB approval to conduct a descriptive mixed-methods study to determine knowledge and satisfaction of students completing an IPE activity. Students were divided into teams of CSAD and Nursing students. Students listened to a brief presentation on IPE before they were introduced to a complex case study of an 84-year-old male with age-related hearing loss. We administered a knowledge assessment questionnaire (KAQ) we created regarding communication with older adults before and after the activity. A total of 92 participants in the two programs (n=36 CSAD, n=56 Nursing) completed the KAQ before and after the activity and an evaluation with a Likert-type scale and open-ended questions. CSAD students scored significantly higher than Nursing students on the KAQ at baseline (F=25.69, p<0.001) and KAQ scores increased significantly (F=57.04, p<0.001) among both groups from pretest to posttest. The evaluation data indicated students were able to learn other perspectives and found the experience valuable. Based on the improvement in scores on the KAQ and evaluation data, this IPE activity increased knowledge related to communication with older adults with hearing loss and awareness of the roles of other professions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinxing Fu ◽  
Bo Liu ◽  
Shuo Wang ◽  
Robert H. Eikelboom ◽  
Dona M. P. Jayakody

Objectives: The objective of the study was to investigate the association between untreated age-related hearing loss and cognitive impairment in Mandarin-speaking older adults living in China.Methods: Older adults (293; 111 males, M = 70.33 ± 4.90 years; 182 females, M = 69.02 ± 4.08 years) were recruited. All participants completed a pure tone audiometric hearing assessment, Hearing Impairment-Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test (HI-MoCA), and a computerized neuropsychology test battery (CANTAB). The Mandarin version of the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale was used to measure the loneliness, and the Mandarin version of the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) was used to measure the current severity of a range of symptoms common to depression, stress, and anxiety of the participants.Results: A multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that the average of four mid-frequency thresholds in the better ear was related to CANTAB Paired Associates Learning (β = 0.20, p = 0.002), and the global cognitive function score (HI-MoCA) (β = −0.25, p < 0.001). The average of three high frequencies in the better ear was significantly associated with CANTAB Delayed Matching to Sample (β = −0.16, p = 0.008), and Spatial Working Memory (β = 0.17, p = 0.003).Conclusion: The results revealed a significant relationship between age-related hearing loss and cognitive impairment in Mandarin-speaking older adults. These research outcomes have clinical implications specifically for hearing health care professionals in China and other populations that speak a tonal language, especially when providing hearing rehabilitation.


Author(s):  
Sara K. Mamo ◽  
Theresa H. Chisolm ◽  
Frank R. Lin

Hearing loss is highly prevalent and increases as a function of age. Although hearing loss affects many aspects of ageing and communication, it is often overlooked and treated as a rather inconsequential side effect of ageing. The purpose of this chapter is to introduce age-related hearing loss, the broader implications of age-related hearing loss as it relates to healthy ageing, and practical strategies for primary care management of hearing loss. A majority of the cases of age-related hearing loss remain untreated. Primary and/or geriatric care clinics may serve as the entry point for many older adults with hearing loss. Including questions about hearing loss or screening for hearing loss at other health encounters may increase access for older adults to hearing loss treatment.


2016 ◽  
Vol 127 (3) ◽  
pp. 725-730 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nienke C. Homans ◽  
R. Mick Metselaar ◽  
J. Gertjan Dingemanse ◽  
Marc P. van der Schroeff ◽  
Michael P. Brocaar ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Catherine M. Mewborn ◽  
Cutter A. Lindbergh ◽  
B. Randy Hammond ◽  
Lisa M. Renzi-Hammond ◽  
L. Stephen Miller

A growing literature emphasizes the importance of lifestyle factors such as nutrition in successful aging. The current study examined if one year of supplementation with lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z), two nutrients with known antioxidative properties and cognitive benefits, impacted structural brain outcomes in older adults using a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial design. Community-dwelling older adults (20 males and 27 females) aged 65–87 years (M = 71.8 years, SD = 6.04 years) were randomized into supplement (N = 33) and placebo groups (N = 14) using simple randomization. The supplement group received 10 mg L + 2 mg Z daily for 12 months while the placebo group received a visually identical, inert placebo. L and Z were measured via retinal concentrations (macular pigment optical density or MPOD). Structural brain outcomes, focusing on global and frontal-temporal lobe regions, were acquired using both T1-weighted and DTI MRI sequences. We hypothesized that the supplement group would increase, maintain, or show attenuated loss in hypothesized regions-of-interest (ROIs) while the placebo group would show age-related declines in brain structural integrity over the course of the trial. While results showed age-related declines for frontal and temporal gray and white matter volumes, as well as fornix white matter microstructure across both groups, only minimal differences were found between the supplement and placebo groups. However, exploratory analyses showed that individuals who responded better to supplementation (i.e., showed greater increases in MPOD) showed less decline in global and prefrontal gray matter volume than supplement “nonresponders.” While results suggest that one year of L and Z supplementation may have limited effects on structural brain outcomes overall, there may be a subsample of individuals for whom supplementation of L and Z provides greater benefits. ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02023645.


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