scholarly journals Emerging Telehealth Advances for Mental and Cognitive Health in Late Life

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 568-569
Author(s):  
Cindy Woolverton ◽  
Patricia Bamonti ◽  
Lauren Moo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Brain Injuries ◽  
Cognitive Remediation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cognitive Health ◽  
Pilot Data ◽  
Management Intervention ◽  
Research And Innovation ◽  
Effective Interventions

Abstract Over the last year, mental health services offered virtually have increased significantly in response to COVID-19. The rapid adoption of telehealth practices has raised many questions about how to develop and deliver effective interventions for older adults targeting their mental and cognitive health. In this symposium, we present on the feasibility of mental and cognitive health interventions for older adults using telehealth methods with particular focus on how adoption of these telehealth tools have been impacted by the current pandemic. Dr. Touchett and colleagues will present data on the telehealth utilization disparities among older veterans with comorbid disabilities and discuss ethical considerations when providing care for older adults. Dr. Kornblith and colleagues will present pilot data on the feasibility of GOALS, a video telehealth cognitive remediation group intervention for older adults with cognitive and emotional dysfunction related to traumatic brain injuries. Dr. Gould and colleagues will present pilot data on the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a brief video-delivered self-management intervention BREATHE for older veterans with anxiety disorders. Dr. Weiskittle and colleagues will present their work on the development and dissemination of a brief 8-week telephone group intervention for homebound older adults targeting social isolation. Dr. Jacobs and colleagues will share their findings of a telephone delivered mindfulness intervention for caregivers and persons with dementia. Finally, the discussant, Lauren Moo, MD, an expert in assessing the efficacy of telehealth interventions will tie findings together and provide directions for future research and innovation.

scholarly journals Framing Binational Challenges of Mental and Cognitive Health Care in Mexican-Origin Older Adults: Consensus Findings

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 479-479
Author(s):  
Flavia Andrade ◽  
Mariana López-Ortega ◽  
Emma Aguila ◽  
Stephanie Grasso
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mexican Origin ◽  
Research Knowledge ◽  
Cognitive Health ◽  
Expert Opinions ◽  
Adequate Care ◽  
National Expert ◽  
The U.S

Abstract Growth in older populations, and hence in the number of persons living with dementia, is particularly rapid for individuals of Mexican origin living in the U.S. and Mexico. In order to identify influences on cognitive health in this diverse population, the University Texas at Austin and Mexican National Institute of Geriatrics (INGER) organized their second Bridging Conference titled: "Framing Challenges of Cognitive and Mental Health Care in Mexican-origin Older Adults in Mexico and the U.S". In this presentation, we highlight the results of a consensus-building session, during which bi-national expert opinions were generated and synthesized addressing gaps in research, knowledge, and policy, as well as the setting of priorities for immediate action and future research. Reducing barriers to adequate care for those aging-in-place with dementia was a central theme of the identified priorities. Critical areas of identified need, more specifically, included reducing social isolation, caregiver burden, and diminishing retirement income.

Group Intervention for Adolescents With Chronic Acquired Brain Injury: The Future Zone

2010 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 111-119
Author(s):  
Ellen M. Hickey ◽  
Jennifer N. Saunders
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Brain Injuries ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Strength Based ◽  
Self Knowledge ◽  
Psychosocial Challenges

Introduction: Acquired brain injury (ABI) is a common cause of social cognition deficits and psychosocial challenges in adolescents. A group intervention program was designed to support teens with chronic ABI. Method: Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted to examine participants' self-knowledge and satisfaction with the program. Results: Results revealed that participants and parents valued increased self-knowledge and an understanding of brain injuries, the focus on friendships and individual strengths, and feelings of togetherness and not being judged. Discussion: Support for strength-based, project-oriented, group intervention programs for adolescents with ABI and directions for future research are discussed.

Refining Evidence-Based Treatments for Late-Life Depression

GeroPsych ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-76
Author(s):  
Grace C. Niu ◽  
Patricia A. Arean
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Brain Plasticity ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Aging Population ◽  
The United States ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Late Life Depression ◽  
Evidence Based Treatments

The recent increase in the aging population, specifically in the United States, has raised concerns regarding treatment for mental illness among older adults. Late-life depression (LLD) is a complex condition that has become widespread among the aging population. Despite the availability of behavioral interventions and psychotherapies, few depressed older adults actually receive treatment. In this paper we review the research on refining treatments for LLD. We first identify evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for LLD and the problems associated with efficacy and dissemination, then review approaches to conceptualizing mental illness, specifically concepts related to brain plasticity and the Research Domain Criteria (RDoc). Finally, we introduce ENGAGE as a streamlined treatment for LLD and discuss implications for future research.

scholarly journals Social Engagement and Episodic Memory in Non-Hispanic Black and White Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 343-343
Author(s):  
Abbey Hamlin ◽  
A Zarina Kraal ◽  
Laura Zahodne
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Social engagement may confer cognitive benefits in older adulthood, but studies have typically been restricted to largely non-Hispanic White (NHW) samples. Levels of social engagement vary across race such that NHW report larger social networks, more frequent participation in social activities, and greater social support than non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB). Associations between social engagement and cognition may also vary by race, but research is sparse. The current cross-sectional study examined associations between different aspects of social engagement and episodic memory performance, as well as interactions between social engagement and race among NHB and NHW participants in the Michigan Cognitive Aging Project (N = 247; 48.4% NHB; age = 64.19 ± 2.92). Social engagement (network size, activities, support) was self-reported. Episodic memory was a z-score composite of immediate, delayed, and recognition trials of a list-learning task. Separate hierarchical linear regression models quantified interactions between race and each of the three social engagement variables on episodic memory, controlling for sociodemographics, depressive symptoms, and health conditions. Results showed a main effect of more frequent social activity on better episodic memory, as well as an interaction between race and social support indicating a significant positive association in NHB but not NHW. These preliminary findings suggest that participating in social activities may be equally beneficial for episodic memory across NHB and NHW older adults and that social support may be particularly beneficial for NHB. Future research is needed to determine the potential applications of these results in reducing cognitive inequalities through the development of culturally-relevant interventions.

scholarly journals Spontaneous Eye Blinks Predict Executive Functioning in Seniors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessika I. V. Buitenweg ◽  
Jaap M. J. Murre ◽  
K. Richard Ridderinkhof
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Functional Decline ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Blink Rate ◽  
Memory Updating ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Working Memory Updating

AbstractAs the world’s population is aging rapidly, cognitive training is an extensively used approach to attempt improvement of age-related cognitive functioning. With increasing numbers of older adults required to remain in the workforce, it is important to be able to reliably predict future functional decline, as well as the individual advantages of cognitive training. Given the correlation between age-related decline and striatal dopaminergic function, we investigated whether eye blink rate (EBR), a non-invasive, indirect indicator of dopaminergic activity, could predict executive functioning (response inhibition, switching and working memory updating) as well as trainability of executive functioning in older adults. EBR was collected before and after a cognitive flexibility training, cognitive training without flexibility, or a mock training. EBR predicted working memory updating performance on two measures of updating, as well as trainability of working memory updating, whereas performance and trainability in inhibition and switching tasks could not be predicted by EBR. Our findings tentatively indicate that EBR permits prediction of working memory performance in older adults. To fully interpret the relationship with executive functioning, we suggest future research should assess both EBR and dopamine receptor availability among seniors.

scholarly journals Music Is Healing: Developing a Music Module for a Pain Management Intervention for African American Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 815-815
Author(s):  
Mary Janevic ◽  
Sheria Robinson-Lane ◽  
Afton Hassett ◽  
Rebecca Courser
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
African American ◽  
Pain Management ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
New Music ◽  
Participant Engagement ◽  
Management Intervention ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Positive Memories ◽  
African American Older Adults

Abstract Music has a known analgesic effect. Our multidisciplinary team is developing a music-focused module for Positive STEPS, a pain self-management intervention based on principles of positive psychology. The priority population is African American older adults with disabling chronic pain. Positive STEPS is delivered via website and phone calls from community health workers. To inform program design, we conducted two focus groups with older adults in Detroit (n=16; 100% female and African American; 75% age 70+). All participants said they would enjoy using music to cope with pain. Content analysis revealed the following themes regarding music for pain management: it elicits positive memories, reduces stress, motivates exercise and daily activities, and promotes relaxation. Participants offered ideas for music-focused activities, including learning about unfamiliar genres and using music for meditation/relaxation. Findings will inform the design of a new music module, to be pilot-tested for its effect on participant engagement and pain-related outcomes.

The Socialization of Unpaid Family Caregivers: A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 016402752110050
Author(s):  
Kirstie McAllum ◽  
Mary Louisa Simpson ◽  
Christine Unson ◽  
Stephanie Fox ◽  
Kelley Kilpatrick
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Family Caregiving ◽  
Family Processes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Socialization Process ◽  
Role Negotiation ◽  
Role Learning ◽  
Socialization Agents

As unpaid family caregiving of older adults becomes increasingly prevalent, it is imperative to understand how family caregivers are socialized and how they understand the caregiving role. This PRISMA-ScR-based scoping review examines the published literature between 1995–2019 on the socialization of potential and current unpaid family caregivers of older adults. Of 4,599 publications identified, 47 were included. Three perspectives of socialization were identified: (1) role acculturation; (2) role negotiation and identification; and (3) specialized role learning. The findings show how socialization involves different contexts (e.g., cultures), imperatives for action (e.g., circumstances), socialization agents (e.g., family), processes (e.g., modeling), and internal (e.g., normalization) and external (e.g., identification) consequences for caregivers. Future research could fruitfully explore how caregivers manage key turning points within the socialization process, disengage from the caregiving role, and negotiate the socialization and individualization processes within diverse cultural and funding contexts.

scholarly journals Available supports and resources for postsecondary students with traumatic brain injury: A systematic review of the literature

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Emily Tarconish ◽  
Allison Lombardi ◽  
Joseph Madaus ◽  
Ashley Taconet ◽  
Carl Coelho
Keyword(s):  
Postsecondary Education ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Brain Injuries ◽  
Disability Services ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Postsecondary Students ◽  
Education Professionals ◽  
Concussion Management ◽  
Rigorous Research

BACKGROUND: Postsecondary students with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a rapidly growing population, encompassing those who sustained injuries prior to attending postsecondary education and those who endure injuries during their postsecondary studies. Not only do these individuals face a broad range of symptoms, all of which can affect academic achievement, but they also do not achieve comparable academic outcomes to their peers without disabilities. OBJECTIVE: There is a need to develop and examine the effectiveness of available supports and resources to meet the needs of these students. METHODS: Twenty-three articles were systematically reviewed to illustrate what supports are currently described in the literature for postsecondary students with TBI and what research methods were used to assess the effectiveness of these supports. RESULTS: Three categories of supports emerged, including concussion management protocols, typical study/learning strategies and accommodations, and interventions developed specifically for this population. Findings also indicated a lack of rigorous research methods used to assess these interventions’ effects. CONCLUSIONS: Implications for future research include a need for additional study of all supports and resources described in this review, and assessment of whether or not education professionals, including postsecondary disability services professionals, are aware of and using the tools and strategies addressed in this review.

scholarly journals Strategies and cognitive reserve to preserve lexical production in aging

GeroScience ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Baciu ◽  
Sonja Banjac ◽  
Elise Roger ◽  
Célise Haldin ◽  
Marcela Perrone-Bertolotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Individual Variability ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Aging Effects ◽  
Main Hypothesis ◽  
Compensatory Strategies ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Complementary Domain

AbstractIn the absence of any neuropsychiatric condition, older adults may show declining performance in several cognitive processes and among them, in retrieving and producing words, reflected in slower responses and even reduced accuracy compared to younger adults. To overcome this difficulty, healthy older adults implement compensatory strategies, which are the focus of this paper. We provide a review of mainstream findings on deficient mechanisms and possible neurocognitive strategies used by older adults to overcome the deleterious effects of age on lexical production. Moreover, we present findings on genetic and lifestyle factors that might either be protective or risk factors of cognitive impairment in advanced age. We propose that “aging-modulating factors” (AMF) can be modified, offering prevention opportunities against aging effects. Based on our review and this proposition, we introduce an integrative neurocognitive model of mechanisms and compensatory strategies for lexical production in older adults (entitled Lexical Access and Retrieval in Aging, LARA). The main hypothesis defended in LARA is that cognitive aging evolves heterogeneously and involves complementary domain-general and domain-specific mechanisms, with substantial inter-individual variability, reflected at behavioral, cognitive, and brain levels. Furthermore, we argue that the ability to compensate for the effect of cognitive aging depends on the amount of reserve specific to each individual which is, in turn, modulated by the AMF. Our conclusion is that a variety of mechanisms and compensatory strategies coexist in the same individual to oppose the effect of age. The role of reserve is pivotal for a successful coping with age-related changes and future research should continue to explore the modulating role of AMF.

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