scholarly journals Insight into the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Multi-lifestyle Dementia Risk Intervention

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 980-981
Author(s):  
Laura Dodds ◽  
Joyce Siette
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Lifestyle Change ◽  
Program Improvement ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
Innovative Program ◽  
Gender Education ◽  
Theoretical Sampling ◽  
Intervention Acceptability ◽  
English Speaking

Abstract Lifestyle interventions based on behaviour change principles may provide a useful mechanism in reducing dementia risk amongst older adults, however intervention acceptability remains relatively unexplored. We assessed the feasibility and acceptability of BRAIN BOOTCAMP, an Australian initiative aiming to improve dementia literary and reduce dementia risk by delivering a brain health box addressing multiple lifestyle factors through education, physical prompts and an individualised brain health profile. Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with participants (N=94) at completion of the program (3-months) using a theoretical sampling approach to select a range of participants with varying brain health scores, age, gender, education and locality. Interview topics included participants’ overall experience and suggestions for program improvement. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Participants were mostly female (79%), with a mean age of 72.6 years (SD=5.4), from an English-speaking background (89.4%) and resided in metropolitan areas (76.6%). Participants positively perceived the program, resulting in high usability and acceptability. Valuable aspects included building dementia awareness in an innovative way, and having re-assessments which identified areas for personal improvement. Participants further discussed how the program prompted lifestyle change, including setting goals (e.g., physical activity) and facilitated a general awareness of their brain health. Suggested improvements included shorter surveys, regular check-ins, and specific tailoring of the program to be more inclusive for older adults with varying levels of health. Our study demonstrated that a simple, innovative program could be a promising medium for delivering comprehensive educational resources and induce lifestyle change for older adults.

Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of the Lifestyle, Exercise and Diet (LEAD) Study: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of a Combined Exercise and Diet Intervention in Older Adults with Vascular Risk Factors and Early Dementia Risk

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noah Koblinsky ◽  
Nicole Anderson ◽  
Fatim Ajwani ◽  
Matthew Parrott ◽  
Deirdre Dawson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Vascular Risk ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Dietary Counselling ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
Early Dementia ◽  
Cluster Randomized

Abstract Background: Healthy diet and exercise are associated with reduced risk of dementia in older adults. Evidence for the impact of clinical trials on brain health is less consistent, especially with dietary interventions which often rely on varying intervention approaches. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 6-month intervention combining exercise with a novel dietary counselling approach among older adults with vascular risk factors (VRFs) and early dementia risk. Methods: Participants with VRF’s and SCD or early MCI were cluster randomized into the intervention (exercise + Baycrest Brain-healthy Eating Approach (EX+DIET)) or control group (exercise + brain health education (EX+ED)). Both groups participated in 1-hour of supervised exercise per week and were prescribed additional exercise at home. EX+DIET involved 1-hour per week of group-based dietary counselling comprising didactic education focused on brain healthy eating recommendations, goal setting and strategy training. Whereas, EX+ED involved 1-hour per week of group-based brain health education. The primary outcome was change in hippocampal volume from baseline to 6 months. Secondary outcomes included fitness, diet, cognition, and blood biomarkers. Recruitment challenges and early discontinuation of the trial due to COVID-19 necessitated a revised focus on feasibility and preliminary efficacy. Results: Of 190 older adults contacted, 14 (7%) were eligible and randomized, constituting 21% of our recruitment target. All participants completed the intervention and attended 90% of exercise and diet/education sessions on average. All 6-month follow-up assessments pre-COVID-19 were completed but disruptions to testing during the pandemic resulted in incomplete data collection. No serious adverse events occurred and all participants expressed positive feedback about the intervention. Mean improvements in peak oxygen consumption were observed in both EX+DIET (d = .98) and EX+ED (d =1.15) groups. Substantial improvements in diet and HbA1c were observed in the EX+DIET group compared to EX+ED (d = 1.75 and 1.07, respectively). Conclusions: High adherence and retention rates were observed among LEAD participants and preliminary findings illustrate improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and diet quality. These results indicate that a larger trial is feasible if difficulties surrounding recruitment can be mitigated. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03056508

Clusters of Dementia Literacy: Implications from a Survey of Older Adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Y. Barak ◽  
C. Rapsey ◽  
K.M. Scott
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Telephone Survey ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Graduate Degree ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
Dementia Prevention

Clinicians and scientists suggest that up to 40% of dementia cases are potentially preventable. Data on awareness of dementia risk and protective factor among older adults can inform and facilitate designing educational interventions to prevent dementia. We aimed to quantify awareness of dementia risk and protective factors using a telephone survey. The modified Lifestyle for Brain Health scale was used to assess dementia risk and prevention knowledge. A representative sample of 1,005 older adults, mean age 64.02 (standard deviation + 1.4; range: 50-74 years) completed the survey (77% response rate). Under representation of non-European ethnicities was noted. Participants Respondents were all New Zealanders, more women (n=518, 51.5%), mostly European (n=921, 91.6%) and well educated (n=347, 34.5%, university or post-graduate degree). Only 6/14 modifiable risk or protective factors for dementia were adequately identified. Three clusters of dementia literacy were identified: psychosocial, medical and activities. These findings support personalizing dementia prevention efforts via targeted educational packages.

The Dunedin dementia risk awareness project: pilot study in older adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoram Barak ◽  
Andrew R. Gray ◽  
Charlene Rapsey ◽  
Kate Scott
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Postgraduate Qualification

ABSTRACTAims:The USA and UK governmental and academic agencies suggest that up to 35% of dementia cases are preventable. We canvassed dementia risk and protective factor awareness among New Zealand older adults to inform the design of a larger survey.Method:The modified Lifestyle for Brain Health scale quantifying dementia risk was introduced to a sample of 304 eligible self-selected participants.Results:Two hundred and sixteen older adults (≥50 years), with mean ± standard deviation age 65.5 ± 11.4 years (50–93 years), completed the survey (71% response rate). Respondents were mostly women (n = 172, 80%), European (n = 207, 96%), and well educated (n = 100, 46%, with a tertiary qualification; including n = 17, 8%, with a postgraduate qualification). Around half of the participants felt that they were at a future risk of living with dementia (n = 101, 47%), and the majority felt that this would change their lives significantly (n = 205, 95%), that lifestyle changes would reduce their risk (n = 197, 91%), and that they could make the necessary changes (n = 189, 88%) and wished to start changes soon (n = 160, 74%). Only 4 of 14 modifiable risk or protective factors for dementia were adequately identified by the participants: physical exercise (81%), depression (76%), brain exercises (75%), and social isolation (83%). Social isolation was the commonly cited risk factor for dementia, while physical exercise was the commonly cited protective factor. Three clusters of brain health literacy were identified: psychosocial, medical, and modifiable.Conclusion:The older adults in our study are not adequately knowledgeable about dementia risk and protective factors. However, they report optimism about modifying risks through lifestyle interventions.

Online videos promote brain health literacy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabina Brennan ◽  
Una Geary ◽  
Silvia Elena Gallagher
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
Health Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Online Networks ◽  
The Public ◽  
Dementia Risk

Abstract Misinformation and lack of understanding of memory loss, dementia and brain health are barriers to dementia risk reduction and timely health seeking behaviour. Online video technology for health promotion has been popularised with the increase in online networks, improved access to technology, and the rise of online health seeking behaviour. However, an understanding of the efficacy of this technology in the context of brain health awareness in older adults is lacking. This research explored whether three short brain health animations could reduce worry, impart new knowledge, and promote behavioural change in older adults. Methods: Participants (8,179) completed an online survey pre- and post-engagement with three animated films. Results: Level of worry significantly decreased, and over half of the participants indicated that they intended to change their behaviour after watching the videos. The majority of participants indicated they had learned something new from the videos, and found the videos enjoyable. Regression analysis described how participants who reported learning from the videos were more likely to report behavioural change. In addition, enjoyment significantly predicated outcomes of learning and behaviour change. Conclusions: our research suggests that short animated brain health films are effective in educating the public about memory, attention and brain health, may motivate people to make changes in lifestyle, and possibly reduce stigma towards dementia.

Students’ Speaking Skill in English Immersion School

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Fadil ◽  
Sumardi Sumardi ◽  
Ngadiso Ngadiso
Keyword(s):  
English Teachers ◽  
Program Improvement ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
English Immersion ◽  
Speaking Skill ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
Comparative Results ◽  
Academic Year ◽  
Speaking Skills

This research aims to describe: (1) students' English speaking skill in English immersion school; (2) students’ strengths and weaknesses in speaking skill in English immersion school; (3) factors affecting students' speaking skill in English immersion school. The research was designed as a case study, conducted at a school applying English immersion in Bondowoso, East Java, Indonesia in Academic Year 2017-2018. The research used purposive sampling. Data were collecated by interview, questionnairre, observation, and document analysis. The informants were grade 2 students, English teachers, and the school founder. The analysis found that: (1) on the scale of 1-5 (1=very bad, 2=bad, 3=fair, 4=good, 5=very good), students’ English speaking skills were at levels of very good (2.22%), good (6.67%), fair (37.78%), bad (44.44%), and very bad (8.89%); (2) students’ strengths in English speaking skills were related to vocabulary with average score of 2.7, and the weaknesses dealt with fluency with average score of 2.25; (3) factors that were assumed to affect students’ English speaking skills were environment, local accent, vocabulary mastery, English use, preference, and habits. It is recommended that all parties involved in the English immersion program evaluate the running of the program and the content of the program to provide learning outputs through English immersion. Commitment to using English should be strengthened, especially in English Week program. Improvement on English teachers’ is needed by involving them in trainings. Finally, similar research at non-English immersion school is necessary to ensure the comparative results gained from both types of school.

scholarly journals Brain Health: Attitudes towards Technology Adoption in Older Adults

Healthcare ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 23
Author(s):  
Nadir G. Abdelrahman ◽  
Raza Haque ◽  
Molly E. Polverento ◽  
Andrea Wendling ◽  
Courtney M. Goetz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Handheld Devices ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Health Related

(1) Background: There is increasing scholarly support for the notion that properly implemented and used, technology can be of substantial benefit for older adults. Use of technology has been associated with improved self-rating of health and fewer chronic conditions. Use of technology such as handheld devices by older adults has the potential to improve engagement and promote cognitive and physical health. However, although, literature suggests some willingness by older adults to use technology, simultaneously there are reports of a more cautious attitude to its adoption. Our objective was to determine the opinions towards information technologies, with special reference to brain health, in healthy older adults either fully retired or still working in some capacity including older adult workers and retired adults living in an independent elderly living community. We were especially interested in further our understanding of factors that may play a role in technology adoption and its relevance to addressing health related issues in this population; (2) Methods: Two focus groups were conducted in an inner-city community. Participants were older adults with an interest in their general health and prevention of cognitive decline. They were asked to discuss their perceptions of and preferences for the use of technology. Transcripts were coded for thematic analysis; (3) Results: Seven common themes emerged from the focus group interviews: physical health, cognitive health, social engagement, organizing information, desire to learn new technology, advancing technology, and privacy/security; and (4) Conclusions: This study suggests that in order to promote the use of technology in older adults, one needs to consider wider contextual issues, not only device design per se, but the older adult’s rationale for using technology and their socio-ecological context.

scholarly journals Normative Data for a Tablet-Based Dual-Task Assessment in Healthy Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maxime Lussier ◽  
Kathia Saillant ◽  
Tudor Vrinceanu ◽  
Carol Hudon ◽  
Louis Bherer
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Dual Task ◽  
Normative Data ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Highly Educated ◽  
Coefficient Of Variability ◽  
French And English ◽  
Task Assessment ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Objective The objective of this study is to provide normative data for a tablet-based dual-task assessment in older adults without cognitive deficits. Method In total, 264 participants aged between 60 and 90 years, French and English-speaking, were asked to perform two discrimination tasks, alone and concurrently. The participants had to answer as fast as possible to one or two images appearing in the center of the tablet by pressing to the corresponding buttons. Normative data are provided for reaction time (RT), coefficient of variation, and accuracy. Analyses of variance were performed by trial types (single-pure, single-mixed, dual-mixed), and linear regressions assessed the relationship between performance and sociodemographic characteristics. Results The participants were highly educated and a large proportion of them were women (73.9%). The accuracy on the task was very high across all blocks. RT data revealed both a task-set cost and a dual-task cost between the blocks. Age was associated with slower RT and with higher coefficient of variability. Men were significantly slower on dual-mixed trials, but their coefficient of variability was lower on single-pure trials. Education was not associated with performance. Conclusions This study provides normative data for a tablet-based dual-task assessment in older adults without cognitive impairment, which was lacking. All participants completed the task with good accuracy in less than 15 minutes and thus, the task is transferable to clinical and research settings.

scholarly journals Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment and Dementia Risk in Older Adults

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
G L Dunietz ◽  
R D Chervin ◽  
J F Burke ◽  
A S Conceicao ◽  
T J Braley
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Fee For Service ◽  
Medicare Beneficiaries ◽  
Lower Odds ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Not Otherwise Specified ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Study Objectives To examine associations between PAP therapy, adherence and incident diagnoses of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia not-otherwise-specified (DNOS) in older adults. Methods This retrospective study utilized Medicare 5% fee-for-service claims data of 53,321 beneficiaries, aged 65+, with an OSA diagnosis prior to 2011. Study participants were evaluated using ICD-9 codes for neurocognitive syndromes [AD(n=1,057), DNOS(n=378), and MCI(n=443)] that were newly-identified between 2011-2013. PAP treatment was defined as presence of ≥1 durable medical equipment (HCPCS) code for PAP supplies. PAP adherence was defined as ≥2 HCPCS codes for PAP equipment, separated by≥1 month. Logistic regression models, adjusted for demographic and health characteristics, were used to estimate associations between PAP treatment or adherence and new AD, DNOS, and MCI diagnoses. Results In this sample of Medicare beneficiaries with OSA, 59% were men, 90% were non-Hispanic whites and 62% were younger than 75y. The majority (78%) of beneficiaries with OSA were prescribed PAP (treated), and 74% showed evidence of adherent PAP use. In adjusted models, PAP treatment was associated with lower odds of incident diagnoses of AD and DNOS (OR=0.78, 95% CI:0.69-0.89; and OR=0.69, 95% CI:0.55-0.85). Lower odds of MCI, approaching statistical significance, were also observed among PAP users (OR=0.82, 95% CI:0.66-1.02). PAP adherence was associated with lower odds of incident diagnoses of AD (OR=0.65, 95% CI:0.56-0.76). Conclusions PAP treatment and adherence are independently associated with lower odds of incident AD diagnoses in older adults. Results suggest that treatment of OSA may reduce risk of subsequent dementia.

Co-Composing an Aesthetic Self Through Play: Towards a Transformative Framework for Dementia Care

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bing Yu Li
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Aesthetic Experience ◽  
Participatory Action ◽  
Transformative Power ◽  
Play Intervention ◽  
Innovative Program ◽  
Diverse Backgrounds ◽  
Caring Relationship ◽  
Design And Methods ◽  
New Phase

Abstract Background and Objectives Aging and deterioration mark a new phase in many older adults’ life, highlighting the importance of creativity and imagination. This article introduces the implementation of an innovative program, Play Intervention for Dementia (PID), at a nursing home in Hong Kong, with emphasis on its contribution to the conceptual framework for understanding selfhood of older adults with dementia. Research Design and Methods As a community-based participatory action research (CBPAR) project, this study democratized knowledge production by integrating voices of practitioners with diverse backgrounds through video-based methods. Results Play, as an activity replete with free expressions and impulsive interactions, is an ideal realm for exploring and establishing selfhood with older adults with dementia. It has been found that “aesthetic self”, an alternative self emerging from immediate aesthetic experience and carrying transformative power within the caring relationship, is a necessary element of self-construction in life with dementia. Discussion and Implications Integrating theories and practice, this framework provides a new lens for understanding and responding to selfhood, disease, and life.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document