scholarly journals Neuropsychological and Physical Trajectories in Neurotypical and High-cognitive Performing Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Amorim Aita ◽  
Corina Satler ◽  
Henrique Salmazo Da silva ◽  
Isabelle Patriciá Freitas Soares Chariglione

The maintenance of high cognitive performance in old age has increasinglybecome a public health interest due to associations between cognition,well-being, longevity, and autonomy. The objective of the researchis to investigate cognitive, physical, and psychological trajectories ofneurotypical older adults (NOAs) and high performing older adults(HPOAs). An exploratory study to investigate 21 NOAs and six HPOAs(mean age 71, SD = ± 3.59), followed up for one year. The older adultswere submitted to physical fitness, quality of life, anxiety, depression,RAVLT, ACE-R, and Stroop tests, being assessed at three moments:baseline, six months after the cognitive (MEMO) or stimulation (Stimullus)interventions, and six months after the multimodal interventions, whichcould be physical or psychopedagogical interventions (health educationlectures). Nonparametric statistical tests (Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon)were performed with p≤0.05. The results demonstrated that the cognitivemeasures were good predictors of cognitive performance and we observedpositive correlations between cognitive and mood measures. The olderadults with high performance had a lower prevalence of depressivesymptoms. There were gains in global cognitive performance, mood, and inphysical fitness variables associated with multimodal interventions, evidentin the neurotypical group

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 938-938
Author(s):  
Alicia Sellon ◽  
Tina K Newsham ◽  
Renee DuMont ◽  
Claire Hollifield ◽  
Alicia Thomas

Abstract Social distancing restrictions and regulations, put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19, disrupted the daily lives of active older adult volunteers. One year into the pandemic, we used a mixed-methods approach to explore how these regulations had impacted the quality of life, loneliness, and volunteer behavior of 26 older adults who were active volunteers (i.e., at least an hour a week) prior to the start of the pandemic. All the participants were white and non-Hispanic, and the majority were female (65.4%). The average age was 71, with a range from 53 to 87 years old. On average, participant scores on the UCLA loneliness scale (4.23 ±1.39) indicated a low amount of loneliness and high scores on the Brunnsviken Brief Quality of Life (BBQ) scale (83.54 ±10.97) indicated a high quality of life. Thematic findings from the interviews conveyed that, despite the challenges and risks associated with volunteering during a pandemic, participants valued volunteer work enough to make adjustments or seek out new volunteer activities. The research team identified two overarching themes related to participants' discussions of volunteering during the pandemic: Challenges and changes and Benefits of volunteering during a pandemic. Participants' discussions of how volunteer work changed and why they continued to or sought out new volunteer activities during a pandemic can guide organizations seeking to support or recruit older volunteers, particularly as the pandemic continues. These findings also provide further evidence of the important role that volunteerism can play in the well-being of older adults.


1970 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aan Nuraeni ◽  
Ristina Mirwanti ◽  
Anastasia Anna ◽  
Ayu Prawesti ◽  
Etika Emaliyawati

Prevalensi Penyakit Jantung Koroner (PJK) terus mengalami peningkatan setiap tahunnya dan menjadi masalah kesehatan utama di masyarakat saat ini. PJK berdampak terhadap berbagai aspek kehidupan penderitanya baik fisik, psikososial maupun spiritual yang berpengaruh terhadap kualitas hidup pasien. Isu kualitas hidup dan faktor-faktor yang berhubungan didalamnya belum tergambar jelas di Indonesia. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mengidentifikasi faktor yang memengaruhi kualitas hidup pada pasien PJK yang sedang menjalani rawat jalan. Faktor-faktor yang diteliti dalam penelitian ini meliputi jenis kelamin, tingkat penghasilan, revaskularisasi jantung, rehabilitasi jantung, kecemasan, depresi dan kesejahteraan spiritual. Kecemasan diukur dengan Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale, depresi diukur dengan Beck Depression Inventory II, kesejahteraan spiritual diukur dengan kuesioner Spirituality Index of Well-Beingdan kualitas hidup diukur menggunakan Seattle Angina Questionnaire. Penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan kuantitatif deskriptif dan analitik multivariatedengan regresi logistic. Diteliti pada 100 responden yang diambil secara randomdalam kurun waktu 1 bulan di Poli Jantung. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan faktor yang memengaruhi kualitas hidup pada pasien PJK adalah cemas (p) 0,002; Odd Ratio(OR) 4,736 (95% confidence interval(CI), 1,749 – 12,827); depresi (p) 0,003; OR 5,450 ( 95% CI, 1,794 – 16,562); dan revaskularisasi (p) 0,033; OR 3,232 (95% CI, 1,096 – 9,528). Depresi menjadi faktor yang paling berpengaruh terhadap kualitas hidup pasien PJK. Faktor yang memengaruhi kualitas hidup pada pasien PJK meliputi depresi, cemas dan revaskularisasi. Dari ketiga variabel tersebut depresi merupakan variabel yang paling signifikan berpengaruh, sehingga manajemen untuk mencegah depresi perlu mendapatkan perhatian lebih baik lagi dalam discharge planningataupun rehabilitasi jantung.Kata kunci: Cemas, depresi, faktor yang memengaruhi, kualitas hidup, spiritual.Factors Influenced the Quality of Life among Patients Diagnosed with Coronary Heart Disease AbstractCoronary Heart Disease (CHD) has affected multidimensional aspects of human live nowadays. Yet, quality of life and factors associated with quality of life among people who live with heart disease has not been explored in Indonesia. This study aimed to identify factors influenced the quality of life among people with CHD received outpatient services. Those factors are gender, income, revascularization, cardiac rehabilitation, anxiety, depression and spiritual well-being. Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale was used to measure anxiety where depression level measured using Beck Depression Inventory II. Spirituality index was used to measure spiritual well-being. The quality of life level was measured using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire. This study used quantitative descriptive with multivariate analysis using logistic regression. 100 respondents were randomly selected from the Cardiac Outpatient Unit. Findings indicated factors influenced the quality of life of CHD patients using a significance of ƿ-value < 0.005 were: anxiety (ƿ=0,002, OR = 4,736, 95% CI, 1,749 – 12,827); depression (ƿ=0,003; OR=5,450, 95% CI, 1,794 – 16,562); and revascularizations (ƿ=0,033; OR=3,232, 95% CI, 1,096 – 9,528). Depression was considered as the most significant factor; therefore, managing depression is a priority in the discharge planning or cardiac rehabilitation programme. Keywords: Anxiety, depression, quality of life, spiritual, well-being.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 16-16
Author(s):  
Sungsim Lee

Abstract This presentation describes a supportive mindfulness practice for caregivers of older adults based on the principles of Won Buddhism (an integrative, a modernized Buddhism). As the aging population grows, there is a significant increase in recognition of the negative impact of caregiver stress on older adults’ quality of life. The ability for caregivers to deal compassionately with stress is essential, as caring for older adults can awaken feelings about one’s own vulnerability and mortality. The ‘Mindful Gratitude Practice’ offers a way to cope with stress, cultivate self-care, and improve the care of others. Relevant research will be summarized, which shows mindfulness and gratitude practice respectively benefit positive influence in both physical and emotional well-being. Mindful Gratitude Practice as a spiritual approach that fosters caregivers' emotional stability, reduces their stress and improves the relationship between older adults and their caregivers. In this presentation, three processes of Mindful Gratitude Practice will be described: 1. Understanding a mindfulness practice by establishing intention, attention, and attitude, 2. Learning the principles of a gratitude practice and implementation, and 3. Incorporating mindfulness into a gratitude practice. Research results have demonstrated that through this learning process, caregivers have acquired the concept of interconnectedness, experience grateful moments, and a deep feeling of appreciation in their caregiving relationships. The presenter will guide participants in a short experience of Mindfulness Gratitude Practice. Further readings and resources will be provided for those who are interested.


2018 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 385-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pariya L Fazeli ◽  
Jessica L Montoya ◽  
Chastity N McDavid ◽  
David J Moore

Abstract Background and Objective As HIV-infected (HIV+) individuals age, there is a need to understand successful aging (SA) from the patient perspective. This study compared SA definitions between HIV+ and HIV-uninfected (HIV−) older adults and then examined correlates of SA categories. Research Design and Methods Ninety-three HIV+ and 46 HIV− older (aged 50+) adults provided brief definitions of SA, which was examined using content analysis. We then compared the frequency of SA categories by serostatus and examined the correlates of SA categories within both groups. Results Seven SA categories emerged: General Health, Cognitive Health & Ability, Physical/Biological Health & Ability, Social Relationships, Attitudes, Psychological, & Emotional Well-Being, Proactive & Engaged Lifestyle, and Independence. While no significant differences emerged, HIV− older adults were more likely to report General Health and the subcategory of Longevity/Survival, while HIV+ older adults were more likely to report subcategories of Enjoying Life & Fulfillment and Maintaining Balance. Few demographic correlates of SA categories emerged. Mood and HIV characteristics were not associated with SA categories. In both groups, those without neurocognitive impairment were significantly more likely to endorse General Health than those with neurocognitive impairment. Discussion and Implications HIV+ and HIV− older individuals may generally perceive SA similarly, and their definitions parallel with existing models of SA. Yet, living with a chronic illness may cause HIV+ older adults to place greater value on quality of life and life satisfaction than physical health and chronological age. Observational and intervention studies may use similar approaches in evaluating and maximizing SA.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Á Szabó ◽  
Eva Neely ◽  
C Stephens

© The Author(s) 2019. Community grandparenting may promote the well-being of older adults. We examined the impact of non-kin and grandparental childcare on quality of life and loneliness using longitudinal data from 2653 older New Zealanders collected over 2 years. Providing both non-kin and grandparental childcare predicted greater self-realisation for women only and was associated with reduced levels of control and autonomy for men. Non-kin childcare was also associated with reduced social loneliness over time independent of gender. Findings suggest that non-kin grandparenting has psychosocial benefits for older adults. Surrogate grandparenting offers promising avenues for those without grandchildren to experience the benefits of grandparenting.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 559-559
Author(s):  
Walter Boot

Abstract There has been a great deal of research on technology to support older adults in their performance of Activities and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. There has been substantially less research, however, on exploring technology solutions that support hobbies and leisure. This is unfortunate, as quality of life and well-being are determined by more than just one’s ability to manage everyday tasks. An overview will be presented of research the Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) has conducted over two decades with the goals of understanding and supporting older adults’ performance of technology-based leisure activities. Many of these studies have involved videogaming, where there exists a substantial age-related digital divide. CREATE has evaluated older adults’ attitudes and game experiences through survey and research studies and has even recorded longitudinal gameplay. How these findings can be applied to support technology-based leisure activities will be expanded upon. Part of a symposium sponsored by Technology and Aging Interest Group.


Author(s):  
Vanessa Silva Lins ◽  
Marcia Queiroz de Carvalho Gomes

A demência é uma das principais causas de incapacidade entre a população idosa, sua prevalência vem crescendo com o aumento da longevidade e vem se tornando um problema de saúde pública. O idoso acometido por demência tem as ocupações e o desempenho ocupacional bastante comprometido, necessitando da assistência do terapeuta ocupacional. O objetivo do presente estudo é analisar as contribuições da Terapia Ocupacional na atenção ao idoso com demência, descritas nas produções científicas publicadas em periódicos na área de saúde. Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática, do tipo integrativa, realizada na plataforma BIREME, nas bases de dados da LILACS, SciELO e MEDLINE, usando os descritores “Demência AND Terapia Ocupacional” e “Doença de Alzheimer AND Terapia Ocupacional”, nos idiomas português e espanhol. Foram encontrados 33 artigos, desse total foram selecionados para análise 07 artigos, que estavam dentro dos critérios de inclusão. Esta revisão permitiu constatar que, apesar da tímida produção de publicações de terapeutas ocupacionais acerca da demência, nos dois idiomas pesquisados, a Terapia Ocupacional vem ampliando seu escopo de ação, para além das tradicionais abordagens cognitivas e centradas apenas no idoso, avançou na promoção de práticas preventivas e no manejo de sintomas psicológicos e comportamentais, que envolvem tanto o ambiente físico quanto o ambiente social do idoso. A Terapia Ocupacional tem desenvolvido e utilizado instrumentos próprios da profissão, tais como a DADL-Br e a COPM, fortalecendo sua identidade e especificidade. Vem contribuindo para a qualidade de vida e bem-estar do idoso com Demência e seus cuidadores/familiares, promovendo uma atenção integral e contextualizada. Abstract Dementia is one of the leading causes of disability among the elderly population. Its prevalence has increased with longevity growth and it has become a public health problem. The older adults person affected by dementia has his/her occupations and occupational performance quite compromised, requiring Occupational Therapy assistance. The objective of the present study is to analyze Occupational Therapy assistance contributions to the elderly with dementia, described in the scientific productions published in health journals. It is a review of the integrative type, performed in BIREME platform, in the databases of LILACS, SciELO and MEDLINE, using the descriptors "Dementia AND Occupational Therapy" and "Alzheimer's Disease AND Occupational Therapy", in Portuguese and Spanish.We have found 33 articles, from which 7 articles were selected for analysis, according to the inclusion criteria.This review showed that, in spite of the small number of publications about the performance of dementia in both languages, Occupational Therapy has expanded its scope of action. Beyond cognitive approaches focused on the older adults, it has been making progress on preventing and managing psychological and behavioral symptoms, involving both the physical and social environment of the older adults. Occupational Therapy has developed and used its own tests and evaluations, such as DADL-Br and COPM, strengthening its identity and specificity. It contributes to the quality of life and well-being of the elderly with Dementia and their caregivers / family, promoting integrated and contextualized care.Keywords: Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, Elderly; Occupational Therapy.


2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (12) ◽  
pp. 1813-1825 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wyllians Vendramini Borelli ◽  
Lucas Porcello Schilling ◽  
Graciane Radaelli ◽  
Luciana Borges Ferreira ◽  
Leonardo Pisani ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTObjectives:to perform a comprehensive literature review of studies on older adults with exceptional cognitive performance.Design:We performed a systematic review using two major databases (MEDLINE and Web of Science) from January 2002 to November 2017.Results:Quantitative analysis included nine of 4,457 studies and revealed that high-performing older adults have global preservation of the cortex, especially the anterior cingulate region, and hippocampal volumes larger than normal agers. Histological analysis of this group also exhibited decreased amyloid burden and neurofibrillary tangles compared to cognitively normal older controls. High performers that maintained memory ability after three years showed reduced amyloid positron emission tomography at baseline compared with high performers that declined. A single study on blood plasma found a set of 12 metabolites predicting memory maintenance of this group.Conclusion:Structural and molecular brain preservation of older adults with high cognitive performance may be associated with brain maintenance. The operationalized definition of high-performing older adults must be carefully addressed using appropriate age cut-off and cognitive evaluation, including memory and non-memory tests. Further studies with a longitudinal approach that include a younger control group are essential.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umesh M. Venkatesan ◽  
Amanda Rabinowitz ◽  
Frank Hillary

Objective. Personal beliefs about memory ability, which comprise memory self-efficacy (MSE), can influence memory performance in healthy older adults. Self-efficacy theory also predicts that MSE biases self-perceptions of functioning more globally, potentially impacting daily activity beyond cognitive performance. People with traumatic brain injury (PwTBI) frequently report debilitating memory problems long after acute recovery, but little is known about how MSE affects health outcomes in this population. We examined demographic and clinical correlates of MSE, as well as its relationship to memory test performance and health-related quality of life (QOL), in older adults with chronic moderate-to-severe TBI (msTBI). Method. One hundred fourteen adults, aged 50+ and at least one year post-msTBI, underwent neuropsychological testing to assess their memory functioning. Participants also self-reported levels of psychological distress, MSE (Cognitive Confidence subscale of the Metacognitions Questionnaire), and health-related QOL (Quality of Life after Brain Injury questionnaire). Results. Demographic and injury-related predictors showed weak correlations with MSE. Although the relationship between MSE and general psychological distress was robust, only the former significantly predicted memory performance. Bivariate analyses revealed significant relationships between MSE and five out of the six QOL domains assessed. Multivariate linear regression revealed a significant impact of MSE on overall QOL independent of demographic and clinical variables. Conclusions. Our findings support a unique role for MSE in both objective cognitive performance and subjective health of PwTBI. Increased focus on self-perceptions of ability and their impact on measured outcomes is an important step towards personalized rehabilitation for adults with chronic msTBI.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S752-S752
Author(s):  
Debra J Sheets ◽  
Stuart W MacDonald ◽  
Andre Smith ◽  
Mary Kennedy

Abstract Informal caregivers provide 80% of the care needed to support community-dwelling older adults with dementia. Over time caregivers often face adverse effects on their health, quality of life and well-being; particularly those caring for someone with dementia. This study examines the impact of participation in the Voices in Motion (ViM) choir on caregiver burden, mood and quality of life. A measurement burst approach was used to investigate intraindividual variability on key psychosocial and health indicators. Results indicate that choir participation significantly improves caregiver well-being (e.g. mood, burden) and quality of life. Findings suggest that choirs offer significant caregiver support and respite. The discussion focuses the public policy and on the potential economic implications which suggests a shift is needed in the services available to older adults with dementia and their caregivers.


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