Elizabeth A. Perkins

Bio: Elizabeth A. Perkins is an academic researcher from University of South Florida. The author has contributed to research in topics: Intellectual disability & Population. The author has an hindex of 18, co-authored 32 publications receiving 907 citations.

Impact of breast cancer survivorship on quality of life in older women.

Abstract: Quality of life (QOL) is an important outcome for cancer survivors; but although age is a major risk factor, most breast cancer survivorship studies are conducted with younger women. The objective of our study was to compare QOL in a sample of older breast cancer survivors to a sample of older women who were never diagnosed with breast cancer. A sample of 127 older breast cancer survivors as identified by a cancer registry was compared to a demographically equated sample of 87 older women participating in an epidemiological study. Both groups completed a questionnaire and participated in an interview to measure QOL. The older breast cancer survivors scored worse in the Medical Outcomes Study-Short Form, a measure of health-related QOL. Survivors reported no more depressive symptoms or anxious mood than the comparison group, but scored lower in measures of positive psychosocial well-being, including life satisfaction, mastery, and spiritual well-being, and reported more depressed mood and days affected by fatigue. Older breast cancer survivors show multiple indications of decrements in their health-related quality of life, and lower psychosocial well-being than the comparison group. These decrements may represent deficits in reserve capacity that predispose older cancer survivors to functional disability but may not be readily detected in typical clinical evaluations given the multiple impairments common in geriatric populations. Results suggest a need for greater attention to promoting functioning and psychological well-being among older cancer survivors, even when they may not have obvious cancer-related medical complications.

Aging Adults With Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract: Increasing age is but one of manyfactors associated with disparities in health accessandoutcomes,alongwithsex,nonwhiterace,lowersocio-economic status, geographic proximity to health profes-sionals,andhavingadisability.Moreover,withinthepopu-lation of those with disabilities, persons with intellectualdisabilities (ID) are further disadvantaged.

Into the Unknown: Aging with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract: Research investigation of older adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) noticeably lags behind studies of children and younger adults with ASD. This article reviews the current literature regarding a range of quality of life outcomes of aging adults with ASD. Studies that have addressed life expectancy, comorbid physical and mental health issues, ASD symptomatology, and social, residential, and vocational outcomes are reviewed. Research challenges in identifying older cohorts of adults with ASD are also discussed, and notable areas of concern are highlighted. Overall, aging with ASD does present challenges, but there is also evidence that positive outcomes are attainable. The article concludes with brief recommendations on how to optimize the aging process for individuals with ASD.

Family Caregivers of Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Outcomes Associated With U.S. Services and Supports

Abstract: Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the U.S. predominantly live with their family caregivers. As care delivery and support systems vary widely globally, consideration of caregiver outcomes specifically in the U.S. context is needed. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify U.S. family caregiver outcomes and their association with existing services and supports for family caregivers of adults with IDD. Twenty-four articles were compiled using the PubMed, Web of Knowledge, PsychInfo, and CINAHL databases. Studies report economic, mental, and physical health outcomes from caregiving roles. The need for comprehensive caregiver assessment is discussed. Understanding and responding to the changing needs of family caregivers is vital to the U.S. disability service system to effectively prioritize formal resources and services.

Individual differences in well-being in older breast cancer survivors

Abstract: Older women who survive breast cancer may differ significantly in their long-term well-being. Using a risk and protective factors model, we studied predictors of well-being in 127 women age 70 and above with a history of at least 1 year's survival of breast cancer. Mean post-cancer survivorship was 5.1 years. Using life satisfaction, depression and general health perceptions as outcome variables, we assessed whether demographic variables, cancer-related variables, health status and psychosocial resources predicted variability in well-being using correlational and hierarchical regression analyses. Higher age predicted increased depression but was not associated with life satisfaction or general health perceptions. Cancer-related variables, including duration of survival, and type of cancer treatment, were not significantly associated with survivors' well-being. Poorer health status was associated with poorer well-being in all three dependent variables. After controlling for demographics, cancer-related variables, and health status, higher levels of psychosocial resources including optimism, mastery, spirituality and social support predicted better outcome in all three dependent variables. While many older women survive breast cancer without severe sequelae, there is considerable variability in their well-being after survivorship. Successful intervention with older breast cancer survivors might include greater attention not only to cancer-specific concerns, but also attention to geriatric syndromes and functional impairment, and enhancement of protective psychosocial resources.

Psychiatric Co-occurring Symptoms and Disorders in Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract: Although psychiatric problems are less prevalent in old age within the general population, it is largely unknown whether this extends to individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We examined psychiatric symptoms and disorders in young, middle-aged, and older adults with and without ASD (Nmax = 344, age 19–79 years, IQ > 80). Albeit comparable to other psychiatric patients, levels of symptoms and psychological distress were high over the adult lifespan; 79 % met criteria for a psychiatric disorder at least once in their lives. Depression and anxiety were most common. However, older adults less often met criteria for any psychiatric diagnosis and, specifically, social phobia than younger adults. Hence, despite marked psychological distress, psychiatric problems are also less prevalent in older aged individuals with ASD.

Spirituality and well-being in cancer patients: A review

Abstract: Objective: Cancer places many demands on the patient and threatens the person's sense of meaning to life. It has been shown that cancer patients use their spirituality to cope with these experiences. The present literature review summarizes the research findings on the relationship between spirituality and emotional well-being. Special attention is given to the strength of the research findings. Methods: A literature search was performed in Pubmed and Web of Science. Spirituality does not necessarily coincide with religiosity. Therefore, studies were excluded that focused on religiosity. Forty publications met the inclusion criteria: Twenty-seven studies that investigated the relationship between spirituality and well-being, and 13 publications that explored the relationship between meaning in life and well-being. Results: The majority of the cross-sectional studies (31 of 36) found a positive association between spirituality and well-being. The four studies with a longitudinal design showed mixed results. The significance of the findings is challenged, because most spirituality questionnaires contain several items that directly refer to emotional well-being. Conclusions: Despite that the majority of the studies concluded that spirituality was associated with higher well-being, no definitive conclusions on this relationship can be drawn due to major methodological shortcomings of these studies. Longitudinal research utilizing spirituality and well-being measures that do not overlap in content is recommended. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.