Showing papers in "Aging & Mental Health in 2018"
TL;DR: Alzheimer Europe's position on patient and public involvement in the context of dementia research and highlights some of the challenges and potential risks and benefits associated with such meaningful involvement is discussed in this article.
Abstract: This paper reflects Alzheimer Europe's position on PPI (patient and public involvement) in the context of dementia research and highlights some of the challenges and potential risks and benefits associated with such meaningful involvement The paper was drafted by Alzheimer Europe in collaboration with members of INTERDEM and the European Working Group of People with Dementia It has been formally adopted by the Board of Alzheimer Europe and endorsed by the Board of INTERDEM and by the JPND working group ‘Dementia Outcome Measures - Charting New Territory’Alzheimer Europe is keen to promote the involvement of people with dementia in research, not only as participants but also in the context of PPI, by generating ideas for research, advising researchers, being involved in consultations and being directly involved in research activities This position paper is in keeping with this objective Topics covered include, amongst others, planning involvement, establishing roles and responsibilities, train
150 citations
TL;DR: Understanding older adults’ lived experiences with SARs creates the possibility of using an approach that embeds technological innovation into the care practice itself, and some opinions can be ambiguous and need more attention.
Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this review was to gain a better understanding of how older adults experience, perceive, think, and feel about the use of socially assistive robots (SARs) in aged care settings.Method: We conducted a literature search for studies that used a qualitative or a mixed-method approach having a significant qualitative element. Pubmed, Cinahl, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases were queried. Candidate articles published in journals and conference proceedings were considered for review. Two independent reviewers assessed the included studies for methodological quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program, after which data on subjects’ self-reported opinions and perceptions were extracted and synthesized using thematic analyses.Results: Seventeen studies producing 23 publications were included. Based on the opinions of older adults, four themes emerged in relation to the use of SARS: (1) roles of a SAR; (2) interaction between the older adult and the SAR, ...
104 citations
TL;DR: Within healthy population suitable to inform preventative interventions, there was consistent evidence for education having a protective effect on general cognition in the face of multiple brain burden measures, while occupation presented inconclusive results within cognitive groups.
Abstract: Objectives: The concept of cognitive reserve (CR) is defined as a moderator, which allows an individual to preserve cognition despite underlying brain pathology. There is no consensus of what potentially modifiable CR determinants are of greatest importance. The aim of this review was to identify life-course factors which protect older individuals from expressing cognitive decline despite the presence of brain pathology.Method: A systematic review search was performed in MEDLINE (1946–06/09/13), EMBASE (1947–06/09/13), and PsycheInfo (1967–06/09/13). We included studies examining CR in the context of the four commonest subtypes of dementia, mild cognitive impairment or healthy aging. Studies which combined measurement of underlying dementia-related neuropathology, cognitive function, and factors providing CR in a single model were accepted. We performed a qualitative synthesis of the results.Results: Thirty-four studies out of 9229 screened records met our inclusion criteria and were therefore qua...
100 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined relationships between experiences of ageism and four specific mental health outcomes among older Australian adults, including whether these relationships vary significantly among different groups of older adults.
Abstract: Objectives: This article examines relationships between experiences of ageism and four specific mental health outcomes among older Australian adults, including whether these relationships vary depe...
90 citations
TL;DR: TDL is feasible for informal caregivers and seems to lead to understanding of and insight in the experience of people with dementia, therefore, TDL could support informal caregivers in their caregiving role.
Abstract: Objective: Informal caregivers often experience psychological distress due to the changing functioning of the person with dementia they care for. Improved understanding of the person with dementia reduces psychological distress. To enhance understanding and empathy in caregivers, an innovative technology virtual reality intervention Through the D'mentia Lens (TDL) was developed to experience dementia, consisting of a virtual reality simulation movie and e-course. A pilot study of TDL was conducted. Methods: A pre-test–post-test design was used. Informal caregivers filled out questionnaires assessing person-centeredness, empathy, perceived pressure from informal care, perceived competence and quality of the relationship. At post-test, additional questions about TDL's feasibility were asked. Results: Thirty-five caregivers completed the pre-test and post-test. Most participants were satisfied with TDL and stated that TDL gave more insight in the perception of the person with dementia. The simulation movie was graded 8.03 out of 10 and the e-course 7.66. Participants significantly improved in empathy, confidence in caring for the person with dementia, and positive interactions with the person with dementia. Conclusion: TDL is feasible for informal caregivers and seems to lead to understanding of and insight in the experience of people with dementia. Therefore, TDL could support informal caregivers in their caregiving role.
90 citations
TL;DR: All four online functions were positively correlated with life satisfaction, and task performance and leisure were negatively correlated with depression, a paradoxical situation in which the most beneficial use of the Internet is the least popular.
Abstract: Objectives: This study aimed at exploring the Internet's role in supporting subjective well-being in later life by applying a functional approach, namely, simultaneously but separately examining each of the principal online functions common among older adults (interpersonal communication, information, task performance and leisure). Methods: Data were collected online from 306 Internet users aged 50 years and over. Subjective well-being was measured according to indicators of depression and life satisfaction. Results: Interpersonal communication and information seeking were the most commonly used Internet functions, followed by task performance; use for leisure and recreation was significantly less prevalent. All four online functions were positively correlated with life satisfaction, and task performance and leisure were negatively correlated with depression. After controlling for sociodemographic variables, only leisure associated significantly with the well-being measures. Discussion: These find...
81 citations
TL;DR: A new scale designed to measure technostress specifically among older adults is presented, which had good internal homogeneity, significant inter-construct correlations and high loadings on a single latent factor.
Abstract: Objectives: Technostress is stress induced by Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use. Research on the topic has focused primarily on the workforce and tended to overlook senior citizens...
81 citations
TL;DR: ICT use can potentially enhance the PWB of older adults aged 75+ through facilitating their contact with family members, and these benefits might be particularly salient for those who were frail.
Abstract: Objectives: Information and communicative technology (ICT) use is a potential vehicle for improving the psychological well-being (PWB) of older people. We examined the roles of age, frailty, and social connectedness in the relationship between ICT use and PWB.Method: Telephone interviews were conducted in mid-2016 with 1201 participants aged 50 and above (55.7% female) residing in Hong Kong, China. The participants reported PWB, ICT use (frequency of using the Internet and smart devices), frailty status, contact with family, friends, and neighbors, self-rated health, subjective financial sufficiency, education level, and employment status.Results: We found that the association between ICT and PWB was moderated by age: ICT was associated with PWB only among old-olds (75+), but not in other age groups. This moderation was mediated by contact with family, but not with friends or neighbors. The moderation was further qualified by frailty status: the ICT-by-age moderation was found only among frail, bu...
80 citations
TL;DR: Staff care staff perceptions of Paro and a look-alike non-robotic animal, including benefits and limitations in dementia care, identified that Paro had the potential to improve quality of life for people with dementia, whereas the Plush Toy had limitations when compared to Paro.
Abstract: Objectives: Social robots such as Paro, a therapeutic companion robot, have recently been introduced into dementia care as a means to reduce behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. The ...
75 citations
TL;DR: Despite the limited evidence, it is important to continue supporting MT as a complementary treatment for older adults with dementia, as RCTs with larger sample sizes are needed to better elucidate the impact of MT on cognitive functions.
Abstract: Objectives: The aim of the present study was to meta-analyze the effect of music therapy (MT) on cognitive functions in patients with dementia.Method: A systematic literature search was performed in Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL and RILM up to 8 September 2016. We included all randomized controlled trials that compared MT with standard care, or other non-musical types of intervention, evaluating cognitive outcomes in patients with dementia. Outcomes included global cognition, complex attention, executive function, learning and memory, language, and perceptual-motor skills.Results: From 1089 potentially relevant records, 110 studies were assessed for eligibility, and 7 met the inclusion criteria, of which 6 contained appropriate data for meta-analysis (330 participants, mean age range 78.8–86.3). Overall, random-effects meta-analyses suggested no significant effects of MT on all outcomes. Subgroup analysis found evidence of a beneficial effect of active MT on global cognition (SMD = 0.29, 95% C...
73 citations
TL;DR: Loneliness increased the risk of developing dementia among people aged 65 years and older in China and the effect of loneliness on dementia risk varied by gender, with men who felt lonely more likely to suffer from dementia than women.
Abstract: Objective: The objective of this study was to examine whether loneliness was associated with the risk of developing dementia in Chinese older adults and whether the association was moderated by gender.Method: A 3-year cohort study was conducted using data from the 2008/2009 and 2011/2012 waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between loneliness and dementia. The interaction between loneliness and gender was also evaluated.Results: At 3-year follow-up, 393 of the 7867 participants had dementia. Loneliness was associated with dementia (odds ratio (OR) = 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.11–1.56) after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, and baseline health status. A significant interaction between loneliness and gender was also found (OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.65–0.99).Conclusion: Loneliness increased the risk of developing dementia among people aged 65 years and older in China. Mo...
TL;DR: The findings point at a high prevalence of every single psychiatric disorder among older prisoners, who also experience rates of dementia and alcohol abuse comparable to those reported in the community.
Abstract: Objectives: Despite emerging evidence that older prisoners experience poor mental health, literature in this area is still limited. In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, we report on the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among older prisoners and compare our findings against community studies on older people.Methods: We searched on Assia, PsycInfo, MedLine, Embase, Web of Science, Google and Gov.uk. We carried out bias assessments, rated studies for quality and ran a heterogeneity test. We meta-analysed prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders through an aggregate weighted mean and calculated relative risk (RR) and statistical significance against community studies. Sensitivity analyses were further performed.Results: We reviewed nine studies and obtained the following prevalence: ‘Any psychiatric disorder’ 38.4%, depression 28.3%, schizophrenia/psychoses 5.5%, bipolar disorder 4.5%, dementia 3.3%, cognitive impairment 11.8%, personality disorder 22.9%, alcohol abuse 15.9%, anxiet...
TL;DR: Lonely older workers are at increased risk for maladjustment and the experience of depressive symptoms following retirement, and could benefit from interventions aimed at increasing daily social interactions and establishing a socially satisfying routine.
Abstract: Objectives: The transition to retirement implies significant changes in daily routine and in the social environment. More specifically, it requires more self-directed efforts in order to stay socially engaged. Hence, for those who suffer from loneliness, the transition to retirement could result in increased depressive symptoms due to the lack of structured daily routine.Methods: We used two waves of the Health and Retirement Study, and tested whether the transition to retirement between the two waves moderates the effects of loneliness on depressive symptoms.Results: The transition to retirement moderated the effect of loneliness in wave 1 on depressive symptoms in wave 2, such that for those who retired, the effect was stronger in comparison to those who stayed employed.Conclusions: Although many manage to easily transition into retirement, lonely older workers are at increased risk for maladjustment and the experience of depressive symptoms following retirement. This group could perhaps benefit...
TL;DR: Findings suggest that household-based physical activity is related to social isolation in community-dwelling older adults.
Abstract: Objectives: Social isolation is an increasing concern in older community-dwelling adults. There is growing need to determine effective interventions addressing social isolation. This study aimed to determine whether a relationship exists between physical activity (recreational and/or household-based) and social isolation. An examination was conducted for whether group- or home-based falls prevention exercise was associated with social isolation.Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of telephone survey data was used to investigate relationships between physical activity, health, age, gender, living arrangements, ethnicity and participation in group- or home-based falls prevention exercise on social isolation. Univariable and multivariable ordered logistic regression analyses were conducted.Results: Factors found to be significantly associated with reduced social isolation in multivariable analysis included living with a partner/spouse, reporting better general health, higher levels of household-based p...
TL;DR: Comparing depressed mood, anxiety and psychological distress in caregivers (CGs) of older adults with Alzheimer's disease (AD) with non-caregivers with NCGs generally conformed to STROBE criteria, although data management issues that may contribute to methodological bias were identified.
Abstract: Objectives: To quantitatively review the literature comparing depressed mood, anxiety and psychological distress in caregivers (CGs) of older adults with Alzheimer's disease (AD) with non-caregivers (NCGs)Methods: Eighteen independent studies comparing AD CGs (N = 2378) with NCGs (N = 70,035) were evaluated in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Standardised mean differences (Hedges’ g) with associated 95% confidence intervals and p-values were calculated using a random-effects model.Results: Studies generally conformed to STROBE criteria in terms of their methodological and procedural detail, although data management issues that may contribute to methodological bias were identified. Pooled effect estimates revealed medium to large group differences in depression (gw = 1.01 [CI: 0.73, 1.29] p < 0.01) and anxiety (gw = 0.64 [CI: 0.39, 0.89] p < 0.01): AD caregivers reported higher symptom severity. Gender was a significant mo...
TL;DR: An important association is suggested between person-centered care, particularly fulfilling personal care and recreation preferences, and social-affective needs of long-term care residents and Fulfilling preferences may be an appropriate intervention target for loneliness.
Abstract: Objectives: Person-centered care constructs such as fulfilled preferences, sense of control, and life satisfaction might contribute to loneliness among nursing home residents, but these relationships have not been thoroughly explored. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between fulfilled preferences and loneliness in nursing home residents with perceived control and life satisfaction as potential mediators.Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional design, examining the targeted variables with a questionnaire administered by trained research staff. A convenience sample of 65 residents (median age = 71) of eight nursing homes were interviewed. Linear regression analysis was utilized to examine the mediation hypotheses.Results: The relationships between fulfilled preferences and loneliness (β = −.377, p = .002), fulfilled preferences and perceived control (β = −.577, p < .001), and perceived control and loneliness (β = .606, p < .001) were significant, and the relationship betwe...
TL;DR: Making music at least once every two weeks and especially playing a musical instrument, is associated with better attention, episodic memory and executive functions, which suggests that making music might be a potential protective factor for cognitive decline.
Abstract: Objectives: Cognitive decline happens to everyone when aging, but to some more than others Studies with children, adults, and professional musicians suggest that making music could be asso
TL;DR: The study results show that informal carers reported almost twice as many needs as people with dementia, and the domains in which needs are expressed should be the primary focus for interventions to support QOL.
Abstract: Objective: The Actifcare (Access to timely formal care) study investigated needs of people with dementia and their families during the phase in which formal care is being considered, and examined whether higher need levels are related to lower quality of life (QOL).Method: From eight European countries 451 people with dementia and their carers participated. Needs were measured with the Camberwell Assessment of Need for the Elderly. QOL was measured with the QOL-AD, and carer quality of life was measured with the CarerQol. The relationship between needs and QOL was analysed with multiple regression analyses.Results: Needs were expressed in the domains of psychological distress, daytime activities, company and information. People with dementia rated their unmet needs significantly lower than their carers: the mean number of self-rated unmet needs was 0.95, whereas the mean proxy ratings were 1.66. For met needs, the self-rated mean was 5.5 and was 8 when proxy-rated. The level of needs reported was ...
TL;DR: It is suggested that despite high caregiver burden and moderate compassion fatigue, family caregivers are able to provide care and find satisfaction in the role.
Abstract: Objectives: Caregiving results in both positive and negative outcomes for caregivers. The purpose of this study was to examine compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction in family caregivers. M...
TL;DR: The meanings of existential loneliness as narrated by frail older people as well as support strategies that can be used by health care professionals to address older people in vulnerable situations are illuminated, thereby facilitating connectedness.
Abstract: Being disconnected from life - meanings of existential loneliness as narrated by frail older people
TL;DR: Findings suggest that distressed male and female dementia caregivers experience caregiving differently, and results from this study could be used to identify gender-specific interventions related to subtypes of burden and depression to optimize quality of life for caregivers.
Abstract: Objective: Previous literature has examined burden and depression predominately as unitary constructs in relation to dementia caregiving. No studies thus far have examined gender differences in the specific components of burden and depression in dementia caregivers. The current study examined whether empirically validated dimensions of caregiver burden differed by gender for dementia caregivers.Methods: The sample consisted of 211 dementia caregivers enrolled in a longitudinal intervention study. Only baseline functioning was evaluated in this study. Levels of burden were assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), and levels of depression were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D).Results: Factor analysis revealed three facets of burden: impact of caregiving on the caregivers’ lives, guilt, and frustration/embarrassment, and four facets of depression: depressed affect, somatic activity, positive affect, and interpersonal feelings. Overall burden (p < .0...
TL;DR: The evidence on the experience of living with YOD is not matched by research and the innovation needed to mitigate the impact of YOD, so the inclusion of people with Yod and their caregivers in service design is critical when planning support in order to delay institutional care.
Abstract: Background: Literature agrees that post-diagnostic services for people living with young onset dementia (YOD) need to be age-appropriate, but there is insufficient evidence of ‘what works’ to infor...
TL;DR: Use of an 8-week smartphone-based memory training program may improve WM function in older adults, however, objective improvement in performance does not necessarily lead to decreased SMC.
Abstract: Objectives: We explored whether newly developed application (Smartphone-based brain Anti-aging and memory Reinforcement Training, SMART) improved memory performance in older adults with subjective ...
TL;DR: This review indicated that training-interventions were effective in improving carer knowledge and communication skills, but improvements to quality of life and psychological wellbeing of carers and people living with dementia may require more targeted interventions.
Abstract: Objectives: To update previous reviews and provide a more detailed overview of the effectiveness, acceptability and conceptual basis of communication training-interventions for carers of people liv...
TL;DR: There is a dearth of good-quality evidence investigating the cancer–dementia prevalence and its implications for successful cancer treatment, and findings suggest that dementia is associated with poorer cancer outcomes although the reasons for this are not yet clear.
Abstract: Objectives: A comorbid diagnosis of cancer and dementia (cancer–dementia) may have unique implications for patient cancer-related experience. The objectives were to estimate prevalence of cancer–dementia and related experiences of people with dementia, their carers and cancer clinicians including cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment and palliative care.Method: Databases were searched (CINAHL, Psychinfo, Medline, Embase, BNI) using key terms such as dementia, cancer and experience. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (a) English language, (b) published any time until early 2016, (c) diagnosis of cancer–dementia and (d) original articles that assessed prevalence and/or cancer-related experiences including screening, cancer treatment and survival. Due to variations in study design and outcomes, study data were synthesised narratively.Results: Forty-seven studies were included in the review with a mix of quantitative (n = 44) and qualitative (n = 3) methodologies. Thirty-four studies reported varied...
TL;DR: The current evidence suggests that there are universal problems, regardless of continent, with delays to diagnosis and poor understanding of optimum models for service provision and long-term care.
Abstract: Objectives: Receiving a timely and accurate diagnosis and gaining access to age-appropriate support for younger people living with dementia (YPD) remains a challenge both in the UK and internationa...
TL;DR: Among middle-aged and older Danish adults, loneliness was strongly associated with poor self-rated health, limited physical ability and multi-morbidity.
Abstract: Background: While the association between overall poor health and loneliness among older adults continues to be examined closely, less attention has been given to middle-aged adults. This paper examines the relationship between loneliness and health as measured by self-rated health, physical ability and multi-morbidity in a large sample of Danish adults between the ages of 52–92 years. Furthermore, it identifies vulnerable groups with regard to the year of birth and gender.Method: We apply the survey-study method, using data collected by The Danish National Centre for Social Research in 2012. We analysed the association between loneliness and health in 9154 Danish adults through multi-variate regression analyses adjusting for the year of birth, gender, marital status, cohabitation status, employment status and home ownership.Results: We found that loneliness was associated with increased risks of poor self-rated health (OR, 2.58; 95% Cl, 1.20–3.35), limited physical abilities (OR, 1.91; 95% Cl, 1....
TL;DR: Findings suggest that sleep disturbance, depression, and anxiety are associated with AD development among cognitively asymptomatic participants, and decreasing the threat posed by psychological symptoms may be one avenue for possibly delaying onset of AD.
Abstract: Objectives: Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia is a neurodegenerative condition, which leads to impairments in memory. This study predicted that sleep disturbance, depression, and anxiety increase t...
TL;DR: It is highlighted how policies for elderly care should be developed considering the diverse needs, characteristics and goals of elderly people rather than treating them as a singular homogenous group, in particular in relation to different old-age groups.
Abstract: Objectives: This study investigated variation across different old-age groups in the association between intergenerational support and elderly life satisfaction in China, taking into account both e...
TL;DR: ADRD in U.S. community-dwelling elders is associated with significant financial burden, primarily driven by increased home healthcare use, and this retrospective cross-sectional study compared the annual healthcare expenditures between elderly individuals aged 65 years and older with ADRD and without ADRD.
Abstract: Objective: To estimate the excess direct annual healthcare expenditures associated with Alzheimer's and related dementias(ADRD) among community-dwelling older adults in the United States.Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study compared the annual healthcare expenditures between elderly individuals aged 65 years and older with ADRD (n = 662) and without ADRD (n = 13,398) using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) for the years 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013. Adjusted total annual medical expenditures was estimated using generalized linear model with gamma distribution and log link in 2013 U.S. dollars. Adjusted inpatient, outpatient, emergency, home healthcare and prescription drug expenditures, were estimated using two-part logit-generalized linear regression models.Results: The adjusted mean total healthcare expenditures were higher for the ADRD group as compared to the no ADRD group($14,508 vs. $10,096). Among those with ADRD, 34.3% of the expenditures were for home healthc...