Space Retrieval Training for Memory Enhancement in Adults with Dementia

The final portfolio contains 8 research articles from national and international journals. Study designs include one systematic review, one randomized control trial with pretest-posttest design, three small-scale randomized control trials, one quasi-experimental study with no control, one time-series study, and one case study. All studies relate directly to components of the evidence-based practice question and will be used to draft new recommendations for implementation regarding spaced retrieval training for memory enhancement in adults with dementia. Seven out of the eight articles looked at the effects of SR techniques on functional tasks. Articles looked at eating difficulty (1), independent use of walkers (1), iADL function (3), use of technology (1), and ADL function (1). One out of eight articles looked at benefits of spaced retrieval techniques on episodic memory, which is not necessarily a functional task, but is needed to perform functional tasks

Puzzling Your Puzzler

The following is summarizing a proposed experimental study based on current literature review and research to evaluate a new interventional therapy for the treatment of concussion compared to current therapeutic practices. Background and Purpose: Concussions have become a major concern in the medical field in recent years. Several research studies have been conducted to learn the signs and symptoms regarding concussions. Recent literature has found that the signs and symptoms of a concussion are similar to those of patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Treating Alzheimer’s disease has changed in recent years. Research has found that mental rehabilitation, also known as mental gymnastics, has aided in slowing the progression of the disease. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to see that if the treatment for Alzheimer’s patients, mental gymnastics, could be used as a form of mental rehabilitation of those suffering from a concussion to improve return to baseline cognitive function. Methods: The subjects will be obtained through a convenient sample from the local Akron Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine Center over a three year span. It will include both male and female patients between the ages of 13 and 18 years old. The inclusion parameters for the study are individuals that are diagnosed with a concussion by a sports medicine physician using a SCAT 2 form and clinical evaluation. The patients will first be examined and tested for a concussion using the SCAT 2 form and reaction time test. Then, the patients are randomly assigned to the control group, receiving current standard treatment or the experimental group, receiving standard therapy treatment plus a specific mental gymnastics protocol. After a week, the patients will return to the office for a follow- up visit where the packets will be retrieved and patients will again undergo clinical assessment, SCAT 2 assessment, and reaction time assessment to evaluate concussive symptoms. The data collected will then undergo statistical analysis using a two sample t- test

Training persons with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease how to use an electronic medication management device : development of an intervention protocol

Background/Objectives: Medication management is challenging for persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and their caregivers. Electronic medication management devices (eMMDs) are specifically designed to support this task. However, theory-driven interventions for eMMD training with this population are rarely described. This study aimed to develop and assess the appropriateness of an intervention protocol to train persons with early-stage AD how to use an eMMD. Methods: Interviews with three categories of participants [persons with early-stage AD (n = 3), caregivers (n = 3), and clinicians (n = 3)] were conducted to understand medication management needs, perceived usefulness of an eMMD, and to explore training strategies. Subsequently, this knowledge was integrated in an intervention protocol which was validated with the three clinicians. A content analysis led to iterative modifications to maximize the acceptability and coherence of the intervention protocol in a homecare context. Results: The final intervention protocol specifies the expertise required to provide the training intervention and the target population, followed by an extensive presentation of eMMD features. Specific learning strategies tailored to the cognitive profile of persons with AD with step-by-step instructions for clinicians are included. Finally, it presents theoretical information on cognitive impairment in AD and how eMMDs can support them. Conclusions: This intervention protocol with its theoretical and pragmatic foundation is an important starting point to enable persons with early-stage AD to become active users of eMMDs. Next steps should evaluate the immediate and long-term impacts of its implementation on medication management in the daily lives of persons with AD and their caregivers

Seniors Living with Alzheimer\u27s Disease and Dementia: The Promise of App Technology

The purpose of this paper considers the potential of seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia using “apps” on Mobile Application Technology that may assist their daily issues. Based on the Ontario 2017 budget, the government’s plan to improve health care services by providing additional funding will significantly impact citizens who use these services on a regular basis. Unfortunately, the number of Canadian citizens that will develop Alzheimer’s and dementia are projected to double in the next decade. Because of this projection, the Dementia Strategy is meant to assist those affected by the illness as well as ensuring their quality of life is maintained. The research problem looks into alleviating the high demand for health care services through apps, and hopefully, with scientific research, apps can also convey independence and their dignity as seniors going through Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia. The design of the study looks into four types of areas: cognitive training, physical training, companionship and daily task reminds. Each area reviews one app that corresponds to each category and the significance it has for seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia. The future of app technology is determined by the ability of the government to conduct scientific research and experts can test app technology on seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

Outlook Magazine, Winter 2009

https://digitalcommons.wustl.edu/outlook/1178/thumbnail.jp

Cognitive strategy intervention for elders living in a residential care facility.

Residential care facilities are communities for elders that encourage residents to maintain their independence for everyday activities. These individuals may experience memory dysfunction which can negatively impact their confidence and well being. Through the implementation of an intervention focusing on teaching elders strategies to improve everyday memory functioning, older adults’ knowledge of memory strategies, confidence in their memory, and quality of life may improve. The present study examines the efficacy of a five-session cognitive strategy program for elders on memory self-efficacy, quality of life, and memory strategy knowledge. The memory self-efficacy of participants of elders in the intervention group improved significantly relative to a control group. Additionally, participants’ knowledge of memory strategies improved overall after completion of this program; but no significant improvement in quality of life was observed. Such findings highlight the benefits of cognitive-behavioral interventions can for bolstering elders’ confidence and knowledge for memory strategies, thereby reducing age-related stigma

Washington University Record, January 26, 1989

https://digitalcommons.wustl.edu/record/1466/thumbnail.jp

Cognitive Training for Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

The purpose of this article is to critically review and synthesize the literature on the effects of nonpharmacological cognitive training on dementia symptoms in early-stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementia. Electronic databases MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL, PsycInfo, and the Cochrane Library were searched using the keywords cognition, reality orientation, Alzheimer’s disease, psychosocial factors, cognitive therapy, brain plasticity, enriched environments, and memory training. The findings support that cognitive training improves cognition, activities of daily living, and decision making. Interventions are more effective if they are structured and focus on specific known losses related to the AD pathological process and a person’s residual ability, or are combined with cognitive- enhancing medications. Nursing implications are also discussed