The prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in diverse geographical and ethnocultural regions: The COSMIC Collaboration

Background Changes in criteria and differences in populations studied and methodology have produced a wide range of prevalence estimates for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods Uniform criteria were applied to harmonized data from 11 studies from USA, Europe, Asia and Australia, and MCI prevalence estimates determined using three separate definitions of cognitive impairment. Results The published range of MCI prevalence estimates was 5.0%-36.7%. This was reduced with all cognitive impairment definitions: performance in the bottom 6.681% (3.2%-10.8%); Clinical Dementia Rating of 0.5 (1.8%-14.9%); Mini-Mental State Examination score of 24-27 (2.1%-20.7%). Prevalences using the first definition were 5.9% overall, and increased with age (P < .001) but were unaffected by sex or the main races/ethnicities investigated (Whites and Chinese). Not completing high school increased the likelihood of MCI (P = .01). Conclusion Applying uniform criteria to harmonized data greatly reduced the variation in MCI prevalence internationally

Evaluating Implementation and Outcomes of a Person-Centered Care Model for People with Dementia in the Rehabilitation In-Patient Setting: Project Protocol

Background: While Australian guidelines promote person-centered healthcare (PCC) for persons with dementia, healthcare systems, routines, rules, and workplace cultures can pose challenges in the provision of PCC. Objective: To present a knowledge translation protocol of the PCC model in a sub-acute rehabilitation hospital. Methods: The two-year pre/post/follow-up translation project will include (n = 80) persons with dementia, (n = 80) adult family/carers of patient participants, (n = 60) healthcare staff (medical, nursing, allied health), and (n = 8) PCC staff champions. Champions will complete six half-days' training in PCC. Medical, nursing, and allied health staff will be provided with PCC learning manuals, complete six hours of online PCC education and attend six face-to-face PCC education sessions. Champions will provide ongoing support to staff in PCC practice. The Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework will be used to evaluate: i) outcomes for prospective patients provided with PCC, compared with a matched sample of retrospective patients (primary outcomes agitation incidence and severity); 2) champion and staff PCC knowledge, confidence, engagement, and practice quality; 3) person, family/carer, champion, and staff satisfaction with PCC; 4) PCC costs and benefits; and 5) organizational structures, systems and policies required to implement and maintain PCC in sub-acute healthcare. Results: We will identify if PCC benefits persons with dementia, staff, and healthcare services, and we will generate evidence on the educational and organizational resources required to embed PCC in practice. Conclusion: Project findings will inform tailored PCC education applications for dissemination in healthcare and produce evidence-based PCC practice guidelines to improve healthcare for persons with dementia

Living with the elderly is related to a better performance in the recognition of facial expressions of emotion among older individuals

Abstract Background: Cohabitation with the elderly may bring benefits to social relationships and exert an influence on the recognition of facial expressions of emotion. Objective: Compare emotion recognition skills between a cohabitation group (CHG) of older adults who live with a dependent elderly individual and a non-cohabitation group (NCHG) of older adults who do not live with an elderly individual. Methods: Interviews were conducted with 62 older adults in the CHG and 56 in the NCHG. The two groups were similar with regard to gender, age, schooling, degree of dependence, cognitive performance, and depressive symptoms. A dynamic task with six emotions (anger, disgust, happiness, surprise, sadness, and fear) and four levels of intensity was administered to evaluate the recognition of facial emotions. Results: The CHG performed better than the NCHG regarding the correct identification of emotions, specifically surprise (60%), disgust (60%, 80%, and 100%), fear (80%), and sadness (80% and 100%). Discussion: Cohabitation with an elderly individual seems to offer benefits to older adults in terms of recognizing facial expressions of emotion.</div

Assistive and Educational Technology Standards and Teacher Competencies in Relation to Evidence-Based Practice: Identification and Classification of the Literature

The federal No Child Left Behind Act mandates the application of the principles of evidence-based practice (EBP) in U.S. education. The purpose of this study was to identify available assistive technology (AT) and educational technology (ET) literature that relates to standards and teacher competencies, and to categorize that literature in relation to Sweeney\u27s (1999) definition of standards and Davies\u27 (1999) EBP hierarchy. Literature was identified through subject index searching, browsing, footnote chasing, and consultation. Content analysis was conducted on 110 documents from years 1995–2009 that met inclusion criteria. The majority of literature is based upon expert opinion evidence, which is not highly rigorous. The most rigorous evidence identified came from survey and correlation descriptive studies; a complete lack of experimental evidence was noted. AT and ET are in the beginning stages of implementing EBP in the area of teacher standards and competencies. Advancing AT and ET practice through evidence is critical for moving the field forward scientifically and for ensuring accountability

The prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in diverse geographical and ethnocultural regions: The COSMIC Collaboration

10.1371/journal.pone.0142388PLoS ONE1011e014238