SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF HYDROXYAPATITECALCIUM HYDROXIDE FOR DENTAL COMPOSITES

In this work hydroxyapatite was precipitated from calcium hydroxide and phosphoric acid. Calcium hydroxide forms in addition to hydroxyapatite in samples with calcium to phosphorus ratio more than the stoichiometric one (Ca/P = 1.67). The effect of changing the pH of the precipitation solution was investigated. Changing the pH of solution had no effect on the amount of compounds formed in the structure. In contrast, an increase in Ca/P ratio increases the total amount of calcium hydroxide which is suitable for dental composite application

A Novel Intervention for Management of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia in Nursing Home Communal Areas: Results of a Small-Scale Pilot Trial

Background: Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) exhibited by persons with dementia (PwD) in nursing home communal areas are generally managed by segregation and/or pharmacological interventions. Objective: This study trialed MindfulGarden (MG), a novel digital calming device, in a Canadian nursing home. Methods: Participants were 15 PwD (mean age = 87.67; 5m,10f; mean MMSE = 11.64±7.85). Each was observed by a research assistant (RA) for an average of 8–10 hours on two separate days. The RA followed them during time spent in communal areas of the nursing home including their unit’s dining space, lounges, and corridors and spaces shared with other units (e.g., gym and gift shop) and documented any BPSD exhibited. Day-1 provided baseline data; on Day-2, residents were exposed to MG if nursing staff considered their BPSD were sufficiently intense or sustained to warrant intervention. Staff rated the impact as positive, neutral, or negative. Results: On Day-1, 9 participants exhibited both aggressive and non-aggressive behaviors, 4 non-aggressive behaviors only, and 2 no BPSD. On Day-2, 7 exhibiting aggressive behaviors were exposed to MG. Staff reported MG as having distracting/calming effects and gave positive impact ratings to 6/13 exposures; there were no negative ratings. The most common aggressive BPSD on days of observation were pushing/shoving and screaming. Conclusion: MG may have value as a “psychiatric crash cart” in de-escalating agitation and aggression in care home settings

Acculturation as a predictor of depressive symptoms and life satisfaction among older Iranian immigrants in Canada

Limited acculturation of older ethnic immigrants in Canada may adversely impact their psychological well-being. When older adults are equipped with effective means of communication and are familiarized with the services and resources of their host country, they can expand their networks to foster service use and buffer them against isolation. As the existing literature suggests, there could be an association between health behaviour and acculturation. For this thesis, it was hypothesized that less acculturated Iranian-born older adults in Canada experience reduced psychological well-being. Demographic characteristics of this population also may account for variability in both acculturation and indicators of mental health; these were also examined as predictors of psychological well-being thesis. The results of this thesis indicated that acculturation predicts life satisfaction but not depressive symptoms among older Iranian immigrants residing in Metro Vancouver

Effects of a screen-based calming device on agitated behaviors of dementia: a pilot study in a residential care home

Mindful Garden (MG) is a digital platform resembling a flat-screen TV with touchless sensors that react to voice and motion. In this study, 13 residents of a long term care facility aged 74-100 exhibiting Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) were randomly assigned to intervention (n=7) and control (n=6) groups.  On days 1-3, the intervention group received usual care plus exposure to MG during morning and evening care, events problematic for residents and staff; controls received usual care only. On day 4, both groups were exposed to MG with verbal cueing. A 26-item checklist was used to record frequency and types of disruptive BPSD exhibited; care duration was recorded in minutes. Trends in the data suggest that MG reduced BPSD and duration of care in the morning, but had minimal or a negative impact in evening care. Verbal cueing enhanced impact and may be necessary for successful implementation.   &nbsp