Search results for ‘Subject term:"cognitive impairment"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 3 of 3
HIV-related cognitive dysfunction: implications for aging and social work
- Authors:
- VANCE David E., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Social Work in Mental Health, 13(6), 2015, pp.553-570.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Half of adults with HIV experience HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND). HIV infects microglial and macrophages in the brain, resulting in a neurotoxic environment that inhibits the function of neurons, thus impairing cognition. Social workers require an understanding of how HIV-related cognitive dysfunction develops within the larger context of mental illness, substance use, and socioeconomic status. This article briefly reviews the clinical diagnosis of HAND and some interrelated neurobiological and psychosocial factors. Research implications for improving cognition are important as one considers: (1) The impact of the ageing process on cognition and (2) the growing number of older adults with HIV. (Edited publisher abstract)
Spaced retrieval technique – a cognitive tool for social workers and their clients
- Authors:
- VANCE David E., STRUZICK Tom, FARR Kenneth
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 53(2), February 2010, pp.148-158.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
This article describes and evaluates the Spaced Retrieval Technique (SRT), a shaping paradigm applied to memory, for use by social workers with clients in the early stages of Alzheimers disease, with traumatic brain injuries, and HIV AIDS. These conditions may have resulted in cognitive impairment which can reduce the quality of life. The authors also looked at the cognitive ageing literature, where SRT has been used by social workers to help their clients retain the information needed to enhance their autonomous functioning and perform the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). The relationship between memory loss and everyday functioning by looking at IADLs and activities of daily living (ADL) is explored. The technique is based on errorless learning and comprises recalling information over progressively longer periods of time until the information is successfully consolidated into long term memory. Types of information include adherence to medication regimes, keeping doctor’s appointments or paying of bills, for example. The authors list the relevance of SRT to many different clinical populations and give implications for social work practice in the future using SRT as a simple to use approach to help older people compensate for some memory loss. A fact sheet on SRT is appended.
Addressing risk factors of cognitive impairment in adults aging with HIV: a social work model
- Authors:
- VANCE David E., STRUZICK Thomas C.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 49(4), 2007, pp.51-77.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
As medical treatments improve, the number of older adults with HIV is increasing, and the synergistic effects of ageing and HIV may place many at risk of cognitive impairment. However, cognitive reserve and neuroplasticity can be maintained, and in some cases improved, by addressing the biopsychosocial aspects of cognition through strategies such as: reducing alcohol and other substance use; improving nutrition; reducing the effects of comorbid conditions; increasing social contact; reducing depression and stress levels; engaging in cognitively stimulating activities; applying cognitive remediation therapies; and incorporating psychopharmacological interventions. Social workers are in a good position to recognise signs of cognitive decline, and a model for identifying and monitoring affected clients is discussed. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).