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Individuals with developmental disabilities and their caregivers
- Authors:
- MCCALLION Philip, NICKLE Tara
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 50(S1), 2008, pp.245-266.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Adults with developmental disabilities, such as Down’s syndrome or learning disability, are surviving for longer and the number of older Americans with such disabilities is expected to double by 2020. Many will be in the care of their parents and, as they age, siblings. Effective intervention to counter problem behaviours and mental health problems, and to promote positive ageing, is vital and this review examines the literature in the field. The evidence base (generally of group interventions for ‘future planning’) is small and methodologically weak, making it difficult to draw reliable conclusions. Although some positive outcomes are reported, further and more robust research is needed. The paper concludes with a ‘treatment resource appendix’ directed at American social workers. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).
A systematic review of cognitive decline in the general elderly population
- Authors:
- PARK Helen L., O'CONNELL Janice O., THOMSON Richard G.
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 18(12), December 2003, pp.1121-1134.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The aim was to establish the rate of age-related cognitive decline in the general elderly population. Systematic review of studies of cognitive decline in the general elderly population. Medline, Embase and PsycINFO databases were searched using an adapted version of McMaster's aetiology, causation and harm strategies and the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Group strategy. Grey literature was explored and experts contacted. A second observer was involved at all stages and quality appraisal of included studies was performed. Included studies were representative, community-based, cohort studies of people aged over 60, incorporating individuals with dementia. Identification of 5990 abstracts and retrieval of 163 full texts led to inclusion of 19 papers. Heterogeneity made narrative review the appropriate method of data synthesis. Some degree of cognitive impairment with increasing age was found in all studies, although the extent varied. The prevalence of cognitive impairment and the rate of decline increased with age. Studies were of variable quality. Cognitive decline is almost universal in the general elderly population and increases with age. Improved communication between researchers and between clinicians to identify a core minimum data set of neuropsychological tests that could be used in different populations would support consistent study design and meta-analysis, helping to quantify the true rate of cognitive decline in the elderly and assisting diagnosis in clinical practice.
Planning for the future among older parents of adult offspring with intellectual disability living at home and in the community: a systematic review of qualitative studies
- Authors:
- WALKER Ruth, HUTCHINSON Claire
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 43(4), 2018, pp.453-462.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Background: The increased longevity of individuals with intellectual disability means that ageing parents often play an extended caregiving role into late life. This systematic review evaluates qualitative evidence on futures planning among older parents whose adult children live either in the family home or out-of-home. Method: Electronic databases were searched for studies published between 2000 and 2015. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were analysed using the McMaster Critical Review Form for Qualitative Studies. Results: Of 14 articles reviewed, quality was mixed. Three over-arching themes emerged: (1) external barriers to planning involving reservations about available services; (2) internal barriers preventing parents from planning such as mutual dependency and sense of helplessness; and (3) existence of diverse “plans” and ways of managing the future. Conclusions: Parents are aware of the need to make plans or at the very least have preferences for what they would like to occur. However, a range of external and internal factors pose as barriers to this process. (Publisher abstract)