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Symptoms of depression in older adults with multiple sclerosis (MS): comparison with a matched sample of younger adults
- Authors:
- KNEEBONE I. I., DUNMORE E. C., EVANS E.
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 7(3), May 2003, pp.182-185.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
The study considered for the first time depression in older adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). Depression symptom scores of 27 persons aged over 65 years who were part of a large study of persons with MS (n1/4529), were compared with those of a matched sample of younger adults from the same study. The association between cognitive (attitudinal) variables known to explain significant variance in depressive symptoms in younger adults with MS was then considered in the older adult sample. Consistent with findings from studies with general community samples, older adults with MS reported significantly fewer depressive symptoms than younger adults with MS. The relationship between cognitive variables and depressive symptoms found previously in younger adults was also evident for the older adults. Multiple sclerosis related helplessness was found to be significantly higher in older as opposed to younger adults with MS, the opposite of what was predicted given the differences between the groups in depression scores. Differences in the cognitive variables do not appear to explain the differences between older and younger adults with MS in terms of depressive symptoms. This finding offers support for the view that a decrease in emotional responsiveness may explain differences in depressive symptoms between younger and older adults with MS, rather than this being the result of differences in emotional control exerted via cognitive means.
Pilot study of an educational programme for caregivers of people ageing with Multiple Sclerosis
- Authors:
- FINLAYSON Marcia, PREISSNER Katharine, GARCIA Jennifer
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72(1), January 2009, pp.11-19.
- Publisher:
- Sage
The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes and participant-reported benefits of a multiple sclerosis (MS) caregiver education programme called 'Meeting the Challenges of MS'. Nineteen caregivers were recruited to this community-based pilot study; 12 completed all sessions. Occupational therapists facilitated five 2-hour weekly sessions, addressing strategies to problem solve the physical and emotional challenges of caregiving. Questionnaires were administered before and after the programme to determine if changes were achieved in caregivers' self-efficacy, abilities to prepare for and manage caregiving challenges, and abilities to monitor and implement personal health-promoting strategies. Focus groups obtained participants' feedback on the programme. All study procedures were approved by the university ethics committee. The participants reported that they were more prepared for their caregiving role, were able to reframe their experiences positively and sought more practical assistance. Some tests performed poorly and need to be re-examined to determine their potential for use in future studies. Feedback from the participants emphasised the value of interacting with and learning from other caregivers to develop effective problem-solving strategies and obtain peer support.
Feeling controlled or being in control? Apps for self-management among older people with neurological disability
- Authors:
- WINBERG C., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 16(6), 2021, pp.603-608.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- London
Purpose: The aim of this paper was to describe how people living with a neurological disability such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and stroke reason regarding using apps to facilitate self-management in everyday life. Material and methods: A qualitative research approach with a focus group methodology was used. The sample comprised 16 participants, 11 men and 5 women, with an average age of 64 years (ranging from 51–80 years). Six participants were diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, six with Parkinson’s disease and four with stroke. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, which is a method for identifying, analyzing and reporting patterns. Results: The results formed two themes. The first theme “using apps to have control of my health” comprises two subthemes; “monitor and take responsibility for a healthy lifestyle” and “compensate to facilitate everyday life”. The second theme “using the app as a tool and means for communication” also comprised two subthemes; “dare to trust the app” and “feeling safe when sharing information with health care professionals”. Conclusions: The use of apps put increased responsibility on the person and had the possibility to make them more involved in their own care. The use of an app can facilitate a healthy lifestyle and help to monitor disease-specific symptoms. In order to be able to use apps for communication with the health care sector legislation and safety issues need to be considered. (Edited publisher abstract)
Triggers for palliative care: improving access to care for people with diseases other than cancer
- Author:
- JONES Simon
- Publisher:
- Marie Curie
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 41
- Place of publication:
- London
This report explores the evidence around access to palliative care for people with terminal illnesses other than cancer. It also uses existing evidence to identify factors which trigger palliative care referrals for people with these conditions. Research shows that 12 per cent of people accessing specialist in-patient services in hospices or hospitals in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have a diagnosis other than cancer but more than two-thirds of deaths in England and Wales are due to illnesses other than cancer. People who are living with a terminal illness will often have a number of conditions to manage at the same time, such as cancer, chronic heart disease, stroke and dementia, especially if they are older. The increased research focus on end of life care needs of people with dementia, however, has not necessarily translated yet into national strategic approaches to dementia care across the UK. Fewer than one in 10 people with dementia at the end of life on acute medical wards are referred to a palliative care specialist, compared to one in four people who do not have cognitive problems. The report explores what needs to change to make timely access to appropriate care a reality for people regardless of their condition, based on the available research, and sets out specific recommendations for governments and health and social care professionals and organisations. (Edited publisher abstract)