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How dementia differs from normal ageing
- Author:
- GINESI Laura
- Journal article citation:
- Nursing Times, 112(24), 2016, pp.12-15.
- Publisher:
- Nursing Times
Dementia is the collective name for as set of mood changes, confusion and increasing difficulty with everyday tasks.. This four part series provides an overview of dementia and it's treatment, from its causes a pathophysiology to diagnosis and the nurse's role in its management. This, first article reviews the main forms of dementia and how research is shedding new light on the differences between dementia and normal ageing. (Publisher abstract)
Physical health and depressive symptoms in older Europeans: results from EURODEP
- Authors:
- BRAAM A. W., et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 187(1), July 2005, pp.35-42.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Associations between physical health and depression are consistent across cultures among adults up to 65 years of age. In later life, the impact of physical health on depression is much more substantial and may depend on sociocultural factors. The aim was to examine cross-national differences in the association between physical health and depressive symptoms in elderly people across western Europe. Fourteen community-based studies on depression in later life in nine western European countries contributed to a total study sample of 22 570 respondents aged 65 years and older. Measures were harmonised for depressive symptoms (EURO-D scale), functional limitations and chronic physical conditions. In the majority of the participating samples, the association of depressive symptoms with functional disability was stronger than with chronic physical conditions. Associations were slightly more pronounced in the UK and Ireland. The association between physical health and depressive symptoms in later life is consistent across western Europe.
A qualitative study of nurses’ clinical experience in recognising low mood and depression in older patients with multiple long-term conditions
- Authors:
- WATERWORTH Susan, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Clinical Nursing, 24(17-18), 2015, pp.2562-2570.
- Publisher:
- John Wiley and Sons
Aims and objectives: To explore how nurses’ recognise depression in older patients with multiple long-term conditions and the strategies they use to support the patient. Background: Depression decreases an older person's quality of life and sense of wellness, and increases functional impairment. The positive role of nurses working with patients with long-term conditions is now being recognised internationally; however, there is a gap in the research about how nurses recognise depression in older patients and how this impacts on their practice. Design: This is a qualitative study informed by a constructivist grounded theory approach. Methods: In-depth telephone interviews were conducted with 40 nurses working in geographically diverse areas in New Zealand. Results: Having the conversation with older patients about their low moods, or specifically about depression was not something that all the nurses had, or felt they could have. While some nurses knew they could provide specific advice to patients, others believed this was not their responsibility, or within the scope of their role. Conclusion: Faced with an increasing number of older people with long-term conditions, one of which maybe depression itself or as a result of living with other long-term conditions, ongoing monitoring and support pathways are necessary to prevent further decline in the older person's quality of life and well-being. Relevance to clinical practice: Nurses in primary health care can build on current knowledge and skills to increase their capability to promote ‘ageing well’ with older people who have long-term conditions and depression. (Publisher abstract)
Screening for geriatric depression in residential care facilities: a systematic narrative review
- Authors:
- AZULAI Anna, WALSH Christine A.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 58(1), 2015, pp.20-45.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Studies in residential care facilities suggest that routine screening can assist in the early detection of geriatric depression. However, the effectiveness of screening instruments in residential care in the US and Canada has not been adequately evaluated. The authors conducted a systematic narrative review of the English-language literature published between 2000 and 2010 on screening instruments used for depression detection in older adults living in residential care facilities. The review yielded nine scales and their modifications tested in residential care, which were evaluated. The authors provide specific recommendations for the use of effective scales and discuss implications for practice, policy and research. (Edited publisher abstract)
Alternative statistical approaches to identifying dementia in a community-dwelling sample
- Authors:
- KUCHIBHATLA M., FILLENBAUM G. G.
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 7(5), September 2003, pp.383-389.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Little attention has been paid to examining the extent to which alternative statistical models may facilitate identification of persons with dementia. Using a sub-sample of the Duke Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly, two analytical approaches were compared: logistic regression (which focuses on identifying specific characteristics predictive here of dementia), and recursive partitioning methods using tree-based models (which permit identification of the characteristics of those groups with high dementing disorder). In the stepwise multiple logistic regression model which included as potential predictors, gender, age, history of chronic health conditions, scales of basic and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and cognitive status, only IADL and cognitive status were significant predictors, with cognitive status the single most important factor. The classification tree approach, which permits identification of the characteristics of those groups with particularly high dementia rates, identified cognitive status as the most important criterion for dementia (as did logistic regression analysis). Among those without cognitive impairment, older age was a risk factor, confirming findings consistently reported in the literature. Among the cognitively impaired, IADL was an important risk factor. Those with five or more IADL problems were further classified into two risk groups, based on number of ADL problems. While classification tree analysis encourages identification of groups at risk, logistic regression encourages targeting of specific characteristics.
"Do it yourself" dementia testing: issues regarding an Alzheimer's home screening test
- Authors:
- KIER Frederick J., MOLINARI Victor
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 43(2), June 2003, pp.295-301.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
The Early Alert Alzheimer's Home Screening Test (AHST) is a variant of the Smell Identification Test (SIT) and the Cross-Cultural Smell Identification Test (CC-SIT), and recently became available for purchase by the general public. The validity and the practical utility of routine screening for individuals with asymptomatic cognitive impairment has not been established. There are considerable specific methodological concerns regarding the use of the AHST including the association of olfactory impairment with age in the absence of cognitive impairment, numerous acute and/or chronic medical conditions, and lifestyle habits and social and/or demographic variables. General public misunderstanding of the difference between a screening and a diagnostic test, primary care physicians' frequent confusion about follow-up mechanisms for newly diagnosed patients with dementia, the possible lack of perceived counseling options for those self-diagnosed, and abuse of test findings create distinct possibilities for misuse of this test. The marketing of the AHST and its general use without appropriate public health educational safeguards is inappropriate and may be unethical.