Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
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Dementia and suicidal behavior
- Authors:
- CIPRIANI Gabriele, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aggression and Violent Behavior, 18(6), 2013, p.656–659.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, including depression, might complicate the course of the disorder additionally. Dementia is more frequent in older people and suicide rates are higher in later life than in any other age group. To explore the phenomenology of suicidal behaviour in patients with dementia, the authors searched electronic databases and key journals for original research and review articles on suicide in demented patients using the search terms “suicide, suicidal behaviour, dementia, Alzheimer disease, and old age”. Although cognitive impairment could result in a diminishing ability to think flexibly and to solve problems or to cope with conflict, in the early stage of dementia such impairments are absent or mild, and suicidal behaviour might be expected, especially following diagnosis. In addition, personality changes based on declining cognitive capacity and the neurochemical imbalances described in late-life depression and in dementia may predispose patients to aggressive or impulsive acts, such as suicide attempt. The literature on suicidal behaviour and dementia highlights the need for further research in this area. (Publisher abstract)
The effects of a physical activity programme on the psychological wellbeing of older people in a residential care facility: an experimental study
- Authors:
- CIAIRANO Silva, LIUBICICH Monica Emma, RABAGLIETTI Emanuela
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 30(4), May 2010, pp.609-626.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
This study analyses the physical and psychological benefits associated with physical exercise sessions given by 6 specially trained instructors on older people living in a northern Italian residential care home. Previous research, mostly focusing on older people living independently suggests that physical exercise (formal or e.g. gardening or housekeeping) may minimise or reverse physical frailty and spontaneously boost basic activities such as unassisted dressing and washing, while formal physical exercise programmes in nursing home residents decreased depression and anxiety levels and increased cognitive functioning. The effects of such aerobic activity interventions on the residents’ general health perceptions, perceptions that health limits moderate to heavy physical exercise, and positive and negative self-perceptions were assessed. Twenty two, mixed gender, self-sufficient, older people (10 control, 12 test - given two 45 minute sessions for 13 weeks over 5 months) of average age 80.6 years, completed the Italian version of the 36-item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire, pre and post-test. The findings showed that the perception that one’s health can limit moderate to heavy physical activity decreased post intervention in the test group while it increased in the control group, positive self-perception remained stable in the test group but it was reduced in the control group and that there was no interaction between group and time with respect to general health perceptions and negative self-perception.
Anemia and cognitive performance in hospitalized older patients: results from the GIFA study
- Authors:
- ZAMBONI Valentina, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 21(6), June 2006, pp.529-534.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Anemia represents a major risk factor for adverse health-related events in older persons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between hemoglobin levels/anemia and cognitive function in hospitalized older persons. Data are from the Gruppo Italiano di Farmacovigilanza nell'Anziano (GIFA) study. Hemoglobin levels (in g/dL) were measured upon admission to hospital; anemia was defined according to the WHO criteria. Cognitive performance was assessed by the Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT) on admission; an AMT score <7 defined cognitive impairment. Logistic regressions and analyses of covariance were performed to evaluate the relationship between cognitive status and hemoglobin levels/anemia. Mean age of the sample (n = 13,301) was 72.0 years. Participants with cognitive impairment presented a higher prevalence of anemia (47%) compared to those without cognitive impairment (35%, p < 0.001). Adjusted logistic regressions showed that hemoglobin levels/anemia were significantly associated with cognitive impairment. Patients with anemia and cognitive impairment at the hospital admission presented a higher number of impaired Activities of Daily Living compared to those with only one or none of the studied conditions. Low hemoglobin levels and anemia are independently associated with cognitive performance in older persons admitted to acute care units.
European social services
- Editor:
- MUNDAY Brian
- Publisher:
- University of Kent. European Institute of Social Services
- Publication year:
- 1993
- Pagination:
- 401p.
- Place of publication:
- Canterbury
Detailed account of social services in the twelve member states of the European Community. Contains sections on: organisation, responsibility and finance for social services; preventative services; children and families; elderly people; people with disabilities; addictions; illnesses; AIDS/HIV; socially excluded people; young people; services for migrants; names and addresses of major public and private social services agencies.