Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
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Improving the detection of correctable low vision in older people
- Authors:
- EVANS Bruce, JESSA Zahra
- Publisher:
- Thomas Pocklington Trust
- Publication year:
- 2008
- Pagination:
- 15p.
- Place of publication:
- London
What is the optimum test battery for visual screening of older people and what sensitivity and specificity does this have for detecting correctable visual impairment? The study is mainly quantitative. A battery of computerised visual screening tests will be compared with a full eye examination, in two blind studies. The first study will be used to refine the test battery and to develop a flip chart rapid vision screener. The sensitivity and specificity of the refined computerised screener and flip chart rapid screener will be evaluated in a second study. The main target conditions are uncorrected refractive error and cataract, since these are readily correctable. The sensitivity and specificity of the screening tools for detecting these problems will be calculated. The value of different screening venues will also be investigated.
Problem solving therapy for the depression-executive dysfunction syndrome of late life
- Authors:
- ALEXOPOULOS George S., et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 23(8), August 2008, pp.782-788.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The depression executive dysfunction syndrome afflicts a considerable number of depressed elderly patients and may be resistant to conventional pharmacotherapy. Non-pharmacological approaches addressing their behavioural deficits may reduce disability and experienced stress and improve depression. This paper focuses on problem solving therapy (PST) because it targets concrete problems that can be understood by patients with executive dysfunction and trains patients to address them using an easy to comprehend structured approach. It is suggested that PST is a suitable treatment for patients with the depression-executive dysfunction syndrome because it has been found effective in uncomplicated geriatric major depression and in other psychiatric disorders accompanied by severe executive dysfunction. Furthermore, PST can address specific clinical features of depressed patients with executive dysfunction, especially when modified to address difficulties with affect regulation, initiation and perseveration.
Sex in the middle ages
- Author:
- GULLARD Anne
- Journal article citation:
- Community Care, 31.7.08, 2008, pp.24-25.
- Publisher:
- Reed Business Information
Instances of sexually transmitted infections in over-45s are increasing. Discusses what is causing the trend and what can be done to ensure people receive the treatment they need.
Motivational interviewing and the older population in psychiatry
- Authors:
- BUGELLI Tania, CROWTHER Terrence R.
- Journal article citation:
- Psychiatric Bulletin, 32(1), January 2008, pp.23-25.
- Publisher:
- Royal College of Psychiatrists
Motivational interviewing is a psychological intervention that could potentially give clinical staff working with older people a way of tackling ambivalence and/or resistance to change in therapy. Although it has been shown to be effective in various spheres of mental health, this paper discusses the main principles of this intervention and some adaptations necessary to meet the needs of older people (i.e. those over 65 years old). Patients require the capacity to understand and retain new information in order to make use of this intervention, which hence limits its use to those who retain good cognitive functioning.
Dignity on the ward: pain and older people
- Authors:
- SCHOFIELD Pat, et al
- Publisher:
- Help the Aged
- Publication year:
- 2008
- Place of publication:
- London
This guide aims to highlight the main issues nursing staff need to consider when managing pain in older adults. It covers assessment and different methods of pain management. It also helps assist nurses in their decision making regarding treatment or referral to a members of multidisciplinary teams.
Randomised controlled trial of problem-solving therapy for minor depression in home care
- Authors:
- GELLIS Zvi D., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Research on Social Work Practice, 18(6), November 2008, pp.596-606.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Data are presented from a pilot research program initiated to develop, refine, and test the outcomes of problem-solving therapy that targets the needs of older adults with minor depression in home care settings. A pilot randomized clinical trial compares the impact of problem-solving therapy for home care to treatment as usual in a sample of older, medically ill home care patients. Compared with 32 older home care participants randomized to the treatment as usual condition, 30 older home care participants in an intervention condition received brief problem-solving therapy. Outcome data suggest significant improvements in depression symptomatology and problem-solving abilities after problem-solving therapy for home care, relative to treatment as usual. The experimental group was also more satisfied with treatment as compared to the control condition. Authors discuss results in terms of the "real-world" social work applicability of this psychosocial treatment for late-life depression.
Crisis resolution and home treatment teams for older people with mental illness
- Authors:
- DIBBEN Claire, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Psychiatric Bulletin, 32(7), July 2008, pp.268-270.
- Publisher:
- Royal College of Psychiatrists
Examined the impact of a crisis resolution and home treatment teams (CRHTT) on hospital admission rates, bed days and treatment satisfaction among older people with mental illness and their carers. The authors compared these factors in the 6 months before the service started and 6 months after its introduction. The CRHTT significantly reduced admissions, but there was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay as compared before and after the introduction of this service. There was a trend towards carers, but not patients, being more satisfied with treatment after the introduction of the CRHTT. Admissions for older people were up by 31% and carers preferred the service. Further research on crisis teams in older people with mental illness is needed using randomised controlled methodology.
Parkinson's disease in the older patient
- Editors:
- PLAYFER Jeremy, HINDLE John, (eds.)
- Publisher:
- Radcliffe
- Publication year:
- 2008
- Pagination:
- 410p.
- Place of publication:
- Oxford
- Edition:
- 2nd ed.
Parkinson’s Disease in the Older Patient, Second Edition has been fully revised, updated and expanded to include new treatments and entirely new chapters. This text is written by recognised specialists in the field and provides accessible, easy-to-read information. The practical approach comprehensively covers all aspects of treatment, and although it focuses on the older patient, it is also highly relevant for younger patient groups with an emphasis on multidisciplinary assessment and management. Detailed information on the aetiology and pathogenesis of the condition, drug and surgical treatments, sleep disturbances, quality of life, and carers is now included, along with the more prevalent older patient issues such as neuropsychiatric disturbances, speech and swallowing problems, balance and falls, and autonomic disturbances. The updates also include new advice on the management and services in primary care, linked to the recent NICE guidelines. With official endorsement from The Parkinson’s Disease Academy of the British Geriatrics Society, this new edition is highly recommended for general practitioners, geriatricians, neurologists and psychiatrists. Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, dieticians, and psychologists will also find it invaluable. It is suitable for general and specialist nurses, and will be of great use to researchers with an interest in Parkinson’s disease.
One extra month of depression: the effects of caregiving on depression outcomes in the IMPACT trial
- Authors:
- THOMPSON Alex, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 23(5), May 2008, pp.511-516.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This study aims to describe the self-reported caregiving burden in a large, representative cohort of depressed elderly patients and compare depression treatment outcomes between caregivers and non-caregivers. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were performed comparing 24-month depression outcomes (measured as depression free days) in those providing care at any time over the 24-month trial to those who never reported a caregiving burden. At 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, nearly 10% of cohabitating elderly depressed patients provided care for basic activities such as bathing or dressing while nearly 20% reported providing care for other activities such as making phone calls or taking medication. Over 24 months, after adjusting for marital status, intervention status, and number of medical comorbidities, those reporting any caregiving burden had over 30 more days with depression compared to those with no caregiving burden. The IMPACT collaborative care model did not modify the effect of caregiving on depression outcomes. Caregiving is common in depressed older adults and appears to affect response to depression treatment. In the future, interventions for depressed older adults should consider and specifically address caregiving activities in addition to specific depression treatment.
Dog‐assisted therapy for older people with dementia: a review
- Authors:
- PERKINS Jacqueline, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Australasian Journal on Ageing, 27(4), 2008, pp.177-182.
- Publisher:
- John Wiley and Sons
This review summarises and critiques the published literature regarding dog therapy for older people with dementia living in residential aged care facilities. Nine studies were identified for inclusion and although the methodological variability of studies makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions, research suggests that dog therapy is beneficial for people with dementia. The most frequently reported findings were an increase in social behaviour and a decrease in agitated behaviour during dog contact. Improvement in social behaviour was found to be unrelated to the severity of dementia. Various improvements on measures of global function were also reported. No study adopted a randomised controlled trial design and a number of potentially important factors were not controlled for, including halo effects of animals on caregivers that may bias caregivers’ responses when acting as proxies for their relatives or residents. The premorbid relationship with dogs may be an important variable influencing outcomes. (Edited publisher abstract)