Risk & Protective Factors for Mild Cognitive Impairment

March 7, 2012

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a diagnosis that is less severe than dementia. Some individuals diagnosed with MCI eventually develop dementia, while many continue indefinitely with the MCI diagnosis or even improve in cognitive status. Because MCI is such a diverse diagnosis, it is associated with a wide range of biological and functional markers. A [...]

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As-Needed Medication in Dementia Care

March 7, 2012

“Pro re nata” medications (PRN)—that is, medications that are administered on an as-needed basis—are an important component of medical care in assisted living (AL) residences. Within the United States, individual states differ in their regulations about who may administer PRN medications, but many AL communities depend on unlicensed support staff to provide some PRN support. [...]

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Defining “Healthy Aging”

March 2, 2012

The concept of “successful aging,” as coined by gerontologists Rowe and Kahn, has been influential in gerontology and has advanced scholarly understanding of healthy aging. This definition states that individuals are successfully aging if they are: free of disease; can function at a high physical and cognitive level; are socially engaged; and are productive. Critics [...]

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Can World of Warcraft Improve Cognitive Ability?

March 2, 2012

In the past few years, there have been exciting and promising studies involving interventions for improved cognitive performance. Some researchers hope that such interventions will one day be able to prevent or delay cognitive decline. Video game interventions, which attempt to improve cognitive ability through video game play, have drawn much attention and enthusiasm. A [...]

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Evidence for the Patient-Centered Model of Care

March 1, 2012

A recent brief in the Journal of the American Medical Association argues that the patient-centered model is gaining international evidence and support. The brief cites a recent international study by the Commonwealth Fund that, every three years, surveys adults with complex medical care needs about their medical experiences. The survey, which includes patients from North [...]

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Early Life Experience & Successful Aging

March 1, 2012

Proponents of the “successful aging” model argue that later-life aging should be viewed as more than a process of physical and cognitive decline. The successful aging model focuses on the goals and experiences that can emerge in older adulthood, such as the maintenance of cognitive functioning and engagement in new social roles. Recently, some scholars [...]

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Building Evidence for Dementia Prevention

March 1, 2012

As was the case in 2010 when the National Institutes of Health issued a consensus statement on the prevention of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, there remains a lack of firm evidence for dementia prevention. Because of the difficulties in studying this phenomenon, no modifiable risk factors for dementia have been definitively established, and no pharmaceutical [...]

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More Thoughts on Managing Caregiver Stress

February 29, 2012

Is there any doubt that caring for others is important and often meaningful, yet seldom easy?  It’s stressful!  As a caregiver, you know this from first-hand experience; research confirms it. Over time, giving care takes a toll on body and mind, heart, and soul. It takes a toll on personal finances, family relationships, and work [...]

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Real Estate Valuation of Senior Living Facilities

February 29, 2012

Commercial real estate appraisers have tough jobs. Beyond having to possess expertise in the details of property valuation, they must also have a keen understanding of the industry in which they work. The valuation of specialized health care communities—such as senior residences—presents a particularly difficult task to an appraiser. Few types of commercial property introduce [...]

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The Potential of Telehealth to Manage Cardiac and Respiratory Care

February 2, 2012

The older-adult, home health care patient population often includes individuals who are socially isolated and have various, complicated medical issues.As a result, strategies to reduce costs and other barriers to treatment are always needed. Heart failure (HF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are frequently simultaneous conditions that are prevalent among home health care patients. [...]

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