bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Criteria for institutional placement of elderly demented persons
Authors: Pfeiffer Eric
Published: June 2007

This paper discusses guidelines for institutional placement of elderly demented patients. It recognizes that there are both emotional and rational issues involved, for family and professional caregivers alike. Criteria for institutional placement are derived from the condition of the patient as well as the circumstances of the caregiver. A number of options for placement are available in most communities, ranging from generalized assisted living facilities to dementia-specific care units in nursing homes. The paper discusses what caregivers need to do both before initiating placement as well as after placement has been implemented. It is hoped that the availability of such guidelines will diminish the stress associated with decision-making concerning institutional placement.
Adult day care centers and the treatment of Alzheimer's disease patients: A critical analysis
Authors: Palley Howard A. , Hanley Barbara E. , Watson Diana
Published: June 2007

Increasingly adult day care services will provide transitional care for Alzheimer's disease patients in mild or moderate stages of the disease. The following small scale studyfinds that adult day care services as transitional care allows patients with Alzheimer's disease to remain in the community for a longer period of care, than would otherwise be possible. The quality of life of patients appears to be highest in private (mostly voluntary) adult day care centers. The most comprehensive case management is found in private (voluntary and proprietary) adult day care centers rather than in public adult day care centers. Such private centers seem to have a more positive impact on behavioralfunctioning than the less comprehensive approach utilized by the public centers. Also, even where adult day care services are provided, informal caregivers are better able to function when they have an informal system of support offamily members and/or neighbors. In addition to adult day care service, family caregivers also need respite care and other supportive social services. Also, the study reveals some discrepancy between formal and informal caregiver perceptions of patient condition.
C-ADAT: Caregiver-Alzheimer's disease assessment tool
Authors: Shua-Haim Joshua R. , Burnstein Larry , Gross Joel S.
Published: June 2007

In response to health care professionals' and family members desire to understand the many facets of Alzheimer's disease, we produced the C-ADAT (Caregivers-Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Tool). It is an understandable table, which incorporates cognitive, functional, behavioral, prognostic and therapeutic information on patients with Alzheimer's disease. C-ADAT is a table that can be a great asset for the geriatric team and caregivers to comprehend the nature and progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Support groups for caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease: Implications for practice and research
Authors: Raybuck Jacqueline A.
Published: June 2007

An integrative review was conducted on the use of support groups for caregivers of and persons with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The research review was limited to published experimental or quasi-experimental studies. The studies reviewed varied according to study design, group membership, type of intervention used, duration of support group, outcome measures employed, and results. Parallels drawn from the above-mentioned areas were variable among the studies. There were no replication of studies with favorable results. Strengths and limitations were discussed. Further research on the effect of support group interventions with caregivers and persons with progressive dementia is warranted.

First, there is a need to evaluate the effect of the support group intervention on specific populations such as persons with all stages of the disease process and minority caregivers. Second, there is a need for longitudinal studies with measurement tools appropriate for the intervention. Caregivers and persons with Alzheimer's disease support groups are a rich area for future intervention and outcome studiesfor health care professionals.
Healing gardens and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Hoover Robert C.
Published: June 2007

In an attempt to move beyond traditional design guidelines to develop and design healing gardensfor Alzheimers disease facilities, the author presents his theory of remembrance therapy. Using Sedgewood Commons, a). Alzheimer'sfacility designed by the!.Mthor and located in Falmouth, Maine, as a prototype, this paper examines the design of built gardens that support the theory of remembrn nce therapy. Simply stated, remembrance therapy is based on the theory lriat each stage of Alzheimer s diseast--mild, moderate, and severe-ixs associated with a correspondib-g emotional stage of normal human development-adult, child, and infant. Thus, the author describes built ga rden types that are designed to respond to the emotional equivalent of each corresponding stage of normal human development. This paper concludes with a brief discussion and inquiry into the role of post-occupancy evaluation, research, and data gathering. This is done in an attempt to validate or refine remembrance therapy as a landscape planning awd design method for Alzheimer's Facilities.
Interventions in dementia care: Responding to the call for alternatives to restraints
Authors: Taft Lois B.
Published: June 2007

A variety of interventions are used to manage or accommodate agitated behaviors and to support the strengths of persons with dementia. In this article, a taxonomy of seven domains of caregiving approaches are described with examples from caregiving contexts in adult day care and home environments. These findings are part of a larger qualitative study designed to describe and classify interventions in dementia care and to explore factors influencing caregiving approaches. The most frequently reported interventions were social and psychological approaches, and these findings support the application of a social model for dementia care. Twenty-nine interventions in seven domains extend the range of caregiving approaches which can be used as alternatives to physical and chemical restraints in dementia care.
The effects of peripheral tactile stimulation on memory in patients with probable Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Scherder Erik , Bouma Anke , Steen Louis
Published: June 2007

The authors investigated whether peripheral tactile nerve stimulation might improve memory in patients with iProbable Alzheimer s disease. The hypothesis was derived from animal studies in which peripheral stimulation resulted in activation of septo-hippocampal neurons. Our data meveal that tactile stimulation improved visual short-term, visual long-!erm, and verbal long-term mem orv in Alzheimer patients. In addition, an enhancement in verbal fluency was demonstrated. After a period of six weeks without stimulation, nio noticeable effects remained.
The Alzheimer project: Formulating a model of care for persons with Alzheimer's disease and mental retardation
Authors: Antonangeli Judith M.
Published: June 2007

Down syndrome, which is the most common form of mental retardation, appears in 1.0 to 1.2 per 1,000 live births' and 15 percent of the mentally retarded population.2 In the late 1930's and 1940's, the average life expectancy ofpersons with Down syndrome did not extend beyond the middle 20s. However, with advances in medical technology and improvements in personal care procedures, approximately 70 percent of persons with Down syndrome now live beyond their 50th birthday.3According to recent longitudinal studies, all of these individuals will have the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease by age 35 with an average age of clinical dementia onset between 51 and 54 years of age.4
To integrate or segregate the cognitively impaired and cognitively intact in nursing homes: Lessons to be learned from educational mainstreaming
Authors: Riter Robert N.
Published: June 2007

This paper explores the parallels between the mainstreaming of disabled and non-disabled students in schools and the integration of cognitively impaired and cognitively intact residents in nursing homes. The research on educational mainstreaming at a more mature stage of development, can serve as a foundation for gerontologists by suggesting that:

• The physical location of service is non-specific and relatively meaningless as an independent variable; • Integration may benefit some impaired individuals while proving detrimental to others; • Moral and political arguments often drive the discussion; and • The well-being of non-impaired individuals is often overlooked.
Development and evaluation of a statewide autopsy education workshop
Authors: Connell Cathleen M , Holmes Sara B. , Avey Holly
Published: June 2007

The role of autopsy is critical in confirming diagnoses and advancing research in Alzheimer's disease. In collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association chapters in Michigan, the staff of the Education Core of the Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Research Center developed, implemented, and evaluated an educational intervention based on a train-the-trainer model to disseminate information about autopsy to chapter staff and volunteers. Participants at a one-day Autopsy Education Workshop (AEW) developed skills to make presentations about autopsy in their local communities and assist family caregivers with decision-making. Participants reported significant gains in knowledge about autopsy and an increased level of confidence in discussing autopsy withfamily members. The AEW curriculum and evaluation design will be described.
Relocation of the aggressive nursing home resident
Authors: Meddaugh Dorothy I.
Published: June 2007

Disruptive behavior of nursing home residents is a serious problem. One such disruptive behavior-aggression toward caregivers in a long-term care setting where all residents in one unit were being relocated is thefocus of the study. Recent research indicates that aggressive behavior leads to isolation of the aggressive resident and increases stress of the caregiver No one, however has studied what happens to the behavioraftersuch a resident is relocated The purpose of the study was to see if relocation affects the frequency and nature of aggressive behavior in any way. I studied 12 aggressive residents three months pre- and post-relocation. These residents were relocated with the same caregivers. Six of the 12 residents were receiving psychotropic drugs, and this drug use did not change during or after the move. The mean number of separate incident reports decreased after the relocation; however, thisfinding was statistically in-significant. Additionally, whereas some subjects in-creased their aggressive activity after the move, others decreased it. Aggressive behavior occurred more often in the day shift, confirming the findings of earlier studies.
The effects of menu modification to increase dietary intake and maintain the weight of Alzheimer residents
Authors: Soltesz Kay S. , Dayton Judy H.
Published: June 2007

Adaptive feeding techniques have been suggested as a method to promotefeeding independence in AD residents. The use of foods which patients can pick up with their fingers triggers resident 's attention producing increased involvement with the meal and increased resident consumption.

The menu at an all-A lzheimer 's carefacility was modified to include more finger foods. Before the menu changes, the average number offingerfoods used at each meal was: breakfast 2.57, lunch 2. 19, and dinner 2.00. Menu changes increased finger foods to the following levels: breakfast 2.71, lunch 2.38, and dinner 3.80. The weight profiles and consumption patterns of 54 AD residents were determined through a chart review of two six month periods, before and after the menu change. During this period of time, the weights of the residents receiving finger foods did not significantly increase, but the usual weight loss seen in AD residents did not occur Food consumption patterns significantly increased (p=.05)for both male and female residents. Results indicate the inclusion of finger foods is an appropriate feeding method for AD residents.
Hopeful care for people with dementia
Authors: Henry Mary Ellen , Capitman John A. , Yee Donna L.
Published: June 2007

This study explores the notion of hopeful care and suggests that adult day care can support hope in people with dementia and their families. It evaluates how program services might contribute to the delivery of hopeful care. Data were analyzedfrom a sample of 175 pairs of people with dementia and theirfamily caregiversfrom 10 adult day centers who participated in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Dementia Care and Respite Services program. Results of multivariate regressions indicate that variations in the way adult day services are operationalized appear to influence care receiver and caregiver outcomes theoretically linked to hopeful care.
The effect of individualized special instruction on the behaviors of nursing home residents diagnosed with dementia
Authors: Mitchell Linda A. , Maercklein Gail
Published: June 2007

This pilot study was designed to investigate the effect of an educational intervention-Individualized Special Instruction (ISI)-on 30 nursing home residents diagnosed with dementia. Ratings indicated that 18 of the residents had severe dementia and 12 residents had moderate dementia. This pilot project employed a multiple treatment, an equivalent control group design which was carried out in three phases over a three-month period. Residents who did not receive IS1 intervention showed deterioration on the aberrant behavior variables with significant increase in irritability and total scores, while residents who did receive ISI intervention did not show any significant deterioration, became more vocal, showed an increased response to touch, and spent more time on task.
Special Care Units in Pennsylvania nursing homes
Authors: Broughton Walter , Mcdonnell Alice Elaine
Published: June 2007

A 1993 probability sample of all Pennsylvania nursing homes with licensed intermediate and skilled beds finds that 19 percent, by administrator report, are operating a Special Care Unit (SCU) for residents with dementia. Pennsylvania units contain an average of 33 beds, a permanently assigned staff door devices to prevent wandering, and utilize separate dining, congregate and sleeping areas. SCUs in Pennsylvania are more often found in larger homes and in the nonprofit sector. The age, sex, tenure and other measured characteristics of administrators are not related to the presence or absence of such units. Homes with SCUs are more likely to provide inservice training on dementia care and may place greater emphasis on special therapeutic activities. Ninety percent of the administrators with SCUs believe they provide better dementia care than is possible in integrated units.
A case study on the effects of a retrofitted dementia special care unit on resident behaviors
Authors: Thomas David W.
Published: June 2007

The need to demonstrate the efficacy of special care units (SCUs) is of primary concern to consumers who increasingly demand accountability for health delivery services. The present study describes the characteristics of a SCU and measures the effects on resident outcomes using an ex-post facto design. Fifteen residents diagnosed with dementia were evaluated on five variables-combativeness, falls, restraint use, weight, and ADL skills-before and after admission to the SCU. The results of paired T-tests revealed that restraint use significantly decreased (p < .05) and activities of daily living (ADL) skills significantly increased (p < .01). An increase in falls was near significance. No change was found in weight or combativeness.
The Nursing Assistants use of Recreational Interventions for behavioral management of residents with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Aronstein Zelda , Olsen Richard , Schulman Ellen
Published: June 2007

Working under a Small Business Innovative Research grant from the National Institutes of Health, Cross Creek Recreational Products, Inc., explored the feasibility of Nursing Assistants using Recreational Interventions to manage the agitated behavior of nursing home residents with senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type. The use of these Recreational Interventions to engage residents during their unstructured time was also explored. The Recreational Interventions included manipulatives, sorting, sewing, music, nurturing, and tactile stimulatives. The study's multi-method approach consisted of rating residents on an agitation checklist, pre-and post-intervention interviews of nursing staff, in-service staff training and formal and informal observations of the use of Recreational Interventions by residents and Nursing Assistants. This study found that Recreational Interventions are useful adjuncts in the handling of the agitation and boredom of the Alzheimer patient. The research also indicated that careful attention must be paid to the selection and storage of the Recreational Interventions, as well as the training and motivation of the Nursing Assistants.
The effects of hospice interventions on behaviors, discomfort, and physical complications of end stage dementia nursing home residents
Authors: Kovach Christine R. , Wilson Sarah A. , Noonan Patricia E.
Published: June 2007

This project was guided by the question—what is the effect of hospice-oriented care on discomfort, physiological complications, and behaviors associated with dementia for residents of long term care facilities with an end stage dementing illness? Convenience sampling from three long term care facilities was used and 62 residents completed the project. The intervention was implemented through a four pronged approach:

• Interdisciplinary development of the intervention strategies for the new hospice households;

• Development of the households;

• Use of a hospice nurse as a case manager; and

• Education of staff

A pretest-posttest experimental design with random assignment to groups was used. Two months after the interventions were implemented, there was a statistically significant difference in discomfort levels between the treatment and control groups (t = 3.88, p < .001). Even though the treatment group showed lower scores on the tool that assessed behavior problems, the differences were not large enough to be statistically significant (t = 1.44, p = .155). There was no difference in the number of physical iatrogenic problems between the treatment and control groups (t = .054, p = .957). Staff reaction to the project was positive with staff reporting greater job satisfaction and empathy, and describing a variety of improvements in residents.
Training former dementia caregivers to provide peer education and social support
Authors: Sharpe Patricia A. , Koerber Marilynn E. , Macera Caroline A. , Euster Gerald L.
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this pilot study was to develop and evaluate a training program for volunteer peer educators of Alzheimer's disease caregivers. Curriculum development included a literature review and a focus group needs assessment with 25 caregivers. Eight former caregivers participated in pilot testing of a 10-unit, 30-hour training program to develop knowledge regarding Alzheimer's disease, caregiving, services, resources, and skills for effective communication. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation revealed gains in skills and knowledge, a high level of participant satisfaction, and suggestions for future training. This study suggests that former caregivers who are no longer actively involved in caregiving can acquire new knowledge and skills as peer educators and work with professionals to provide education, support and referral.
Mourning and grief in late life Alzheimer's dementia: Revisiting the vanishing self
Authors: Ronch Judah L.
Published: June 2007

Alzheimer's and related dementias create emotional difficulties for victims which interact with cognitive losses to produce the loss of self: Many behavioral difficulties of people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) can be dealt with successfully with interventions which go beyond cognitive assistance and are aimed at treating the intrapsychic difficulties victims experience.
Theoretical perspective concerning effects of environment on SDAT patients as a function of cognitive and behavioral functioning
Authors: Moyer Delores M. , Gilson Aaron
Published: June 2007

The frequency of seven disruptive behaviors and the average intensity ratings of these behaviors were measuredfor 31 residents of Alzheimer group homes. A correlation design was used to investigate whether the behavior patterns of the subjects changed as a result of altering the residential environment through the introduction of Christmas holiday stimuli. A related goal was to assess whether such changes in behavior patterns were associated with the residents' levels of impairment. The study consisted of three, three-week phases. One group home served as the experimental condition in which Christmas stimuli were present for one week, while the comparison group consisted of two facilities which observed Christmas over a three-week period. Zero-order and partial correlations were computed comparing the three phases and controlled for the experimental condition.

Results indicated that the introduction of holiday stimuli had a significant impact on the intensity of disruptive behaviors in both the experimental and comparison groups. This result was less consistent for the average frequency of the behaviors. When controlling for the influence of stage of Alzheimer's, a significant change in both the frequency and intensity of behaviors was obtained only when comparing phases one and two. Thus, regardless of stage, both the occurrence and the severity of behaviors were consistent before the introduction of the holiday stimuli. However, the means of the frequencies and average intensities of the behaviors reflected an increase in the disruptive behaviors upon introduction of the stimuli. In addition, higher stage levels were shown to be associated with greater increases in both the frequencies and intensities of the behaviors.
The effects of regular exercise on muscle strength and functional abilities of late stage Alzheimer's residents
Authors: Francese Theresa , Sorrell Jeanne , Butler Frieda R.
Published: June 2007

Long Term Care (LTC)facilities in the United States are being faced with an ever-increasing number of residents with dementing illness. It has been estimated that over threefourths of all residents living in LTC have some type of dementia, Alzheimer's disease being the most prevalent. Nursing staff caringfor Alzheimer residents often do not have any special training in dementia. Compounded by burnout from staff shortages and low pay, working with Alzheimer residents is a real challenge. Too often health care workers do not feel that Alzheimer residents (in the late stages) are capable of learning or maintaining functional abilities (such as weight bearing to stand, transferringfrom bed to chair, or chair to toilet) through regular exercise programs. It is clear that functional abilities are a part of the human instinct. By retaining these abilities, a person with Alzheimer's disease can stillfeel a sense of worth. This experimental study measured the effects of regular exercise on muscle strength andfunctional abilities in the Alzheimer resident. A group of severely demented chairbound residents were introduced to a regular exercise program that was designed by a Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, a Head Nurse on a dementia unit, and by the primary investigator Two groups of residents participated in the study. The hypothesis that a regular exercise program can increase muscle strength in senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type (SDAT) was supported by a significant level of. 05 (p=.05). A regular exercise program to determine iffunctional ability
Group activities with the cognitively impaired: A positive outlook on the difficult patient
Authors: Berenbaum Rakel
Published: June 2007

Melabev runs five clubs for Jerusalem's elderly suffering from Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. In any group for the cognitively impaired, there is usually at least one member the staff considers difficult. The difficult program participant needs more supervision, attention, or care than the rest of the group. For example, there's the patient who wanders, the one who repeatedly asks what time it is, the one who sleeps all the time and falls from the chair This paper suggests a positive way for staff to look at these patients so that they can cope more effectively with the behaviors and participate comfortably in group activities.
Supporting strengths and responding to agitation in dementia care: An exploratory study
Authors: Taft Lois B. , Matthiesen Valerie , Farran Carol J. , McCann Judith J. , Knafl Kathleen A.
Published: June 2007

A variety of factors in fluence the choice of caregiving approach as family and professional caregivers respond to agitated behaviors and support the strengths of persons with dementia. Findings reported in this article are part of a larger qualitative study designed to describe and classify interventions in dementia care and to explore factors influencing caregiving approaches.I Descriptive findings led to the development of a taxonomy consisting of seven domains of caregiving approaches: social, psychological, functional, behavioral, environmental, medical, and cognitive.2 In this article, exploratory findings on the relationship between care giving approaches and both the caregivers'perceptions of the client's personal strengths and the caregivers' ratings of the client's agitated behavior are interpreted; also working hypotheses are discussed as they apply to each domain of caregiving approaches. Findings also are examined in relation to the theory of personenvironment fit, and implications for a social model of dementia care are discussed.
Nursing assistants caring for dementia residents in nursing homes: The family's perspective on the high quality of care
Authors: Looman Wendy J. , Noelker Linda S. , Schur Dorothy , Whitlatch Carol J. , Ejaz Farida K.
Published: June 2007

Most research on nursing home care has focused on its problems and shortcomings, with few positive reports concerning resident care. The current study investigates a neglected aspect of nursing home research. family members' positive perceptions of the care nursing assistants provide to residents with dementia. Content analysis of cross-sectional data from 133 family member interviews from five nursing homes revealedfour positive themes. • Family members' appreciation for how difficult it is to care for persons with dementia and understanding constraints imposed by understaffing, heavy workloads, and low wages; • Care provided by nursing assistants that exceeds expectations; • Positive expressions between nursing assistants and residents and residents' family members; and • Identification of a kin-like relationship between residents and nursing assistants.
Consumer satisfaction with the services of the Alzheimer's Association
Authors: Morrow-Howell Nancy , Belton Mel , O'Brien Kathleen , Sculle Liesel
Published: June 2007

This paper reports findings from a consumer satisfaction survey completed by the St. Louis Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Thefindings revealed that consumers were very satisfied with the services they received The percent in the “very satisfied” and “satisfied” category was 97 percent. The highest level of consumer satisfaction was with the family care planning program (91 percent very satisfied, 9 percent somewhat satisfied), and the lowest level of consumer satisfaction was with the support groups (64 percent very satisfied, 29 percent somewhat satisfied). Eighty-one percent of consumers reported that their initial needs were met on the first call to the chapter Fifty percent stated that they could have used the services of the chapter more than they did. Suggested improvements from consumers were captured. As a result of the study, three key target improvement areas have been identifiedfor the chapter: • Strengthening volunteer management; • Enhancing support to adult children; and • Clarifying consumer expectations about the Association's services.
Dementia care in Australia
Authors: McCracken Ann , Heal Catherine , Taylor Bruce
Published: June 2007

Australia is like many other industrialized countries facing an aging population, and consequently, increased numbers of persons with dementia. At Wesley Gardens for Aged Persons in Belrose, Australia, dementia services matured to fit the needs of residents aging in place. Dementia-specific hostel services evolved into a need for a dementia-specific nursing home services. To meet this need, physical, programmatic, and care services were designed to maintain an active lifestyle within the limitations of each individual's illness.
Impaired traffic sign recognition in drivers with dementia
Authors: Brashear Allison , Unverzagt Frederick W. , Kuhn Elizabeth R. , Glazier Bradley S. , Farlow Martin R. , Perkins Anthony J. , Hui Siu L.
Published: June 2007

The determination of the safety of a patient with dementia who continues to drive is a difficult task for the physician who cares for geriatric patients. This study used the Traffic Sign Recognition Test (TSRT) discrimination between dementia patients who continue to drive and normal elderly volunteers. Thirty-seven subjects with dementia who continue to drive and 47 normal elderly volunteers were recruited to participate in the study. Each group was tested with the TSRT similar to that used for licensing in the state of Indiana. The difference in total number of signs correctly identified between the two groups was determined using the Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test. The difference between groups of each individual sign recognition was determined using a Chi Square test. The affected group was also tested with a neuropsychological battery (NB) designed to measure skills thought to be needed for driving.

Drivers with dementia correctly identified 5.95 (± 2.17) of the 10 traffic signs used in licensing as compared to the normal elderly volunteers who correctly identified 8.77 (± 1.58) total signs (p < 0.0001). The “Slow Moving Vehicle” sign provided the largest difference between the two groups; demented drivers correctly identified the sign 39 percent of the time, compared with 89 percent in the normal volunteers (X2= 15.333, df= 1, p < 0.005). Only 76 percent of the demented drivers correctly identified a “Stop” sign compared with 98 percent of the normal elderly drivers. The percentage of correctly identified signs on the TSRT also correlated with several tests in the NB.

Drivers with dementia who continue to drive perform worse on traffic sign recognition than normal elderly drivers. While our current screening tool did not assess the driving safety of either group, it suggests that demented patients who still drive may not recognize common traffic signs and may thus pose a risk to society.
The Breakfast Club: Results of a study examining the effectiveness of a multi-modality group communication treatment
Authors: Pietro Mary Jo Santo , Boczko Faerella
Published: June 2007

Twenty mid-stage Alzheimer's patients at the Jewish Home and Hospital in the Bronx participatedfor 12 weeks each in four groups offive in a five-day-a-week program of structured multi-modality group communication intervention called “The Breakfast Club.” Twenty matched patients participated in a standard conversation group and served as controls. The Breakfast Club attempted to incorporate all that was currently known about the residual communication strengths of Alzheimer's patients and about previous treatments shown to be effective with this population. Results showed that Breakfast Club participants improved significantly on measures of language performance, functional independence and use of social communication while control subjects did not. Breakfast Club members also showed significant increases in “interest and involvement” and the use of procedural memories over the 12-week period.
Caring for relatives with early stage Alzheimer's disease: An exploratory study
Authors: Kuhn Daniel R.
Published: June 2007

This article describes an exploratory study involving semi-structured interviews with 20 primary caregivers of persons in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease. The challenges unique to the early stage of the disease are explained and illustrated through interview excerpts. The issues and themes of these interviews are summarized. Implications for practice are also discussed.
Products of the Alzheimer's disease amyloid precursor protein generated by,β-secretase are present in human platelets, and secreted upon degranulation
Authors: Li Qiao-Xin , Cappai Roberto , Evin Genevieve , Tanner Jane E. , Gray Carol W. , Beyreuther Konrad , Masters Colin L.
Published: June 2007

Proteolytic processing of Alzheimer's disease amyloid precursor protein (APP) by /3-secretase generates the Nterminus ofA/3 (which deposits in the brain) and releases a secreted ectodomain of APP (sAPP/3). We identified in human platelets a band at 125 kDa corresponding to APP ectodomain ending with C-terminal methionine residue (APP671) as characterized by an antibody specificfor the C-terminal methionine residue of sAPP/3. The same antibody also detected bands at -105 and U125 kDa in human brain homogenates. Platelet sAPP/3 is an isoform containing the Kunitzprotease inhibitor domain (sAPP/3-KPI+) and is released into the medium when platelets are induced to aggregate using agonists such as thrombin, collagen, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, or calcium ionophore A2318 7. The release of sAPPB /from aggregatedplatelets is consistent with a role in regulation of the coagulation cascade and/or in platelet aggregation. These data together with previous reports suggest that human platelets contain the a-, /3-and y-secretase activities, and are a suitable system to study APP processing and Ap production, a pathway which is considered to be a prime targetfor therapeutic intervention in AD.
Behavioral syndromes in institutionalized elders
Authors: Kolanowski Ann M. , Garr Michael , Evans Lois , Strumpf Neville
Published: June 2007

Institutionalized elders often display behaviors that caretakers find disturbing and difficult to manage. These behaviors are not a single construct but include several syndromes with different etiologies. Using data from a NIA-funded longitudinal clinical trial, we previously identified, via factor analysis of the behavior subscale of the Psychogeriatric Dependency Rating Scale, two syndromes of J'behavior in a sample of 586 nursing home residents—agitated psychomotor behavior (APB) and verbally aggressive behavior (VAB). This secondary analysis used control group data (N=184) from that same clinical trial to determine if these syndromes were affected by residents' cognitive, functional and restraint status. Data were collected at three time points over a 12-month period. Results of logistic regression analyses indicated that the risk of APB was four times as great among those with severe cognitive impairment and that the more functionally impaired a resident, the less likelys/he was to engage in APB. Residents who were chemically restrained were three times as likely to engage in VAB, and those who were physically restrained were three times as likely to engage in APB as compared to unrestrained residents. The findings give direction for more extensive casual modeling of behaviors and suggest a need to develop resident-centered interventions for behavioral syndromes.
Simple Pleasures: A multilevel sensorimotor intervention for nursing home residents with dementia
Authors: Buettner Linda L.
Published: June 2007

The Simple Pleasures research team investigated the effects of 30 handmade recreational items on the behavior of nursing home residents with dementia. The impact on family visits, staff knowledge, and volunteer involvement also was examined during the course of this study. Twenty-three items were found therapeutically valuable and acceptable for nursing home use. Family visits, use of recreational items, and satisfaction with visits significantly improved during the intervention. Residents were significantly less agitated at one nursing home and slightly less agitated at the other nursing home. More than 540 volunteers of all ages were trained and made Simple Pleasures recreational items during this project.
Passive behaviors in Alzheimer' disease: A descriptive analysis
Authors: Colling Kathleen Byrne
Published: June 2007

Fifteen empirical studies investigating passive behaviors (PB) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) were examined. Results indicated that PB are distinct from depression; they tend to increase over the course of the disease; and they can be related to cognitive status and personality changes. Absence of theoretical frameworks, lack of an instrument specifically designed to measure PB in AD, and no clearly established operational concept capable of describing and unifying behaviors into a syndrome of passivity represent problem areas for researchers. Future research to determine whether PB are a “default” mechanism brought on by AD itself or the result of a need to isolate or withdraw in order to cope with multiple stressors is indicated. Antecedent behaviors, those associated with passivity itself as well as caregiver responses and interventions also warrant investigation.
The relationship between spouse abuse and the maltreatment of dementia sufferers by their caregivers
Authors: Buttell Frederick P.
Published: June 2007

Historically, various forms of family violence have been conceptualized as distinct phenomenon. However, recent research indicates that such a division is artificial and that the various forms of family violence tend to co-exist. 1This article utilizes literature from the field of spouse abuse in an attempt to explain the high rate of maltreatment directed at dementia sufferers by their caregivers and demonstrates a possible relationship between spouse abuse and the abuse of dementia sufferers by their caregivers. Future research efforts should seek to explore connections among the many forms of family violence.
Nurse aides' identification of onset and level of agitation in late stage dementia patients
Authors: Whall Ann L. , Black Margaret E. A. , Yankou Dawn J. , Groh Carla J. , Kupferschmid Barbara J. , Foster Norman L. , Little Roderick
Published: June 2007

Nurse aides provide the majority of care to patients in nursing homes and thus are vital links in the early identification and treatment of agitation in dementia. Agitation increases in frequency as dementia progresses and unrecognized and untreated agitation may develop into a state of acute aggression (termed catastrophic reaction) in which demented patients become severely disturbed and may harm themselves or others. Nurse aides, however, are sometimes characterized as unable or unwilling to provide accurate observations of demented patients’ behavior, and thus are incapable of assisting with this important research. This study examined a process by which nurse aides were enlisted to identify and rate agitation in late stage dementia patients. Results indicate that nurse aides accurately identified agitation at a high level of agreement (r = >.90), on three occasions, with nurse experts. This high level of agreement was achieved along with a high level of nurse aide participation (75 percent), and with relatively little training time, i.e., approximately one hour per nurse aide. There were no significant differences in the demographic characteristics of aides participating versus those declining participation; likewise, participation rates in unionized versus non-unionized homes were not significantly different. The characteristics of the training program are described and the opinions of both nurse aides and administrators discussed as to why this program was successful.
Treatment of depressive disorders of spousal caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease: A review
Authors: Adkins Vincent K.
Published: June 2007

A number of studies suggest that spousal caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD) have high rates of depressive disorders. Support groups were one of the earliest interventions to help these caregivers, but were found to be unsatisfactory with regard to addressing the affective needs of caregivers. Psycho-educational support groups, focused on helping caregivers to learn new behaviors to solve problems, appear to be the most promising intervention in reducing the depressive levels of these caregivers. Although there is only limited research on psychotherapy and counseling of caregivers, one study suggests the efficacy of cognitive therapy. Future research on psychoeducational cognitive/behavior problem solving groups and cognitive therapy is recommended.
1943—One Page from Mexican American History: A Psychological Analysis of Oppression and Resistance
Authors: Mahan Virginia J.
Published: June 2007

Focusing on the events of 1943, particularly the Zoot Suit/Sailor Riots, this article outlines the four intersecting components of an interdisciplinary paradigm employed in teaching an undergraduate multicultural psychology class, which systematically explores how the historical, political, and social context shapes the psychological development of American subordinate groups. Moreover, this article draws parallels between the oppression of persons of Mexican ancestry and analogous experiences of other subordinate group members during the same year.
The English Lexical Loan: A Class Marker
Authors: Matus-Mendoza Maríadelaluz
Published: June 2007

This is a quantitative analysis of the lexical loan in two Mexican communities (Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, United States, and Moroleón, Guanajuato, México), using the Varbrul program to establish percentages of occurrence. Data were collected and analyzed following the traditional sociolinguistic interview format. Findings suggest that most migrant workers include English lexical loans in their speech as a way to separate themselves from the population that has not migrated to the United States.
Examining the Ethnic Minority Student Experience at Predominantly White Institutions: A Case Study
Authors: Jones Lee , Castellanos Jeanett , Cole Darnell
Published: June 2007

The researchers of this qualitative study conducted four focus groups to explore the college student experience of ethnic minorities in an institution of higher education. The purpose of the study was threefold: (a) to examine the experiences of ethnic minority students at a predominately White institution, (b) to discuss the similarities and differences of the experiences among the four groups, and (c) to identify student perspectives on the delivery of student services in the institution. The study examined African American, Asian-Pacific American, Chicano/Latino, and Native American student experiences at a research institution.
Revisiting Mary and Martha: Passing the Torch from One Generation to the Next
Authors: Mudrovic W. Michael
Published: June 2007

The re-vision of accepted images of women, in this case the biblical figures Martha and Mary, forms the basis of this article on poems by María Victoria Atencia, Margarita Merino, and Maite Pérez Larumbe. Because each of these women belongs to a different generation, she approaches the biblical sisters from a different angle. These poems reveal profound changes in attitude that have occurred in Spanish culture and society after the death of Franco.
Barriers in the Transfer Process for Hispanic and Hispanic Immigrant Students
Authors: Alexander Bobby C. , Garcia Victor , Gonzalez Laura , Grimes Geoffrey , O'Brien Dan
Published: June 2007

This article reports barriers to transfer from the community college to bachelor's degree—granting institutions encountered by Hispanic students in the Dallas County Community College District. These Hispanic students were enrolled in a cultural studies course preparing them to transfer. Ethnographic methods—principally participant observation of the students and their families, interviews, and case studies—were used to analyze the barriers, three of which were not reported in the literature.
Hispanic Families as Facilitators of Their Children's Literacy Development
Authors: Saracho Olivia N.
Published: June 2007

Hispanic families provide children with literacy-rich environments, experiences, and interactions. Studies were reviewed to identify the Hispanic families' literacy practices, which were influenced by the families' educational levels, language, beliefs, and cultural practices. Family members can reinforce the children's literacy learning when they are presented with literacy experiences in a myriad of settings and contexts. The Hispanic family's support, school environments, school challenges, literacy intervention programs, and educational implications are discussed.
The Rise and Fall of Soul City: Planning, Politics, and Race in Recent America
Authors: Biles Roger
Published: June 2007

This article considers the checkered history of Soul City, a new town built in rural North Carolina under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s New Community Development Corporation in the 1970s. Based on legislation passed in 1968 and 1970, the federal government provided financial assistance for the construction of thirteen new towns around the country. Although architects and planners situated most of these new communities just outside of major metropolitan areas, Soul City was designed to be the only “free-standing” new town. Conceived by Floyd B. McKissick, the former national director of the Congress on Racial Equality, as an example of black capitalism, the daring experiment struggled from the outset. Beset throughout its brief existence by financial problems, plagued by scandal, and hounded by political enemies, Soul City failed to attract the capital and population necessary to survive.
Cities to Come: Clarence Stein’s Postwar Regionalism
Authors: Larsen Kristin
Published: June 2007

Clarence Stein refined the Radburn Idea as a hierarchical regional model characterized by interlocking groups, neighborhoods, districts, and towns, each with unique functions based on local context. Three significant efforts exemplify his postwar career: an unfinished manuscript that defined the Regional City; his ongoing advocacy of the Regional City as a programmatic and policy response, particularly at the federal level, to development challenges and opportunities; and his only major postwar commission, Kitimat, a new town that offered him a final opportunity to implement his vision. Analyzing archival material, this study addresses Stein’s formulation, advocacy, and implementation of the Regional City and highlights his lesser-known contributions to postwar regionalism.