<p> The purpose of this study was to identify, through meta-analytical techniques, evidence-based recommendations for the type, frequency, and duration of exercise to slow the progression of dementia. Inclusion criteria were that the research had to be published between January 2000 and January 2012 and include both pre- and post-Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores. After conducting extensive computer-aided and manual searches, eight studies were chosen for analysis. Of those eight studies, one study in particular indicated the optimal type, frequency, and duration of exercise to slow the progression of dementia, which was walking four times per week for thirty minutes per session. Future research should include the impact of other forms of exercise on the progression of dementia and the role of physicians in the prescription of exercise to slow the progression of dementia.</p>

Abstract not available.

<p> How a professional football player will adjust to retirement can be difficult to predict. Personality traits could play a role in retirement satisfaction and narcissistic personality traits, which can assist an individual during his playing career, may in fact hinder his ability to adjust to life after football. Using the Narcissistic Personality Inventory and the Retirement Satisfaction Inventory, this study aimed to identify features of narcissism that may correlate with satisfaction and dissatisfaction in retirement among former NFL players. </p><p> Results from this study found significant positive correlations between both authoritativeness and satisfaction with life in retirement, and self-sufficiency and satisfaction with life in retirement. Results also indicated a significant negative relationship between narcissism and total playing years accrued in the NFL, suggesting that those who sustained longer playing careers before retirement had lower levels of narcissism. Lastly, results from this study showed higher satisfaction with retirement the longer an individual had been away from the league, suggesting the retirement process, which has been chronicled as challenging during the first few years, may likely become more manageable as time goes on.</p>

<p>Providing care for a frail older adult who is suffering from dementia has been described as a stressful experience that may erode psychological well-being and physical health of caregivers. The present study investigated the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), among older family caregivers of persons with neurocognitive disorders, compared with an intervention based on progressive muscle relaxation (PMR). Participants were randomly assigned to either MBSR or PMR (<i>n</i> = 28). The MBSR group showed significantly greater reductions in self-reported levels of depression and isolation from pre- to post-intervention, and those changes remained significant at 8 weeks post-intervention. Both groups showed similar decreases in levels of perceived stress, cortisol awakening response, daily average cortisol, and in resting systolic blood pressure from pre- to post-intervention. Results suggest that MBSR and relaxation-based interventions may both be effective for caregivers, however, further research, employing waitlist control participants will be necessary for unambiguous interpretation of the present results.

<p> This curriculum was designed for older adults and their caregivers. The curriculum begins with an overview of the issue and addresses aging issues through six 3-hour sessions. The design was deliberate in nature to bring to light the importance of a social worker. It focuses on competence to work with families who seek caregiver model options, realities, and expectations of both the older adult and the caregiver, and what to look for in assisted living or aging in place. The importance of understanding cultural and spiritual aspects and their meanings in the caregiving process is emphasized. An extensive literature review identified various stressors among older adults and their caregivers and identified effective interventions to address their psychosocial needs based on evidence-based and empirically based research studies. This curriculum was designed to provide information and to bring awareness of the importance of empowerment of older adults and their caregivers. </p>

<p> Virtually no research to date has investigated individual differences that might make women more or less susceptible to menopausal symptoms. This study hypothesized that high levels of the neuroticism personality trait render women more susceptible to severe menopausal symptoms. Neuroticism was assessed using the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Brief Version (EPQ-BV), and menopausal symptoms were measured with the Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS). A total of 169 English speaking women <i>(M</i> = 50.74 years) were recruited through social media and flyers to complete an online survey. After controlling stressors, exercise, and income, a strong correlation between high neuroticism and more severe symptoms was found. This indicates that negative menopausal experiences can be predicted with individual difference measures. The utility of being able to predict difficult menopause experiences with individual difference measures in a clinical setting, as well as suggestions for future research of this type, are discussed.</p>

<p> The purpose of this study was to explore the decision making of family caregivers who were considering transitioning an older adult family member from independent living to an assisted living facility (ALF). A total of 15 caregivers were interviewed; 12 (80%) decided to place the older adult in an ALF and 3 (20%) decided not to do so. </p><p> This study found that the decision to place an older adult in an ALF was primarily due to the declining health of the older adult and safety concerns. All of the twelve caregivers who placed their family member in an ALF reported that they continued to be involved in caregiving after placement. Caregiver support groups and self-care were two interventions that participants described as most effective to support them during their caregiver experience. More research is needed on how to support family caregivers who are considering placement in an ALF.</p>

<p> The purpose of this project was to write a grant to implement an educational program for healthcare professionals employed by Kaiser Permanente (e.g., physicians, nurses, and social workers) on older adult sexual health. Topics would include the increased transference of sexually transmitted infections among the older adult population. The professionals would also acquire the tools needed to enhance their comfort levels when engaging in sexual health discussions with older adult patients. </p><p> The goals are to increase (1) the professionals' knowledge of sexuality and sexual behaviors among older adults and (2) their comfort levels when discussing sexual health with their older adult patients. A total of 2,100 healthcare professionals would participate during the funding period. The program would be evaluated by means of pre/post-testing of knowledge and comfort levels, as well as a satisfaction survey. The actual submission and/or funding of this grant were not requirements for the successful completion of this project.</p>

<p> The purpose of this project was to develop a proposed program, write a grant proposal, identify a funding source, and select a host agency for an educational program to educate skilled nursing facility staff members on alternative treatment options for people with Alzheimer's disease. A literature review was conducted in order to examine the history of Alzheimer's disease, prevalence and symptomology of the disease, and past, current, and alternative treatment approaches. The educational program will be located at Community SeniorServ, Inc. Senior Serve in Anaheim, California. The program will provide skilled nursing facility staff members with education on the harmful side effects psychotropic medications have on patients with Alzheimer's disease, and on innovative techniques to treat the negative behaviors associated with the disease. The actual submission or funding of this grant was not a requirement for the successful completion of the project.</p>

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of California, San Francisco, 2009. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 71-02, Section: B, page: . Adviser: Cynthia Kenyon.