<p> The importance of investigating relationships between depression and mineral intake is necessary due to concerns over the mental health and nutrition status of the growing older adult population in America. Due to lack of research in this area, the development of nutrition therapies for depressed older adults with special consideration for minerals is hindered. This study explored whether mean depression scores significantly differed between quartile intake groups of selenium, magnesium, zinc, and copper in a nationally representative sample of older adults (<i>n</i> = 901) from the 2011-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). For all four minerals, those within the highest quartile of intake had significantly lower depression scores than those within the lowest quartile. Nutrition and mental health care professionals should be aware of a possible association between mineral intake and depression and emphasize healthy eating patterns and nutrient-dense diets to maintain optimal mental and physical functioning.</p>

<p> Anxiety and behavior disturbances are a significant problem for geriatric residents living in a facility. Currently treatment for these symptoms is pharmacological. While medications are necessary in some cases, significant uncomfortable side effects can result. The availability of effective treatments that are non-pharmacological allows nurses to offer an alternative option for these symptoms. The purpose of this project was to investigate animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and the effects this therapy has on anxiety and behavioral symptoms for geriatric patients living in a facility. A four week study was conducted with adult subjects age 55-85 who were diagnosed with anxiety or behavior symptoms and live in a facility. A dog was utilized for the therapy. Evidence suggests the effectiveness of AAT for a multitude of disease states and medical conditions. Use of ATT in this study revealed several behavioral changes for individual participants.</p>

<p>Abstract The increased prevalence of cognitive deterioration has increased the challenges of caring for older adults. This study?s project site offers a psychiatric program for older adults with customized care for complex geriatric mental health patients. Clinical assessment and care management are often overlooked in geriatric mental health patients diagnosed with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). The purpose of this project was to deliver an education program developed from the Staff Training in Assisted Living Residences-Veterans Administration, P.I.E.C.E.S ? model and the Castle framework to 42 nursing and allied health staff of the project site. The project question explored whether an education program on care of patients with BPSD increased staff members? perceived knowledge and competence in providing care to these patients. This education program focused on comprehensive assessment, individualized care planning, and individualized nonpharmacological interventions to manage older adults with dementia. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze performance outcomes data before and after staff education. In addition, care plans of patients were reviewed. Results included a 100% increase in recognition of core concepts of the education program; a 48% to 86% increase in staff willingness to use interdisciplinary care plans; and a 6.6% to 95% increase in documentation of key interventions in care plans for 6 behaviors of dementia. The results of this project might bring about social change by improving the skills and competence of nursing staff in managing the patients with dementia, thus positively impacting the quality of life of patients with BPSD by benefiting from nonpharmacological interventions.

<p> The Health and Retirement Study (HRS) is a twenty-five-year longitudinal study that studies populations over the age of fifty. There is a lack of studies that examine depression and social isolation as comorbid conditions. The purpose of this study was to examine secondary data from the 2014 wave of the HRS regarding associations between depression, social isolation and demographic characteristics, including age (50&ndash;104 years), gender, and marital status. Self-reported data from 18,289 participants (10,703 females and 7,586 males) suggested a positive association between depression and social isolation (<i> r</i> = .365, <i>p</i> &lt; .001) in that as levels of depression increase so do feelings of social isolation. Significantly more females than males reported having depression. Those who were married reported less depression and social isolation. Younger ages experienced depression and older ages social isolation. Further research should explore solutions to decreasing depression and social isolation among older adults in the United States.</p><p>

<p> Although the population of adults age 65 and older with Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease and other dementias is growing exponentially, many dental professionals are not adequately prepared to work with these special needs patients in the clinical setting. The purpose of this project was to develop a training for dental professionals including basics about dementia, and communication and behavioral management. Personal oral hygiene, often lacking in a person with dementia, contributes to periodontal inflammation and oral infection that may be linked to potentially, life-threatening diseases, including cardiovascular disease, and aspiration pneumonia. This could result in poor quality of life, and hospital or nursing home admission. The training will help dental professionals to better provide preventive or maintenance dental care or assist in providing care. The training will meet a portion of the continuing education biennial course requirements and course provider requirements for license renewal of dental professionals in California. The training was presented to dental professionals. Their feedback, as well as suggestions from an expert panel, informed revisions to the training, such as increasing the length of the training and including &ldquo;brain breaks&rdquo; in the presentation.</p><p>

Wandering, a common behavior exhibited by the confused elderly (Mayer and Darby, 1991; Monsour and Robb, 1982), poses a significant problem to the individual, to the family, and to care providers. The research supporting the effectiveness of various interventions in managing wandering behavior indicates that simple procedures and environmental modifications may be used to good effect. It is unclear, however, which interventions are being utilized in the nursing home setting (Fisher, Fink, and Loomis, 1993), and which interventions are the most economically practical. This study had three main goals. The first was to obtain descriptive data on the problem of wandering in the nursing home setting, including the prevalence of wandering, the reasons why it is considered a problem, and the interventions used to manage it. The second goal was to determine whether or not specific factors, such as staff-to-patient ratio, exercise and activities reduce the problem of wandering. The final goal was to compare the problem and management of wandering behavior on traditional nursing units and specialized Alzheimer's units. The nursing director of each skilled nursing facility in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (N = 584) was asked in writing to complete a survey regarding the problem of wandering in his/her facility. The total number of surveys returned was 197 or 37.81%. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics, correlational procedures, ANOVAs, and regression analyses. The prevalence of wandering behavior in the nursing home setting was found to be 11.6% on traditional units and 52.71% on Alzheimer's units. Important information was gained on the use and effectiveness of various strategies in the management of wandering behavior. Moreover, it was determined that certain interventions were not used because the facilities were unaware of them or lacked the money and staff to implement them. Regression analyses determined that the percent of wanderers and the use of psychoactive medication were significant predictors of the degree to which wandering is viewed as a problem. Finally, Alzheimer's units were found to offer a unique and valuable setting for the care of wanderers. Explanations for these results as well as the limitations of the study were discussed.

<p> The purpose of this project is to identify a potential funding source and write a grant to provide art classes and art exhibits in Orange County, California to decrease mental health issues among older adults and to reduce mental health stigma. A comprehensive literature review found that art related activities are an effective way to reduce mental health issues among older adults. The search conducted identified a potential funding source to support the need for culturally competent art based mental health services. Mental health stigma results in numerous challenges for those with mental illness, their families, and the community. Art activities are low-cost, help decrease levels of stress, build self-esteem, and promote community involvement. If funded, this program could help older adults engage in the art related activities to improve their mental and physical health.</p>

<p> Depression is a prevalent problem within the elderly population and the problem is expected to increase with the projected growth of this population. Depression is often caused by inevitable losses related to aging including retirement, moving out of the family home, loss of a spouse or other loved one, and loss of mobility. Depression that is left untreated can put an older adult at risk for suicide and a higher mortality risk due to physical illness. Social support and social contact are important factors in quality of life and mental health outcomes for older adults. Lack of reliable transportation and loss of driving privileges can lead to social isolation and can be a barrier to attending social events and maintaining contact with friends and family members. The purpose of this project was to create a transportation program intended to decrease depression in older adults by reducing social isolation and connecting them to community activities. A search of funding agencies was conducted using the Internet and personal contacts. Archstone Foundation was chosen as the most suitable funding source based on the project goals. Actual submission and/or funding of this grant were not required for successful completion of this project.</p>

<p>Health literacy is described as the ability to process and understand basic health-related information in order to make appropriate health care decisions. It has been shown that many older Latinos have low health literacy resulting in poor health outcomes. Research has also identified that some older Latinos with low health literacy often also have symptoms of depression. The purpose of this project was to write a grant to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to fund a program entitled Tu Vida, Tu Salud, a two-fold program to help older Latinos residing in La Habra, California. The goals are to (1) increase their health literacy through work with a Promotora and (2) decrease their depressive symptomatology through a cognitive-behavioral intervention program. The Institute for Healthcare Advancement and the Family Resource Center in La Habra are the host agencies for this grant. The actual submission and/or funding of this grant was not required for the successful completion of the project.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Toronto, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references.