It has been hypothesized that depression can be both a risk factor and a consequence of oral diseases. Tooth loss leads to discomfort, pain, and functional limitations which could lead to disability and, subsequently, to handicap. However, the association between depression and edentulism has not been established yet. Data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) Cycle 2.1 were used to examine the association between edentulism and depression in community-dwelling Canadians 45 years of age and older. Separate logistic regression models were developed for dentate and edentulous groups as well. Different regression selection methods were implemented and the area under the ROC curve was used to select models with the highest predictability. Analysis showed that edentulism was not associated with depression. For the edentulous group, oral/facial pain was the only oral health factor predicting depression, whereas avoiding smiling or laughing, dry mouth, oral/facial pain predicted depression in the dentate individuals.

An examination of data from 21 older members of the University community aged 59 and older, including those who do and those who do not use the campus gyms, and six athletic programming staff from the two facilities to attempt to understand how older adults choose to negotiate their physical activity as they age. The study demonstrates that those respondents most comfortable in the gym spaces in the university setting are those who have occupied those spaces over many years, or those who have been habituated to gym culture through their activities outside the university setting. Using the ’mask of ageing theory’ in combination with Bourdieu’s concepts of habitus, capital and field, this study is an attempt to understand the individual and cultural practices that older adults engage in to manage their physical activities at the University, their other activities outside, as well as the performative aspects of their engagement.

It has been hypothesized that depression can be both a risk factor and a consequence of oral diseases. Tooth loss leads to discomfort, pain, and functional limitations which could lead to disability and, subsequently, to handicap. However, the association between depression and edentulism has not been established yet. Data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) Cycle 2.1 were used to examine the association between edentulism and depression in community-dwelling Canadians 45 years of age and older. Separate logistic regression models were developed for dentate and edentulous groups as well. Different regression selection methods were implemented and the area under the ROC curve was used to select models with the highest predictability. Analysis showed that edentulism was not associated with depression. For the edentulous group, oral/facial pain was the only oral health factor predicting depression, whereas avoiding smiling or laughing, dry mouth, oral/facial pain predicted depression in the dentate individuals.

An examination of data from 21 older members of the University community aged 59 and older, including those who do and those who do not use the campus gyms, and six athletic programming staff from the two facilities to attempt to understand how older adults choose to negotiate their physical activity as they age. The study demonstrates that those respondents most comfortable in the gym spaces in the university setting are those who have occupied those spaces over many years, or those who have been habituated to gym culture through their activities outside the university setting. Using the ’mask of ageing theory’ in combination with Bourdieu’s concepts of habitus, capital and field, this study is an attempt to understand the individual and cultural practices that older adults engage in to manage their physical activities at the University, their other activities outside, as well as the performative aspects of their engagement.

Maintaining balance is controlled by two different processes: feedforward and feedback control. Feed-forward control is used prior to performing voluntary movements whereas feedback control is used to correct for unexpected perturbations. Studies suggested that age-related changes in postural responses may contribute to increased risk of falls in older adults. To address whether Tai Chi training can induce improved patterns of feed-forward control, voluntary arm elevations during standing were performed. Compared to age-matched controls, smaller displacements of the center of pressure were found among older adults who practice Tai Chi. This may suggest adapted feed-forward control induced by training. To investigate feedback control, perturbations were applied while walking with various arm constraints. Context-dependent modulation in response amplitude was found with changing levels of postural threat in older adults, comparable to young adults. Delayed onset latencies and frequent inhibition of Soleus may suggest less effective balance strategies employed in older adults, and an increased risk of falling. / Rehabilitation Science

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 84-86). / ix, various pagination, bound ill. 29 cm

Cognitive screening tools for dementia have often shown a cultural bias. Although in the preliminary stages of research, the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS) (Storey, Rowland, Conforti, & Dickson, 2004) has recently shown promise. It obtains high sensitivities and specificities, does not appear susceptible to the effects of translation, and appears applicable in a multicultural setting. Therefore; the aim of the current research was to examine further the performance of the RUDAS in an ethnolinguistically diverse sample. Archival data consisting of scores on the RUDAS and on a comprehensive test battery was gathered from 64 neuropsychological referrals to an Australian health service from 2002-2006. The majority (83%) of these referrals were from a non-English speaking background and were tested in their preferred language. The RUDAS was found to be a fairly cohesive measure, and domain subscales were strongly correlated with corresponding scores on other neuropsychological tests indicating accurate performance. Although moderately predictive of diagnoses of dementia and cognitive decline (obtaining sensitivities of 71% and 62% respectively) the RUDAS lacked specificity, a finding which may be attributed to the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in the sample. The RUDAS fullscale score was found resilient to age, gender, English language proficiency and education effects; however subscale scores were differentially affected, perhaps indicating a tendency towards bias. Overall, this study suggests that the RUDAS is a useful screening instrument in an ethnolinguistically diverse clinical population. / Thesis (MPsychology)--University of South Australia, 2006.

Thesis (MHlthSc(OccTh))--University of South Australia, 1999

Thesis (MGeront) -- University of South Australia, 1994.

Registered nurses in residential aged care work with older people who have complex care needs. Besides providing direct care, these nurses have a wide range of responsibilities which include supervising staff and attending to the smooth running of the care facility. This grounded theory study using dimensional analysis was aimed at answering the question: How do registered nurses organise their work? Indepth interviews were conducted with 10 registered nurses who worked in a range of positions in aged care facilities. Theoretical sampling and constant comparative analysis was used to guide both ongoing data collectiona and data analysis. Categories were examined for their relationships and dimensions to arrive at a substantive grounded theory which I have named 'shifting focus'. Individual and institutional philosophies of care were core elements in the registered nurses' focus of work. There was a relationship between staffing adequacy, individual and institutional philosophies of care, and the focus of registered nurse work. These relationships created conditions where the registered nurse would focus on ensuring the delivery of individualised resident care or focus on getting through the routine of care. The relationship between staffing adequacy, philosophies of care and the registered nurses' focus of work remained consistent when staffing adequacy changed. In instances of decreased staffing adequacy, the participants' focus shifted to either maintaining individualised care or focusing on safety. When the registered nurse aimed to change the philosophy of care, an increase in staffing adequacy enabled some aspects of cultural change to commence. The relationships between residents, family and staff were significant contrasting elements within an individualised philosophy of care, and an institutional philosophy of care. In the former, relationships were valued and developed. In the latter, they were benevolent, functional or conflicted. The significance of this study is that it reveals how registered nurses and management personnel in aged care facilities, can create conditions where the relationships between residents, their families and staff, are valued and developed to result in positive care outcomes. It is recommended that future research be conducted to examine the resources required to maintain an individualised approach to the nursing care of residents in aged care facilities.