"It helps me find balance": older adult perspectives on the intersection of caregiving and volunteering.

Caregiving is an increasingly prevalent experience that can negatively impact health and well-being. Volunteerism, long associated with positive benefits for older adults, is one potential strategy that can be used to counteract caregiver stress. A national cohort of existing older adult volunteers was engaged to explore the intersection of volunteering and caregiving through qualitative analysis of respondent comments using the lens of role theory. Survey responses from 533 older volunteers were analyzed. Role conflict and role enhancement themes were examined, with time constraints and reduced energy emerging as the perceived causes of conflict between the caregiver and volunteer roles. Caregivers discussed benefits to their caregiving role, including respite, learning, access to information and resources relevant to caregiving, increased socialization and improved physical and cognitive health. Findings indicate that volunteering can be framed as a health and well-being intervention for caregivers.

Vigabatrin (Sabril) for the Treatment of Refractory Complex Focal Seizures in Adults: Pharmacologic and Clinical Considerations.

To review the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and adverse effects of vigabatrin (Sabril) and its role in managing refractory focal unaware seizures in adults. In the present investigation, a search of English-language literature from 1999 through 2023 was conducted using vigabatrin and Sabril as search terms to identify relevant studies and review articles. A 2000 double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study found that out of 90 adult patients, 48% of those treated with vigabatrin achieved a 50% or greater reduction in the frequency of complex partial seizures, compared to 26% of placebo-treated patients. This study also observed that vigabatrin was well tolerated by 72.4% of patients, with the most common side effects being drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and fatigue. Further studies with a significant risk of vigabatrin-associated visual field loss necessitate vigabatrin only being an option for refractory cases. Additional studies suggest that despite the potential risk of vision loss and adverse effects, adult patients continue to use vigabatrin long-term. Sabril is an antiepileptic medication prescribed as an additional treatment for refractory complex partial seizures in patients at least ten years old who have not responded well to other alternative therapies. Multiple clinical trials indicate that Sabril sufficiently reduces the frequency of seizures when used as an adjunct treatment of refractory complex focal seizures. However, it is important to carefully monitor patients for any adverse effects, particularly long-term use, and to discontinue the drug if serious side effects occur.