Computer-based cognitive training for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: pilot study.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing focus in the United States on preserving cognitive functioning. However, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) are not provided with opportunities to prevent cognitive decline. To investigate whether participants with ID/DD would improve in cognitive function after cognitive training, a cognitive training group (N = 11) was compared to 2 control groups, a computer games group (N = 11) and a waitlist group (N = 10) on performance on 15 cognitive functions. FINDINGS: (1) Very high adherence rates (94%) of the sample and 100% of the cognitive training group indicate that when given adequate individual support, adults with ID/DD can successfully use a cognitive stimulation program. (2) No significant between- or within-group effects were observed for cognitive training when a stringent α, corrected for multiple comparisons, was used. (3) Trends of improvement in cognitive function were observed for the cognitive training group.

Self-awareness: a review and analysis of a basic nursing concept.

Self-awareness has long been addressed as fundamental for the professional nurse with the accepted view that self-awareness will lead to greater competence. Therefore, it is important to understand the historical evolution of the concept, attributes, antecedents, and consequences. Rodgers' evolutionary method was used for critical analysis of nursing, social sciences, and education literature. Analysis indicates that self-awareness is a dynamic, transformative process of self. Ultimately, self-awareness is the use of self-insights and presence knowingly to guide behavior that is genuine and authentic to create a healing interpersonal environment. Future research areas within practice and education are identified.

Preserving cognition through an integrated cognitive stimulation and training program.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive decline leads to disability and increased health care expenditures. METHODS: Effectiveness of an intervention to stimulate multiple cognitive domains was determined using a format combining traditional and computer-based activities (Integrated Cognitive Stimulation and Training Program), 45 minutes a day, 2 days a week, for 6 weeks. Nonimpaired, mildly, and moderately-impaired participants > age 65 (n = 32) were randomly allocated into a control or experimental group. Using a repeated measures design participants were tested again postintervention and at 8 weeks follow-up. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement on Dementia Rating Scale scores occurred for mildly and moderately impaired treatment participants (n = 15). Statistical significance was demonstrated on subscales of the WMS-III: Logical Memory I and Logical Memory II. CONCLUSION: Blending computer-based with traditional cognitive stimulation activities shows promise in preserving cognitive function in elders. Future studies to explore efficacy in larger, more diverse samples are needed.