RESUMO
Cognitive impairment creates significant challenges for patients, their families and friends, and clinicians who provide their health care. Early recognition allows for diagnosis and appropriate treatment, education, psychosocial support, and engagement in shared decision-making regarding life planning, health care, involvement in research, and financial matters. An IAGG-GARN consensus panel examined the importance of early recognition of impaired cognitive health. Their major conclusion was that case-finding by physicians and health professionals is an important step toward enhancing brain health for aging populations throughout the world. This conclusion is in keeping with the position of the United States' Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that reimburses for detection of cognitive impairment as part the of Medicare Annual Wellness Visit and with the international call for early detection of cognitive impairment as a patient's right. The panel agreed on the following specific findings: (1) validated screening tests are available that take 3 to 7 minutes to administer; (2) a combination of patient- and informant-based screens is the most appropriate approach for identifying early cognitive impairment; (3) early cognitive impairment may have treatable components; and (4) emerging data support a combination of medical and lifestyle interventions as a potential way to delay or reduce cognitive decline.
Assuntos
Transtornos Cognitivos/diagnóstico , Programas de Rastreamento , Idoso , Tomada de Decisões , Diagnóstico Precoce , HumanosRESUMO
Reminiscence therapy for persons with dementia improves socialization and quality of life. Herein we report the development of reminiscence groups based around memories of professional baseball. Preliminary feedback suggests that this can be a successful approach to enhancing quality of life for persons with mild to moderate dementia.
Assuntos
Beisebol , Demência/psicologia , Demência/terapia , Rememoração Mental , Idoso , Retroalimentação , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Avaliação de Programas e Projetos de Saúde , Qualidade de VidaRESUMO
This paper examines university-community partnerships in gerontological social work research. Utilizing a case study approach, the process of collaboration is explored within the context of a two-phase research project conducted jointly by agency social workers, social work students and a social work faculty member. The benefits and challenges of the university-community research partnership are discussed along with the implications for gerontological social work research, education and practice.