International journal of geriatric psychiatry
-
Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Dec 2014
ReviewObjective assessment of attention in delirium: a narrative review.
Inattention is a core feature of delirium, and valid assessment of attention is central to diagnosis. Methods of measuring attention in delirium can be divided into two broad categories: (i) objective neuropsychological testing; and (ii) subjective grading of behaviour during interview and clinical examination. Here, we review and critically evaluate studies of objective neuropsychological testing of attention in delirium. We examine the implications of these studies for delirium detection and monitoring in clinical practice and research, and how these studies inform understanding of the nature of attentional deficits in delirium. ⋯ The existing evidence base on objective assessment of attention in delirium is small. Objective testing of attention is underdeveloped but shows considerable promise in clinical practice and research.
-
Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Oct 2014
Mindfulness-based stress reduction for older adults with worry symptoms and co-occurring cognitive dysfunction.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has the potential to reduce worry and improve cognitive functioning. ⋯ These preliminary findings are promising for the further testing and use of MBSR in older adults suffering from clinical worry symptoms and co-occurring cognitive dysfunction. These are common problems in a broad range of older adults, many of whom have anxiety and mood disorders; therefore, stress reduction intervention for them may have great public health value.
-
Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Oct 2014
Abuse of older persons with dementia by family caregivers: results of a 6-month prospective study in Hong Kong.
To examine the association between care recipients' agitated behaviors, family caregivers' burnout, and abuse in community dwelling older Chinese with dementia in Hong Kong. ⋯ This study is the first to establish an association between care recipients' agitated behaviors, burnout, and abuse by family caregivers using prospective data. The present results confirmed that care recipients' agitated behaviors and caregivers' symptoms of burnout are associated with family caregivers' abusive behaviors. Caregiver burnout did not mediate the association between agitated behaviors and abuse. Proper management of care recipients' agitated behaviors and adequate support provided to family caregivers may help prevent the development of new cases of elder mistreatment.
-
Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Oct 2014
Concordance between (99m)Tc-ECD SPECT and 18F-FDG PET interpretations in patients with cognitive disorders diagnosed according to NIA-AA criteria.
The purpose of this study was to clarify the concordance of diagnostic abilities and interobserver agreement between 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and brain perfusion single photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) who were diagnosed according to the research criteria of the National Institute of Aging-Alzheimer's Association Workshop. ⋯ The degree of uptake on 18F-FDG PET and (99m)Tc-ECD SPECT showed significant correlations in the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes. The diagnostic abilities of 18F-FDG PET and (99m)Tc-ECD SPECT for "AD and MCI," when diagnosed according to the National Institute of Aging-Alzheimer's Association Workshop criteria, were nearly identical.
-
Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Sep 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialEfficacy and safety of duloxetine in the treatment of older adult patients with generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
This was a flexible-dosed study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of duloxetine 30-120 mg once daily in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in older adult patients. ⋯ Duloxetine treatment was efficacious in the improvement of anxiety and functioning in older adult patients with GAD, and the safety profile was consistent with previous GAD studies.