International journal of geriatric psychiatry
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Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Jun 2008
Characteristics associated with benzodiazepine usage in elderly outpatients in Taiwan.
To investigate benzodiazepine usage and the characteristics associated with usage among elderly outpatients in Taiwan. ⋯ Mental disorders and previous exposure to higher cumulative dosages of benzodiazepines are associated with an increased likelihood of receiving benzodiazepine therapy, longer treatment, and a higher mean dosage. Older individuals, less likely to receive higher dosage benzodiazepine therapy, are more likely to receive more prolonged therapy. Women are more likely to receive benzodiazepine therapy, but both men and women have comparable benzodiazepine usage patterns.
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Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · May 2008
Comparative StudyPortuguese version of the Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98: reliability and validity.
To assess the validity and the reliability of the Portuguese version of the Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98 (DRS-R-98). ⋯ The Portuguese version of the DRS-R-98 is a valid and reliable measure of delirium that distinguishes delirium from other disorders and is sensitive to change in delirium severity, which may be of great value for longitudinal studies.
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Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Apr 2008
What do we know about dementia?: a survey on knowledge about dementia in the general public of Japan.
The importance of early detection of dementia has been highlighted in recent years by the medical and scientific community; however, delays often occur between the recognition of signs or symptoms and a decision by the patient or family to seek professional help. Such delays may be caused by a lack of knowledge about dementia among patients and family members. The aim of this study was to determine the understanding of dementia among the general public. ⋯ There appeared to be gaps in knowledge on dementia among the general public, which may prevent caregivers from planning upcoming social and financial challenges. Correct information needs to be given by health professionals and care staff. Educational initiatives planned for the general public could be useful, and should target those groups, men and non-middle aged women who have lower knowledge.
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Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Mar 2008
Does physical activity moderate the association between depressive symptoms and disability in older adults?
Depressive symptoms and disability are closely associated and known to have reciprocal relationships. This study examines whether physical activity moderates the association between depressive symptoms and disability in community-dwelling older adults. ⋯ The association between depressive symptoms and disability is moderated by physical activity in older persons. The findings suggest that healthcare professionals need to promote moderate amount of physical activity as a potential intervention tool in attenuating the depression-disability connection in later life, especially among those with high levels of physical and mental impairments.
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Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Mar 2008
Comparative StudyDiagnosing dementia -- ICD-10 not so bad after all: a comparison between dementia criteria according to DSM-IV and ICD-10.
The discrepancy between results of diagnosing dementia with ICD-10 and DSM-IV has been shown by several studies. Our aim was to show that the two diagnostic systems are more or less alike if ICD-10 is interpreted in the way we believe is in the intention of the ICD-10 authors. ⋯ In the ICD-10 criteria 'decline in other cognitive abilities such as abstraction, judgement, problem solving' has been interpreted in a way that all the above executive functions must be impaired for diagnosing dementia. According to our interpretation these are meant to be examples of functions which may be compromised in demented patients.The results of our study demonstrate that this interpretation of ICD-10 has shown that the authors of ICD-10 and DSM-IV have succeeded in harmonising the two systems. However, the ICD-10 criteria are phrased in a way that leaves much to individual interpretation. WHO has to define the ICD criteria in such a way that there is uniformity in its interpretation.