Psychology and aging
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Psychology and aging · Jun 2009
Predictors of change in caregiver burden and depressive symptoms following nursing home admission.
Prior research has yielded discrepant findings regarding change in caregiver burden or depressive symptoms after institutionalization of persons with dementia. However, earlier studies often included small postplacement samples. In samples of 1,610 and 1,116 dementia caregivers with up to 6 months' and 12 months' postplacement data, respectively, this study identified predictors of change in caregiver burden and depressive symptoms following nursing home admission. ⋯ A number of variables predicted increased burden and depressive symptoms in the 6- and 12-month postplacement panels. Preplacement measures of burden and depressive symptoms, site (Florida), overnight hospital use, and spousal relationship appear to result in impaired caregiver well-being following nursing home admission. Incorporating more specific measures of stress, considering the influence of health-related transitions, and coordinating clinical strategies that balance caregivers' needs for placement with sustainability of at-home care are important challenges for future research.
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Psychology and aging · Jun 2009
Comparative StudyTheory of mind associations with other cognitive functions and brain imaging in normal aging.
The study investigated age-related differences in theory of mind and explored the relationship between this ability, other cognitive abilities, and structural brain measures. A cohort of 106 adults (ages 50-90 years) was recruited. ⋯ Theory of mind performance correlated significantly with diffusion tensor imaging measures of white matter integrity but not with volume of white matter hyperintensities or whole-brain volume. Theory of mind age-related decline may not be independent of other cognitive functions; it may also be particularly susceptible to changes in white matter integrity.