Alzheimer Disease: Beck C

Lyketsos CG, Colenda CC, Beck C, Blank K, Doraiswamy MP, Kalunian DA, Yaffe K, Anonymous00013. · No affiliation provided · Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. · Pubmed #16816009 No free full text.

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Souder E, Beck C. · College of Nursing, Department of Nursing Science, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham, Slot 529, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA. · Nurs Clin North Am. · Pubmed #15331301 No free full text.

Abstract: In conclusion, many researchers from multiple disciplines are addressing AD at many levels, ranging from prevention, to cellular alterations, to treatment modalities, and coping and care giving with the consequences of the ravages left by the disease. Although much has been learned in the last several decades of active research, much remains to be learned. In its current status, AD is a chronic disease without a cure, which provides ample opportunities for nursing management throughout the course progression.

Souder E, Rapp CG, Davis GV, Beck C, Liem PH. · University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Nursing, and Hartford Center for Excellence in Geriatric Nursing, Little Rock, AR, USA. · Medsurg Nurs. · Pubmed #15029928 No free full text.

Abstract: The incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the leading form of dementia, is expected to increase exponentially in the next 50 years. The nursing and medical care of individuals diagnosed with AD, including the health-related challenges faced by all aging individuals, are discussed.

Pope SK, Shue VM, Beck C. · Department of Geriatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, USA. · Annu Rev Public Health. · Pubmed #12415146 No free full text.

Abstract: Alzheimer's disease (AD) appears to resemble other chronic diseases, whereby a myriad of interconnected factors, including those associated with lifestyle, are involved in disease development. In this paper, we examine accepted and proposed risk factors for AD and explore health behaviors, including diet, exercise, prevention of injury, and cognitive stimulation, that may help prevent AD. Adherence to a healthy lifestyle may directly protect against AD or may prevent diseases associated with AD, such as vascular disease and diabetes. A healthy lifestyle to prevent AD may be important throughout life rather than after disease manifestation and may be particularly relevant if other factors, such as genetic predisposition, also increase risk of AD. If changes in lifestyle can help prevent AD by reducing modifiable risk factors, this knowledge can aid individuals who wish to take action to protect themselves and their families from the disease.

Mittal D, Palmer BW, Dunn LB, Landes R, Ghormley C, Beck C, Golshan S, Blevins D, Jeste DV. · Center for Mental Healthcare and Outcomes Research, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72114, USA. · Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. · Pubmed #17272737 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of two enhanced consent procedures provided to patients with Alzheimer disease or mild cognitive impairment that used either a PowerPoint presentation or an enhanced printed consent form. METHODS: Patients randomly assigned to an enhanced written consent procedure or slideshow presentation were assessed with the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for Clinical Research. RESULTS: Verbal reexplanation was associated with improved understanding in both conditions. Level of understanding did not significantly differ between the two consent groups, but administration time for slideshow presentation was less than that for an enhanced written consent procedure. CONCLUSION: Enhanced consent procedures are feasible and useful for consent to research among patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer disease.

Frank L, Flynn JA, Kleinman L, Margolis MK, Matza LS, Beck C, Bowman L. · The MEDTAP Institute at UBC, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA. · Int Psychogeriatr. · Pubmed #16403248 No free full text.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcomes assessment enhances the understanding of disease impact in a range of disorders. At mild levels of cognitive impairment the patient perspective on functioning, behavior and symptoms can be particularly valuable for syndrome characterization when clinical and neuropsychological findings are limited. We have evaluated the psychometric performance of the 55-item Patient-Reported Outcomes in Cognitive Impairment (PROCOG), a new patient-reported measure, to measure mild to moderate cognitive impairment symptoms and their impact from the perspective of patients with dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: The sample of 75 DAT patients, 78 MCI patients and 33 cognitively intact control subjects (> 64 years) was recruited through medical centers in the U.SA. Validity was assessed through correlation to the Quality of Life--Alzheimer's Disease (QOL-AD) and Centers for Epidemiologic Studies--Depression Scale (CES-D) and neuropsychological assessments (WAIS subscales and MMSE). RESULTS: PROCOG scores for MCI patients were generally intermediate between DAT and control subjects. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were acceptable. Correlations with the CES-D and QOL-AD were in the moderate to high range; correlations with the neuropsychological measures were low to moderate. CONCLUSIONS: The PROCOG demonstrated good to excellent psychometric properties among a sample of older adults with MCI and DAT as well as cognitively intact older adult control subjects and provides a method for collecting unique information on the patient experience of cognitive impairment. Subscales permit focused evaluation of domains relevant to the patient's experience of cognitive impairment.

Beck C, Shue V. · Department of Geriatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, USA. · Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord. · Pubmed #12813219 No free full text.

Abstract: This article discusses the role of surrogate decision-makers for persons who are cognitively impaired and cannot give informed consent. Questions raised follow. Is surrogate consent in research analogous to proxy consent in health care? What are some issues in surrogate consent? How does the risk-benefit ratio affect the consent process? What are the investigator's responsibilities regarding surrogate consent? Issues discussed include advance directives, durable power of attorney, legally authorized representatives, substituted judgment, double informed consent, responsibilities of surrogates, and barriers to informed consent. The article ends with recommendations to clarify state and national laws, change research designs, and establish a national mechanism for reviewing promising research that is usually prohibited.

Beck C. · University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock 72205, USA. · Aging Ment Health. · Pubmed #11513505 No free full text.

Abstract: In the past decade, researchers across the world have published a great number of studies on the care of nursing home residents with dementia. Investigations have concentrated on such important subjects as special care units, staff training, functional performance, and problem behaviors. However, most of the studies have lacked the rigor needed to establish the treatments that they tested as standards of care, according to criteria from the American Academy of Neurology. Without a solid scientific foundation, researchers in the USA have found it difficult to offer authoritative advice to policy makers and advocacy groups. This article will discuss some theoretical and methodological issues of research that require attention to fortify the scientific foundation. Topics include theoretical and definitional inconsistencies, sampling issues, limitations related to data collectors, the need for greater specificity of interventions, and outcome measures. The article will continue with an overview of areas that need further refinement and development. It will focus on combining basic and clinical sciences, combining behavioral and pharmacological research, combining clinical and health services research, reconceptualizing meaningful activity, palliative care in advanced dementia, certified nursing assistant training issues, and family training issues. The article will conclude with recommendations to establish collaborative research enterprises among existing organizations in the USA.

Vellas B, Beck C, Bourdille S, Costes M. · Département de médecine interne et gérontologie clinique, CHU La Grave-Casselardit, Toulouse. · Soins Gerontol. · Pubmed #10745910 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.