Alzheimer Disease: Burgener SC

Yu F, Rose KM, Burgener SC, Cunningham C, Buettner LL, Beattie E, Bossen AL, Buckwalter KC, Fick DM, Fitzsimmons S, Kolanowski A, Janet K, Specht P, Richeson NE, Testad I, McKenzie SE. · University of Minnesota School of Nursing, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. · J Gerontol Nurs. · Pubmed #19326826 No free full text.

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to critically review and synthesize the literature on the effects of nonpharmacological cognitive training on dementia symptoms in early-stage Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementia. Electronic databases MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL, PsycInfo, and the Cochrane Library were searched using the keywords cognition, reality orientation, Alzheimer's disease, psychosocial factors, cognitive therapy, brain plasticity, enriched environments, and memory training. The findings support that cognitive training improves cognition, activities of daily living, and decision making. Interventions are more effective if they are structured and focus on specific known losses related to the AD pathological process and a person's residual ability, or are combined with cognitive-enhancing medications. Nursing implications are also discussed.

Burgener SC, Buettner L, Coen Buckwalter K, Beattie E, Bossen AL, Fick DM, Fitzsimmons S, Kolanowski A, Richeson NE, Rose K, Schreiner A, Pringle Specht JK, Testad I, Yu F, McKenzie S. · University North Carolina at Greensboro, Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality, HHP Building, Greensboro, NC, USA. · J Nutr Health Aging. · Pubmed #18165840 No free full text.

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to grade research evidence supporting nutritional interventions for persons with early stage dementias and to report the recommendations of a consensus panel. Thirty four studies were reviewed in the areas of dietary restriction, antioxidants, and Mediterranean diet with strong support from epidemiological studies found in all three areas. The body of evidence to support nutritional interventions in the prevention and treatment of AD is growing and has potential as a treatment modality following translational studies.

Burgener SC, Twigg P. · College of Nursing at Urbana University of Illinois, USA. · Annu Rev Nurs Res. · Pubmed #12092520 No free full text.

Abstract: This chapter provides an overview and critique of the theoretical and research literature by nurse researchers and researchers in other disciplines regarding interventions for persons with dementia (PWD). Reports were included if published in English between 1990 and 2000 and if a descriptive, correlational, longitudinal, or intervention design was used. Case studies and narrative descriptions were not included. No specific age criteria for study participants were applied; however, PWD are generally over age 55. The theoretical literature and various disease stages were reviewed, including clinical and behavioral indicators for disease progression. Using a variety of approaches to survey the extant literature (review of computer databases, contacts with experts in the field, ancestry method, and manual searches of key gerontology journals), over 1,200 citations were initially reviewed, allowing for approximately 375 publications undergoing thorough analysis with 157 research publications being included in this synthesis. Key findings include the identification of well-supported cognitive-behavioral interventions to enhance cognitive functioning and memory, and to relieve depression in the early disease stages; multiple environmental and behavioral approaches for improvement in functioning, maintenance of activities, and alleviation of behavioral symptoms in the middle disease stages; and behavioral, interactive, and staff support and education interventions for adequate nutritional intake, urinary incontinence, and management of problematic vocalizations and other behavioral symptoms in the later disease stages. Recommendations for future studies include the need for development of operational definitions of behavioral symptoms, inclusion of the perspective of PWD, evaluation of long-term outcomes, adequate sample size, community rather than institutional-based studies, and increased intervention testing at various stages of the disease.

Burgener SC. · Indiana University, School of Nursing, 1111 Middle Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. · J Pastoral Care. · Pubmed #11185294 No free full text.

Abstract: Examines the differences in caregivers of Alzheimer's patients and an age-matched comparison group on the variables of religious behavior; support and contact with the religious community; number of friends; quality of life; and well-being, and the relationship among these variables for predictors of the caregivers' quality of life. Findings included lower caregiver well-being, mental health, public religious behavior, satisfaction with church/synagogue support and contact, number of friends, support from and contact with friends, and quality of life indicators compared to comparison group subjects. Concludes that religious well-being and support from friends in the church/synagogue helps to explain a significant amount of the variance in the caregivers' well-being, health perceptions, mental health, and distress within the caregiving role.

Burgener SC, Dickerson-Putman J. · Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis 46202, USA. · J Gerontol Nurs. · Pubmed #10347435 No free full text.

Abstract: 1 Individuals with Alzheimer's dementia are able to describe their personal responses to the disease, including how the disease has affected their perceptions of self. 2 Individual-centered variables, other than those related to the disease, are associated with quality of life outcomes in individuals with Alzheimer's dementia, including the individuals' personality, age, and education level. 3 The importance of maintenance of social activities and past pleasant activities is shown by the relationships among these variables and quality of life outcomes in individuals with dementia. 4 The quality of the relationship between caregivers and individuals with dementia, including the role-stress experiences by the caregivers, is moderately to strongly associated with the individuals' level of depression, psychological well-being, and productive behaviors.