Alzheimer Disease: Kolanowski A

Fick DM, Kolanowski A, Beattie E, McCrow J. · School of Nursing, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA. · J Gerontol Nurs. · Pubmed #19326827 No free full text.

Abstract: Delirium is a disorder of acute onset with fluctuating symptoms and is character ized by inattention, disorganized thinking and altered levels of consciousness. The risk for delirium is greatest in individual with dementia, and the incidence of both is increasing worldwide because of the aging of our population. Although s clinical trials have tested interventions f delirium prevention in individuals without dementia, little is known about the m anisms for the prevention of delirium i early-stage Alzheimer's disease (AD). Th purpose of this article is to explore ways o preventing delirium and slowing the ra of cognitive decline in early-stage AD enhancing cognitive reserve. An agenda for future research on interventions to prevent delirium in individuals with early-stage AD is also presented.

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.

Buettner L, Kolanowski A. · Interdisciplinary Center for Positive Aging, College of Health Professions, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, USA. · Geriatr Nurs. · Pubmed #12598862 No free full text.

Abstract: Activity is a basic human need expressed in work and leisure pursuits. Unfortunately, people with dementia have a low rate of activity participation because of associated physical and cognitive constraints. Recently, the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) held a consensus meeting to address this issue and formulate practice guidelines for recreation therapy in the care of people with dementia. The consensus document presents an evidence-based intervention theory that draws on the science of two disciplines: nursing and recreation therapy. This article reports on the ATRA guidelines and illustrates their applicability in a case study of a resident with severe aggression associated with dementia.

Kolanowski A, Hoffman L, Hofer SM. · Penn State University School of Nursing, 307F HHD East University Park, PA 16802, USA. · J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. · Pubmed #17284553 No free full text.

Abstract: The emotional well-being of persons with dementia is an aspect of their quality of life. We examined the stability of informant-rated and self-reported emotion, and the influence of mental status and physical dependence on ratings; we modeled concordance between ratings at both the within- and between-person levels of analysis. We used multilevel modeling to examine data collected over 12 days from 31 nursing home residents. We found significant within-person variation in both informant-rated and self-reported emotion, such that between 40% and 60% of the overall variance in each occurred within persons. We found little correspondence between or within persons between ratings of the informants and residents, regardless of mental status. We recommend statistical techniques that describe these high levels of daily variation in persons with dementia.