Search

Introduction: Poststroke cognitive impairment is common, but the trajectory and magnitude of cognitive change after stroke are unclear. We aimed to measure changes in the trajectory of cognitive function following a first stroke, controlling for pre-stroke cognitive performance using diverse population-based studies from the Cohort Studies of Memory in an International Consortium (COSMIC). Methods: Fourteen longitudinal cohorts from 11 countries from Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, and Australia contributed data. Cognitive domain scores were formed by selecting the most common test administered amongst studies in each domain (memory, processing speed, language, and executive function) and the scores standardised; global cognition was the standardised average of the 4 domains and the primary outcome. One-stage IPD meta- analysis with linear mixed model and regression discontinuity design was used to model the change in cognitive function. Time-dependent incident stroke, age, time in study, and time since stroke were included in the basic model. In the full model we adjusted for sex, education, ethno- racial group, study period and potential confounders significant in the basic model at p

Abstract Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are critical in health-related decision-making, and are considered the gold standard in research synthesis methods. However, with new trials being regularly published and with the development of increasingly rigorous standards of data synthesis, systematic reviews often require much expertise and long periods of time to be completed. Automation of some of the steps of evidence synthesis productions is a promising improvement in the field, capable of reducing the time and costs associated with the process. This article describes the development and main characteristics of a novel online repository of cognitive intervention studies entitled Cognitive Treatments Article Library and Evaluation (CogTale). The platform is currently in a Beta Release phase, as it is still under development. However, it already contains over 70 studies, and the CogTale team is continuously coding and uploading new studies into the repository. Key features include advanced search options, the capability to generate meta-analyses, and an up-to-date display of relevant published studies.

Abstract Background With an increasing number of people with dementia worldwide and limited advancement in medical treatments, the call for new and cost-effective approaches is crucial. The utility of self-management has been proven in certain chronic conditions. However, very little work has been undertaken regarding self-management in people with dementia. Methods The SHAPE trial will include 372 people with mild to moderate dementia to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an educational programme combining approaches of self-management, health promotion, and e-learning for care partners. The study is a multi-site, single-randomised, controlled, single-blinded trial with parallel arms. The intervention arm is compared with treatment as usual. The intervention comprises a 10-week course delivered as group sessions for the participants with dementia. The sessions are designed to develop self-management skills and to provide information on the nature of the condition and the development of healthy behaviours in a supportive learning environment. An e-learning course will be provided for care partners which covers similar and complementary material to that discussed in the group sessions for the participant with dementia. Discussion This trial will explore the effect of the SHAPE group intervention on people with mild to moderate dementia in terms of self-efficacy and improvement in key health and mental health outcomes and cost-effectiveness, along with carer stress and knowledge of dementia. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04286139, registered prospectively February 26, 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04286139

Few studies have developed and validated a driving simulator for use with older drivers. As the population ages and demand for maintaining mobility in late-life increases, so will demand for efficient, safe and cost-effective methods of assessment and training that is suitable for older drivers. We compared simulator-based driving in older drivers against on-road driving with matching route and scoring procedure. We found that errors on the simulator predicted general driving safety. This has implications for the use of simulator technology for identifying at-risk older drivers.

This article describes an investigation of the relationships between employment status, engagement in activities, and the sense of control in a population-based sample of 2,551 Australian males and females aged 60 to 64. Through taking part in a structured interview, participants provided information on their employment status, socio-demographic characteristics, health, control beliefs and engagement in different domains of activity. Results indicated that full-time employees reported higher control beliefs relative to retirees, those working at home and part-time employees, in unadjusted analyses. Statistical adjustment for the effects of socio-demographic characteristics, health and activity engagement resulted in the difference in control beliefs of retirees and full-time workers becoming non-significant. Financial problems, mental health, and engagement in different domains of goal-directed activity were identified as significant mediators of the relationship between retirement status and control. Implications of the findings for wellbeing in later life are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cross-sectional studies have identified a number of health and lifestyle factors that correlate with cognitive function in old age. It is important to know whether these factors also predict change in cognitive function over time. Objective: To evaluate published findings on genetic, health and lifestyle predictors of cognitive change in late adulthood. Methods: Studies reporting data on education, health, blood pressure, activity and apolipoprotein E (APOE) as predictors of cognitive change were reviewed. A total of 34 studies were identified that reported data on these predictors. The average follow-up period of studies reviewed was 7.68 years. Results: Results showed that education, hypertension, objective indices of health and cardiovascular disease, and APOE were associated with cognitive change. Results regarding the effect of physical activity on cognitive change were inconclusive. Conclusion: Despite the lack of data on some predictors, the longitudinal trends are generally consistent with cross-sectional findings on predictors of cognitive performance in old age. More research is required to compare the influence of predictors on different types of cognitive abilities.Copyright © 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]