Search

Introduction Searching the internet for health-related information is a complex and dynamic goal-oriented process that ostensibly places demands on executive functions, which are higher-order cognitive abilities that can deteriorate with older age. This study examined the effects of older age on electronic health (eHealth) search behavior and the potential mediating influence of executive functions. Method Fifty younger adults (≤ 35 years) and 41 older adults (≥50 years) completed naturalistic eHealth search tasks involving fact-finding (Fact Search) and symptom determination (Symptom Search), a neurocognitive battery, and a series of self-report questionnaires. Results Multiple regression models controlling for potentially confounding psychiatric symptoms, health conditions, literacy, and demographic variables revealed that older adults were slower and less accurate than younger adults on the eHealth Fact Search task, but not on the eHealth Symptom Search task. Executive functions mediated the relationship between age and Fact and Symptom Search accuracy, independent of basic processing speed and attention. Parallel mediation models showed that episodic memory was not an independent mediator of age and search accuracy for either eHealth task once speed/attention and executive functions were included. Conclusions Older adults can experience difficulty searching the internet for some health-related information, which is at least partly attributable to executive dysfunction. Future studies are needed to determine the benefits of training in the organizational and strategic aspects of internet search for older adults and whether these findings are applicable to clinical populations with executive dysfunction.

The purpose of this study was to determine how well scores from the Rey Complex Figure Test (RCFT) could serve as embedded measures of performance validity in a large, heterogeneous clinical sample at an urban-based Veterans' Affairs hospital. Participants were divided into credible performance (n = 244) and noncredible performance (n = 87) groups based on common performance validity tests during their respective clinical evaluations. We evaluated how well preselected RCFT scores could discriminate between the 2 groups using cut scores from single indexes as well as multivariate logistic regression prediction models. Additionally, we evaluated how well memory error patterns (MEPs) could discriminate between the 2 groups. Optimal discrimination occurred when indexes from the Copy and Recognition trials were simultaneous predictors in logistic regression models, with 91% specificity and at least 53% sensitivity. Logistic regression yielded superior discrimination compared with individual indexes and compared with the use of MEPs. Specific scores on the RCFT, including the Copy and Recognition trials, can serve as adequate indexes of performance validity, when using both cut scores and logistic regression prediction models. We provide logistic regression equations that can be applied in similar clinical settings to assist in determining performance validity.

OBJECTIVE To prospectively examine the incidence and risk factors for sleep apnea in consecutive brain injury rehabilitation admissions. SETTING Inpatient neurorehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANTS Participants (n = 86) were consecutive neurorehabilitation admissions. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. MAIN MEASURES Polysomnography. RESULTS Half (49%) of the sample was diagnosed with sleep apnea. For the full sample, univariate logistic regression revealed age (odds ratio: 1.08; 95% confidence interval: 1.04-1.11) and hypertension (odds ratio: 7.77; 95% confidence interval: 2.81-21.47) as significant predictors of sleep apnea diagnosis. Results of logistic regression conducted within the traumatic brain injury group revealed age (odds ratio: 1.07; 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.13) as the only significant predictor of apnea diagnosis after adjustment for other variables. Hierarchical generalized linear regression models for the prediction of apnea severity (ie, apnea-hypopnea index found that Functional Independence Measure Cognition Score (P = .01) and age (P < .01) were significant predictors. Following adjustment for all other terms, only age (P < .01) remained significant. CONCLUSION Sleep apnea is prevalent in acute neurorehabilitation admissions and traditional risk profiles for sleep apnea may not effectively screen for the disorder. Given the progressive nature of obstructive sleep apnea and morbidity associated with even mild obstructive sleep apnea, early identification and intervention may address comorbidities influencing acute and long-term outcome.