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The purpose of the current pilot study was to determine the impact of an ambient activity technology, ABBY[sup.®], on responsive behavior and family visiting in a long-term care (LTC) home. We were also interested in family and staff perceptions of the technology. A mixed methods research study was conducted over a 6-month period and data were collected using standardized measures and focus groups. Although no significant differences were noted in responsive resident behaviors, focus group data showed the ABBY enriched the care environment and provided additional opportunities for families and staff to engage residents. Although the introduction of a new technology can create challenges for staff, with time, these challenges can be overcome. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 48(1), 35–41.], The World Health Organization (2020) estimates there are 50 million people worldwide with dementia, with an additional 10 million new cases identified each year. In addition to cognitive decline, common [...]

Gabapentin (GBP; Neurontin®) and pregabalin (PGB; CI-1008), efficacious drugs in several neurological and psychiatric disorders, inhibit neurotransmitter release from mammalian brain slices at therapeutically relevant concentrations. A detailed investigation, exploring the basis for this in vitro phenomenon, focused on norepinephrine (NE) and rat neocortical tissue in complementary assays of neurotransmitter release and radioligand binding. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that GBP, PGB, and related substances decrease neocortical NE release by acting at the α2δ subunit of presynaptic P/Q-type voltage-sensitive Ca²⁺ channels (VSCC) subserving Ca²⁺ influx in noradrenergic terminals. The inhibitory action appears competitive with [Ca²⁺]o and preferential to those neurons undergoing prolonged depolarization. Other results indicate that the reduction of exocytotic NE release is independent of L- and N-type VSCC, classical drug/peptide binding sites on VSCC, Na⁺ channels, α2-adrenoceptors, NE transporter, and system L amino acid transporter. These findings suggest a selective modulation of P/Q-type VSCC that are implicated in neurotransmission and several GBP-responsive pathologies. Synapse 45:171–190, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.