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| Basic and Applied Research on Assessment and Treatment with Elders |
| Tuesday, June 1, 2004 |
| 9:00 AM–10:20 AM |
| Hampton |
| Area: DEV/CBM; Domain: Applied Research |
| Chair: Linda A. LeBlanc (Western Michigan University) |
| Discussant: Linda A. LeBlanc (Western Michigan University) |
| Abstract: . |
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| An Evaluation of the Utility of Four Preference Assessments in Increasing Activity Engagement in addition to Indices of Happiness in Elders With Dementia |
| LINDA A. LEBLANC (Western Michigan University), Stacey M. Cherup (Western Michigan University), Leilani F. DiLiberto (Western Michigan University), Tina Sidener (Western Michigan University) |
| Abstract: Much research has been done in the area of preference assessments and individuals with developmental disabilities, but the benefits of extending this research to individuals with dementia has not been examined. Adults with dementia often have difficulty choosing/identifying preferred activities when asked vocally about preferences. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of four different methods of paired stimulus presentation (Tangible, Vocal, Pictorial, Textual) in assessing preferences of three elders with dementia and one elder with aphasia in an adult day services program. The Pictoral method produced the best agreement with the Tangible method but different top-ranked stimuli were identified for each participant. These top-ranked stimuli were then included in an analogue analysis of enriched environment to determine which items produced the highest levels of activity engagement and affect. The modality that identified items producing the highest levels of engagement was then incorporated into an intervention involving offered activities throughout the day. Results indicate that several modalities may be equally effective in offering choices but that vocal presentation is often an inappropriate modality for elders with cognitive impairments. |
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| Match-to-Sample as a Screening Tool and Research Measure for Dementia |
| ROBERT T. PEYTON (University of Kansas), David G. Born (University of Kansas), Dean C. Williams (University of Kansas) |
| Abstract: A group of people with dementia were given a computerized delayed match-to-sample test, similar to those used in pharmaceutical testing of memory impairment. Each participant took the test 5 times, as well as the Mini-Mental Status Exam and Mattis Dementia Rating Scale. Test-retest reliability, practice effects, and sources of variability were examined. Comparisons between performance on delayed match-to-sample, the Mini-Mental Status Exam, and Mattis Dementia Rating Scale were examined for the participants with dementia and age-matched participants with no diagnosed impairments. Other issues surrounding the feasibility of delayed match-to-sample as a screening tool and research measure for dementia are discussed. |
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| A Behavioral Model for Assessment and Management of Dehydration in Older Adults |
| LEILANI F. DILIBERTO (Western Michigan University), Linda A. LeBlanc (Western Michigan University), James E. Carr (Western Michigan University) |
| Abstract: Dehydration is a serious health concern in the elderly constituting one of the ten causes for hospitalization in this population (Sanservo, 1997). Dehydration can cause or contribute to many physical problems including delirium, urinary tract infections, mental and functional decline, and increased morbidity and mortality (Chidester & Spangler, 1997; Weinberg & Minaker, 1995). Previous research on dehydration has typically been conducted within nursing home settings without specific attention to the variables maintaining dehydration for any given individual. A functional behavioral approach to assessment and prevention/intervention may prove beneficial in addressing dehydration. This project describes the development of a functional assessment interview tool and function based interventions for dehydration for three elders at risk for dehydration. The experiment incorporated both reversal and multiple baseline designs. Results indicate that function-based interventions may prove promising for increasing hydration levels for community dwelling elders. |
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