Therapeutic Options for Cognitive Decline in Senior Pets

2006 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 407-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary Landsberg
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Dysfunction ◽  
General Health ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Nutritional Supplements ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Therapeutic Options ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Health And Well Being

Many treatment options are now available for pets with age-related cognitive dysfunction, including drugs, nutritional supplements, and diets. This article describes the theory, evidence of efficacy, and potential neuroprotective effects of products used to treat cognitive dysfunction. Cognitive dysfunction is a diagnosis of exclusion, because many painful conditions and health problems may present with similar signs. Practitioners must, therefore, actively question owners of senior pets in order to diagnose cognitive dysfunction and to assess the pet’s general health and well-being.

scholarly journals Plant-Based Dietary Patterns, Plant Foods, and Age-Related Cognitive Decline

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. S422-S436 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sujatha Rajaram ◽  
Julie Jones ◽  
Grace J Lee
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Unsaturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects ◽  
Plant Foods ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Age Related Cognitive Decline

ABSTRACT The aging population is expanding, as is the prevalence of age-related cognitive decline (ARCD). Of the several risk factors that predict the onset and progression of ARCD, 2 important modifiable risk factors are diet and physical activity. Dietary patterns that emphasize plant foods can exert neuroprotective effects. In this comprehensive review, we examine studies in humans of plant-based dietary patterns and polyphenol-rich plant foods and their role in either preventing ARCD and/or improving cognitive function. As yet, there is no direct evidence to support the benefits of a vegetarian diet in preventing cognitive decline. However, there is emerging evidence for brain-health–promoting effects of several plant foods rich in polyphenols, anti-inflammatory dietary patterns, and plant-based dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet that include a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. The bioactive compounds present in these dietary patterns include antioxidant vitamins, polyphenols, other phytochemicals, and unsaturated fatty acids. In animal models these nutrients and non-nutrients have been shown to enhance neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal survival by reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. In this review, we summarize the mounting evidence in favor of plant-centered dietary patterns, inclusive of polyphenol-rich foods for cognitive well-being. Randomized clinical trials support the role of plant foods (citrus fruits, grapes, berries, cocoa, nuts, green tea, and coffee) in improving specific domains of cognition, most notably frontal executive function. We also identify knowledge gaps and recommend future studies to identify whether plant-exclusive diets have an added cognitive advantage compared with plant-centered diets with fish and/or small amounts of animal foods.

Activity Engagement in Cognitive Aging: A Review of the Evidence

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne Rogalski ◽  
Muriel Quintana
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects ◽  
Activity Engagement ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Age Related Cognitive Decline

The population of older adults is rapidly increasing, as is the number and type of products and interventions proposed to prevent or reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline. Advocacy and prevention are part of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA’s) scope of practice documents, and speech-language pathologists must have basic awareness of the evidence contributing to healthy cognitive aging. In this article, we provide a brief overview outlining the evidence on activity engagement and its effects on cognition in older adults. We explore the current evidence around the activities of eating and drinking with a discussion on the potential benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, alcohol, and coffee. We investigate the evidence on the hypothesized neuroprotective effects of social activity, the evidence on computerized cognitive training, and the emerging behavioral and neuroimaging evidence on physical activity. We conclude that actively aging using a combination of several strategies may be our best line of defense against cognitive decline.

scholarly journals Monitoring Health Parameters of Elders to Support Independent Living and Improve Their Quality of Life

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 517
Author(s):  
Ilia Adami ◽  
Michalis Foukarakis ◽  
Stavroula Ntoa ◽  
Nikolaos Partarakis ◽  
Nikolaos Stefanakis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Chronic Illnesses ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Self Sufficiency ◽  
Health And Well Being

Improving the well-being and quality of life of the elderly population is closely related to assisting them to effectively manage age-related conditions such as chronic illnesses and anxiety, and to maintain their independence and self-sufficiency as much as possible. This paper presents the design, architecture and implementation structure of an adaptive system for monitoring the health and well-being of the elderly. The system was designed following best practices of the Human-Centred Design approach involving representative end-users from the early stages.

The Vulnerability of Safe Haven Enterprise Visa Holders: Balancing Work, Protection and Future Prospects

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Reilly
Keyword(s):  
General Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Prospects ◽  
Safe Haven ◽  
Work Requirements ◽  
Strong Case ◽  
Health And Well Being

This article considers the policy settings of the Safe Haven Enterprise visa (‘SHEV’). It considers the merits of linking renewal of the visa to particular work requirements, and argues that the current requirements place visa holders in a position of extreme vulnerability both in the Australian workforce and in relation to their general health and well-being. The article outlines possible avenues for reform of the visa, ultimately concluding that there is a strong case for its repeal.

scholarly journals 0430 Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Caffeine on Neurodegenerative Cognitive Decline

SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A164-A166
Author(s):  
E Taylor ◽  
W D Killgore
Keyword(s):  
Protective Effect ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Cognitive Disorders ◽  
Caffeine Intake ◽  
Caffeine Consumption ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Aging Populations

Abstract Introduction Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and dementia are common forms of neurodegenerative cognitive decline in aging populations. Alertness, attention, and sleep patterns are often impaired in dementia and MCI and can affect ongoing cognition. Given the current lack of treatment options, it is important to identify protective factors. Caffeine is a commonly consumed substance which has been demonstrated in previous observational studies to have a protective effect on the onset of MCI and the progression of MCI to AD. Methods A meta-analysis of longitudinal prospective cohort studies published up to December 2017 was conducted comparing highest vs lowest reported category of caffeine consumption on neurodegenerative outcomes. Three databases were searched including PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Two investigators independently extracted data and assessed study quality. 13 studies were selected including 94880 participants. The effect size was reported as RRs with ORs and HRs treated as approximations of the RRs. Results A meta-analysis conducted using random effects showed a pooled RR of .84, 95% CI (0.75, 0.93) indicating a moderate protective effect in higher levels of caffeine consumption compared to lower levels. By outcome, AD had a RR of 1.14 with 95% CI (0.69, 1.90); dementia had a RR of 0.81 (0.72, 0.92); cognitive decline had a RR of 0.81 (0.55, 1.18); and MCI had a RR of 0.78 (0.65, 0.93). Conclusion Overall this meta-analysis suggests that compared with the lowest category, the highest caffeine intake category is inversely related to the incidence of age-related cognitive disorders, with this relationship being most apparent for dementia and MCI. Given that caffeine is well accepted and consumed widely in a variety of forms, caffeine in moderate doses, may prove beneficial in sustaining cognitive functioning. Further work will examine the hypothesis that increased alertness and attention with caffeine may sustain cognition through use dependent plasticity or circadian modulation. Support None

scholarly journals Older, Church-Going African Americans’ Attitudes and Expectations About Formal Depression Care

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracy Wharton ◽  
Daphne C. Watkins ◽  
Jamie Mitchell ◽  
Helen Kales
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
African American Women ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Depression Care ◽  
Health And Well Being

This phenomenological study involved focus groups with church-affiliated, African American women and men ( N = 50; ages 50 and older) in southeast Michigan to determine their attitudes and expectations around formal mental health care. Data analysis employed a constant comparative approach and yielded themes related to formal mental health care, along with delineating concerns about defining depression, health, and well-being. Health and well-being were defined as inclusive of physical and spiritual aspects of self. Churches have a central role in how formal mental health care is viewed by their attendees, with prayer being an important aspect of this care. Provider expectations included privacy and confidentiality; respect for autonomy and need for information, having providers who discuss treatment options; and issues related to environmental cleanliness, comfort, and accessibility. Implications include providing effective, culturally tailored formal depression care that acknowledges and integrates faith for this group.

scholarly journals The Link Between Physical Activity and Cognitive Dysfunction in Alzheimer Disease

2015 ◽  
Vol 95 (7) ◽  
pp. 1046-1060 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristy Phillips ◽  
Mehmet Akif Baktir ◽  
Devsmita Das ◽  
Bill Lin ◽  
Ahmad Salehi
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Alzheimer Disease ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Dysfunction ◽  
Physical Therapist ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Sufficient Evidence ◽  
Brain Disorder ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a primary cause of cognitive dysfunction in the elderly population worldwide. Despite the allocation of enormous amounts of funding and resources to studying this brain disorder, there are no effective pharmacological treatments for reducing the severity of pathology and restoring cognitive function in affected people. Recent reports on the failure of multiple clinical trials for AD have highlighted the need to diversify further the search for new therapeutic strategies for cognitive dysfunction. Thus, studies detailing the neuroprotective effects of physical activity (PA) on the brain in AD were reviewed, and mechanisms by which PA might mitigate AD-related cognitive decline were explored. A MEDLINE database search was used to generate a list of studies conducted between January 2007 and September 2014 (n=394). These studies, along with key references, were screened to identify those that assessed the effects of PA on AD-related biomarkers and cognitive function. The search was not limited on the basis of intensity, frequency, duration, or mode of activity. However, studies in which PA was combined with another intervention (eg, diet, pharmacotherapeutics, ovariectomy, cognitive training, behavioral therapy), and studies not written in English were excluded. Thirty-eight animal and human studies met entry criteria. Most of the studies suggested that PA attenuates neuropathology and positively affects cognitive function in AD. Although the literature lacked sufficient evidence to support precise PA guidelines, convergent evidence does suggest that the incorporation of regular PA into daily routines mitigates AD-related symptoms, especially when deployed earlier in the disease process. Here the protocols used to alter the progression of AD-related neuropathology and cognitive decline are highlighted, and the implications for physical therapist practice are discussed.

scholarly journals Coping and health in harassed teachers

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 437
Author(s):  
MARIA CONSUELO MORÁN ASTORGA
Keyword(s):  
Coping Strategies ◽  
General Health ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Questionnaire ◽  
Workplace Health ◽  
Brief Cope ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Health And Well Being

The present study examined the relationship among bullying, coping strategies, and health in a sample of 255 Spanish teachers. They completed a set of questionnaires to evaluate: 1) bullying (with a bullying perceived questionnaire); 2) health (with General Health Questionnaire); and 3) coping strategies (with the Brief COPE). Results showed that teachers bullied by colleagues had a poorer health than those not bullied. The analysis established also the differences between targets and non-targets in coping strategies: It was observed that bullying targets use more non-functional coping strategies and fewer functional ones than non-targets. These results suggest that it is necessary eradicate bullying in order to improve workers’ health and well-being. The victims also need to change their strategies to coping harassment. More investigations in these issues are needed, as they are essential to workplace health and well-being.ResumenEn este estudio se examinó la relación entre el sentimiento de acoso psicológico en el trabajo, la salud y las estrategias de afrontamiento del estrés. Participaron 255 profesores no universitarios que completaron el Cuestionario de Acoso Psicológico Percibido, el Cuestionario de Salud General y el Brief Cope (Cope-28, en español). Los resultados hallaron que los profesores acosados por colegas tenían peor salud que los no acosados. Se encontraron también diferencias en el uso de estrategias de afrontamiento entre las víctimas y las no víctimas de acoso: las primeras utilizan más estrategias disfuncionales y menos estrategias funcionales. Estos resultados sugieren que es necesario erradicar el acoso en el entorno laboral con el fin de mejorar la salud y el bienestar. También las víctimas de acoso necesitan cambiar sus estrategias de afrontar el bullying. Son necesarias mas investigaciones en el campo de la salud y el bienestar en el ámbito laboral.

scholarly journals Health-Promoting Factors Among Students in Higher Education within Health Care and Social Work: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Baseline Data in a Multicentre Longitudinal Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inger Ahlstrand ◽  
Ingrid Larsson ◽  
Margaretha Larsson ◽  
Aimée Ekman ◽  
Lena Hedén ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Social Work ◽  
General Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
First Semester ◽  
Good General Health ◽  
Sleeping Problems ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Background: Educational environments are considered important for strengthening students’ health status and knowledge, which is associated with good educational outcomes. It has been suggested to establish healthy universities based on a salutogenic approach—namely, health promotion. The aim of this study was to describe health-promoting resources and factors among first-semester students in higher education in healthcare and social work.Methods: This cross-sectional study is based on a survey provided to all students in seven healthcare and social work programmes from six universities in southern Sweden. The survey was performed in 2018 using a self-reported, web-based questionnaire focussing on general health and well-being, lifestyle factors and three validated instruments measuring health-promoting factors and processes—the Sense of Coherence (SOC) scale, Salutogenic Health Indicator Scale (SHIS) and Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ).Results: Of 2283 students, 851 completed the survey, where 742 (87.1%) were women; 722 students participated in healthcare programmes, and 129 students participated in social work programmes. Most reported good general health and well-being (88.1% and 83.7%, respectively). The total mean scores for the SOC scale, SHIS and OBQ were 59.09 (SD = 11.78), 44.04 (SD = 9.38) and 26.40 (SD = 7.07), respectively. Well-being and several health-promoting lifestyle factors were related to better general health and higher SOC, SHIS and OBQ scores. Multiple linear and logistic regressions showed that perceived well-being and no sleeping problems significantly predicted higher general health and higher SOC, SHIS and OBQ scores. Being less sedentary and non-smoking habits were significant predictors of higher SOC.Conclusions: Swedish students in higher education within the healthcare and social work sector report good general health and well-being in the first semester, as well as health-promoting resources (i.e. SOC, SHIS and OBQ), and in some aspects, a healthy lifestyle. High-intensity exercise, no sleeping problems and non-smoking seem to be of importance to both general health and health-promotive resources. This study contributes to the health promotive characteristics of students in the healthcare and social work sectors, which is of importance for planning universities with a salutogenic approach.

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