Abstract
Objective: Subtle changes in functional abilities are an early indicator of cognitive impairment. Early intervention may be key to prolonging independence. This study describes the development and program evaluation of an intervention designed to (1) bolster the use of compensation strategies that support everyday executive and memory functioning and (2) utilize these strategies to promote engagement in brain health activities. Method: Older adults (n = 35) with subjective cognitive complaints completed an eight-week group program targeting compensation strategies (e.g., calendars) and brain health activities (e.g., physical exercise). Participants completed outcome measures at first, last, and 3 month follow-up sessions. Results: Compensation strategy use can be successfully taught to and implemented by older adults, and increasing engagement in brain health behaviors is possible, although particular lifestyle changes are challenging to implement. Conclusion: Findings support the use of interventions aimed at increased engagement in compensation strategies to aid everyday memory and executive functioning. Clinical Implications: Early intervention may help to promote prolonged functional independence.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Journal | Clinical Gerontologist |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jan 1 2019 |
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Keywords
- Aging
- behavioral intervention
- cognitive complaints
- older adults
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Psychology
- Health(social science)
- Clinical Psychology
- Gerontology
- Geriatrics and Gerontology
Cite this
A Combined Treatment Approach to Support Everyday Function and Promote Brain Health in Older Adults : A Pilot Study. / Denny, Katherine; Harvey, Danielle J; Meyer, Oanh; Chan, Michelle L.; Barba, Cheyanne; Tomaszewski Farias, Sarah E.
In: Clinical Gerontologist, 01.01.2019.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - A Combined Treatment Approach to Support Everyday Function and Promote Brain Health in Older Adults
T2 - A Pilot Study
AU - Denny, Katherine
AU - Harvey, Danielle J
AU - Meyer, Oanh
AU - Chan, Michelle L.
AU - Barba, Cheyanne
AU - Tomaszewski Farias, Sarah E
PY - 2019/1/1
Y1 - 2019/1/1
N2 - Objective: Subtle changes in functional abilities are an early indicator of cognitive impairment. Early intervention may be key to prolonging independence. This study describes the development and program evaluation of an intervention designed to (1) bolster the use of compensation strategies that support everyday executive and memory functioning and (2) utilize these strategies to promote engagement in brain health activities. Method: Older adults (n = 35) with subjective cognitive complaints completed an eight-week group program targeting compensation strategies (e.g., calendars) and brain health activities (e.g., physical exercise). Participants completed outcome measures at first, last, and 3 month follow-up sessions. Results: Compensation strategy use can be successfully taught to and implemented by older adults, and increasing engagement in brain health behaviors is possible, although particular lifestyle changes are challenging to implement. Conclusion: Findings support the use of interventions aimed at increased engagement in compensation strategies to aid everyday memory and executive functioning. Clinical Implications: Early intervention may help to promote prolonged functional independence.
AB - Objective: Subtle changes in functional abilities are an early indicator of cognitive impairment. Early intervention may be key to prolonging independence. This study describes the development and program evaluation of an intervention designed to (1) bolster the use of compensation strategies that support everyday executive and memory functioning and (2) utilize these strategies to promote engagement in brain health activities. Method: Older adults (n = 35) with subjective cognitive complaints completed an eight-week group program targeting compensation strategies (e.g., calendars) and brain health activities (e.g., physical exercise). Participants completed outcome measures at first, last, and 3 month follow-up sessions. Results: Compensation strategy use can be successfully taught to and implemented by older adults, and increasing engagement in brain health behaviors is possible, although particular lifestyle changes are challenging to implement. Conclusion: Findings support the use of interventions aimed at increased engagement in compensation strategies to aid everyday memory and executive functioning. Clinical Implications: Early intervention may help to promote prolonged functional independence.
KW - Aging
KW - behavioral intervention
KW - cognitive complaints
KW - older adults
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85068719717&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85068719717&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/07317115.2019.1633574
DO - 10.1080/07317115.2019.1633574
M3 - Article
JO - Clinical Gerontologist
JF - Clinical Gerontologist
SN - 0731-7115
ER -