ABSTRACT
Memory strategies in autistic adults seem to mimic strategies at older age, as both younger autistic and older non-autistic individuals use fewer semantic features in visual memory tasks. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate whether early differences in memory strategies lead to altered age-related effects in autism, particularly whether initial difficulties in strategy use become advantageous at older age (i.e., "protective aging"). A total of 147 participants across four groups (autistic younger/older, non-autistic younger/older) completed an online assessment. This assessment included a recognition version of the Visual Patterns Test (VPT) to evaluate semantic strategy use in visual memory, the Just Noticeable Difference (JND) size task for assessing visual processing, and the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire to evaluate subjective memory functioning and strategy use (MMQ). Unexpectedly, all groups benefited from semantic features on the VPT, although the older groups performed less accurately and slower than the younger groups. The JND Size task showed no group differences. Autistic adults rated their MMQ memory as worse than non-autistic adults, despite reporting greater strategy use. These results indicate that cognitive strategies might be more similar between younger/older and autistic/non-autistic people than previously expected, although notable discrepancies between objective and subjective measures were present. They also substantiate previously reported parallel (i.e., similar) age-related effects between autistic and non-autistic people.
ABSTRACT
Four case reports regarding possible spontaneous regression of cancer are given. This is a rare but previously documented occurrence, with the literature suggesting possible causal factors for cancer regression or an indefinite period of dormancy. These include genetic, hormonal, immunological and psychological factors. However, the literature makes no reference to potential misdiagnosis, either clinically or histologically. The effect of being diagnosed as having terminal cancer is profound and even after regression or resolution of the disease, there are inevitable psychological sequelae.
Subject(s)
Diagnostic Errors , Neoplasm Regression, Spontaneous , Neoplasms/diagnosis , Aged , Diagnostic Errors/psychology , Female , Humans , Liver Neoplasms/diagnosis , Liver Neoplasms/psychology , Liver Neoplasms/secondary , Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasms/psychology , Stomach Neoplasms/diagnosis , Stomach Neoplasms/psychologyABSTRACT
A case history approach is used to support the hypothesis from the literature that there may be a relationship between bereavement and the onset of dementia. The four cases report people caring for spouses or parents with life-threatening illness who become bereaved. The findings provide evidence that bereavement is a factor involved in the rapid development and progression of Alzheimer's type dementia. Although not conclusive, these findings should lend a stimulus to further studies with regard to care of caregivers with particular reference to bereavement.
Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease/etiology , Bereavement , Life Change Events , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Alzheimer Disease/physiopathology , Female , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
Teaching of communication skills in Palliative Medicine can be achieved using a three hour exercise involving role-plays, a time of feedback and discussion, a teaching video and a reading list. Using this teaching method self-ratings of perceived skills recorded on a questionnaire before and four weeks after the exercises showed a significant increase in both undergraduates and postgraduates. The validity of these self-ratings as a tool to measure communication skills was assessed by correlating the self-ratings with the ratings given by the participant and the observers after the clinical scenarios from the questionnaire were simulated in role-plays.
Subject(s)
Education, Medical, Graduate , Education, Medical, Undergraduate , Palliative Care , Role Playing , Teaching/methods , Communication , Educational Measurement , New Zealand , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the importance of a sympathetic approach to breaking bad news in the doctor-patient relationship. DATA SOURCES: Worldwide surveys of views on truth disclosure by health care professionals, the public, and patients with cancer and other diseases. STUDY SELECTION: Surveys using a Medline Computer Search were identified. DATA EXTRACTION: Twenty-two questionnaire studies. DATA SYNTHESIS: The data obtained demonstrate trends of an increasing wish since 1950 on the part of patients, the public and doctors for more openness. CONCLUSIONS: The skills necessary for breaking bad news well can be acquired through organised undergraduate and postgraduate education which emphasises a good working doctor-patient relationship.
Subject(s)
Communication , Physician-Patient Relations , Truth Disclosure , Australia , Clinical Competence , Curriculum , Death, Sudden , Education, Medical, Graduate , Education, Medical, Undergraduate , Humans , Professional-Family RelationsABSTRACT
In order to determine the views of General Practice attenders on death and dying, a survey was conducted using a questionnaire with nine questions on aspects of death and dying. There were 4117 respondents with an average age of 36.4 years, who attended 10 general practices. A control group of 100 patients was employed. There was a stated preference for management by the General Practitioner and a wish to die in the home. An honest approach by doctors was called for and the greatest fear concerning death was that of leaving the family. A subgroup of people who stated that they had close personal experience of death or dying, amplified most of these findings.
