ABSTRACT
In this study, the relations between cognitive status and neuropsychiatric impairments in nondemented older adults in cross section and over time is examined. Using data from the Canadian Study of Health and Aging (CSHA), a longitudinal, nation-wide study in which data were collected 3 times (ie, CSHA-1, CSHA-2, CSHA-3) at 5-year intervals, individuals were classified with (n = 240) and without (n = 386) cognitive impairment at CSHA-2. Loss of interest, changes in personality and mood, and depression were reported by a knowledgeable informant (ie, family or friends) more frequently for those with cognitive impairment than for those without cognitive impairment. After controlling for initial cognitive status, loss of interest and depression contributed significantly to the prediction of mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease over time. These findings suggest that these neuropsychiatric impairments play significant roles throughout the course of cognitive decline and should be taken into consideration even before cognitive impairment is evident.
Subject(s)
Activities of Daily Living/psychology , Alzheimer Disease/psychology , Cognition Disorders/psychology , Dementia/psychology , Depression/psychology , Affect/physiology , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Alzheimer Disease/diagnosis , Alzheimer Disease/etiology , Canada , Cognition Disorders/diagnosis , Cognition Disorders/etiology , Dementia/diagnosis , Dementia/etiology , Depression/complications , Depression/diagnosis , Female , Humans , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Neuropsychological Tests/statistics & numerical data , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales/statistics & numerical data , Risk Factors , Severity of Illness IndexABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The present pilot study examines the impact of group transit training for older adults in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, between 2005 and 2006. METHODS: Data were collected from 41 participants, randomly assigned to three groups: 1) a control group that received no group transit training or free bus pass, 2) a group receiving group transit training only, and 3) a group receiving group transit training and a free bus pass. Participants were followed longitudinally for 1 year. RESULTS: No differences were found between groups in days or miles driven per week when comparing self-reported data prior to and 3 months following the intervention. However, there was a difference in self-reported bus use across groups; both groups who received group transit training used the bus more frequently, X(2) (2)=10.89, p<.01. CONCLUSION: This preliminary investigation suggests that transit training may be effective at increasing the use of public transportation for older adults.
