ABSTRACT
An outcome of dementia is a progressive decline in cognitive function. Implementing psychotherapies and psychosocial interventions is crucial for bolstering cognitive abilities, promoting independence, and elevating the quality of life for individuals with dementia. This review aims to identify current trends in psychotherapies and psychosocial interventions for people with dementia. A Scoping review was developed based on the framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. The literature search was conducted on electronic databases, including Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Nursing & Allied Health Collection, and MedicLatina. Executed in June 2023, the search focused on articles published in English, Portuguese, and Spanish between 2013 and 2023. Through this search, 1409 articles were initially identified. After selecting and analyzing the reports, sixteen trials were included in this review. Eight distinct categories were identified, covering different strategies. These categories run from computerized game-based cognitive training and reminiscence therapy to compensatory and restorative strategies, memory and attention training, calculation training, dual-task training, counseling, and personalized goal attainment. The findings of this scoping review highlight the diverse landscape of psychotherapies and psychosocial interventions for people with dementia.
ABSTRACT
Dance can be an innovative, well-accepted, and effective therapy for stroke survivors. The present protocol aims to assess the feasibility of adapted Portuguese folk dance as a post stroke rehabilitative activity. We will use a mixed-methods pilot study convenience sampling to recruit 16 stroke survivors with mild-moderate lower limb paresis from a rehabilitation center in Lisbon and Tagus Valley. In addition to usual care, participants will attend 3 days per week 1-h dance exercise for 8 weeks. The dance style used for this intervention will be an adaptation of the Portuguese folk dance. Assessment will be conducted before and immediately after the program intervention. Acceptability will be assessed by four key domains (enrollment, retention, satisfaction, and recommendation to others). Safety will be assessed based on the number and type of adverse events. Feasibility will be assessed based on balance performance and functional mobility. Quantitative data will be analyzed through descriptive statistics for sample characterization, followed by inferential statistics to evaluate differences in the balance recovery and functional mobility scores between the initial and final assessment. Qualitative data will be analyzed using an inductive process of content analysis. The Portuguese folk dance program has the potential to improve balance outcomes and functional mobility. Our results will help validate Portuguese folk dance as a tool for rehabilitation settings for stroke survivors. The potential of our program to enhance balance outcomes and functional mobility among stroke survivors bears implications for aging and public health initiatives. Positive results from this study could pave the way for integrating dance-based rehabilitative activities into standard stroke rehabilitation protocols, catering to older stroke survivors' specific needs and preferences.
Subject(s)
Stroke , Humans , Pilot Projects , Portugal , Public Health , AgingABSTRACT
A 46-year-old female patient was referred to our department with presenting symptoms of asthenia, jaundice, and pruritus. There was no medical history or clinical evidence of viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, hemochromatosis, or Wilson's disease. The patient revealed that 14 days prior to admission she had begun self-medicating with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) to reduce body fat, leading to the suspicion of CLA hepatotoxicity, which was subsequently confirmed by a liver biopsy. After the patient ceased to ingest CLA, liver enzymes levels normalized. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of hepatotoxicity due to CLA ingestion.
