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What’s wisdom got to do with wellness? A recent study published in Schizophrenia Research found that wisdom buffers the impact of life’s difficulties, and, in individuals with schizophrenia, can increase happiness and the ability to function in society. Researchers discovered that higher scores in wisdom were linked with better results in neurocognitive and functional assessments. And while people with schizophrenia generally had lower scores in wisdom assessments, the study demonstrates that wisdom can be increased and that there’s value in making that one of the goals of management.
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— Kate Jackson, editor |
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The Ways of Wisdom in Schizophrenia
While wisdom is closely linked to improved health and well-being, its role and impact among people with schizophrenia—possibly the most devastating of mental illnesses—is not known.
In a new paper, recently published in Schizophrenia Research, researchers at University of California San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine report that, on average, persons with schizophrenia (PWS) obtained lower scores on a wisdom assessment than nonpsychiatric comparison participants (NPCPs), but that there was considerable variability in levels of wisdom. Nearly one-third of PWS had scores in the “normal” range, and these PWS with higher levels of wisdom displayed fewer psychotic symptoms as well as better cognitive performance and everyday functioning.
“Taken together, our findings argue for the value of assessing wisdom in persons with schizophrenia because increasing wisdom may help improve their social and neuro-cognition, and vice versa,” says senior author Dilip Jeste, MD, distinguished professor of psychiatry and neurosciences and director of the Stein Institute for Research on Aging at UCSD School of Medicine.
“There is a concept of ‘wellness within illness,’” Jeste says. “Our findings support the hypothesis that wisdom and schizophrenia coexist in a proportion of these patients, specifically those functioning at a higher level. Furthermore, the data suggest that treatments that enhance positive psychological traits, such as wisdom, may promote health and well-being in persons with schizophrenia.
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The Right Fit: Closing the Education Gap in Assistive Ambulation Devices
The majority of patients who use assistive devices for ambulation obtain those devices without physician consultation or guidance, resulting in the potential for injury and unnecessary expense. It’s up to clinicians to address the void in health education. Read more »
Surgery & Cognition
Experts agree that not only patients but also providers need to be better educated about postsurgical cognitive changes. Read more »
Brain Training and Cognitive Performance: Evidence From an Interventional Lifestyle Program
Brain training—the idea is that training the brain through cognitive tasks or games can improve individuals’ abilities and memory—is increasing in popularity, but do these activities actually aid in improving the brain in any way? Read more » |
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EDs Can Be Loud, Hectic, and Even Dangerous for the Elderly
A visit to the emergency department (ED) can be harrowing for anyone. The noise, lights, lack of privacy, and frenetic activity can be disturbing, especially to those who are already nervous or upset. But for older adults, especially those with mobility issues or cognitive impairment, the experience can be exceedingly stressful. The Washington Post reports that EDs are trying to change that, and a new accreditation program may help.
Virtual Reality to Help Detect Early Risk of Alzheimer’s
Virtual reality headsets aren’t just for video gamers. Now, scientists suggest, they may help assess the navigational skills of people at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Difficulty with navigation may be an indication that one will later develop Alzheimer’s, so early detection may facilitate prompt treatment. The Guardian reports on this new use for an old technology.
The Dementia Heist
A New York Times essay explores the difficult decision families may face about whether to trick a relative into dementia care and the way the practice is viewed by physicians.
Alzheimer’s Screenings Often Left Out of Seniors’ Wellness Exams
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than one-half of primary care providers fail to routinely test patients 65 and older to detect issues related to cognition and memory. NPR reports on the reasons physicians may be reluctant to perform these assessments. |
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| The nation's top employers and recruiters of geriatric care professionals advertise in Today's Geriatric Medicine magazine and post their job openings on AlliedHealthCareers.com. Check out the most recent opportunities that have been submitted by employers across the country! |
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MagnaReady Magnetic Adaptive Clothing
Parkinson’s disease can impede patients’ ability to dress themselves, but a new product can help. MagnaReady makes magnetically infused clothing that eases the burden of dressing. Its first product, a shirt that makes it possible to avoid the difficulty posed by buttons, was created by the wife of a patient. The company’s new cotton twill khakis, with a magnetic closure, eliminate the need for buttons or zippers. Learn more »
Food Cubby
Many older adults have conditions that affect hand dexterity or mobility, making it difficult to use utensils. The Food Cubby is a BPA-free semicircle of food-grade silicone that creates a barrier against which individuals can more easily scoop food. Also useful for creating appropriate portions, the Food Cubby seals to a flat dinner plate through suction. Learn more » |
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