Nonpharmacological interventions benefit individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), but the synergistic benefits of combining various training models with cognitive training for older adults with MCI remain unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of multimodal cognitive interventions on individuals with MCI by comparing intervention and control groups across cognitive domains and quality of life measures. A comprehensive search was conducted in several databases, focusing primarily on the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database from 2010 to December, 2023. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) incorporating cognitive training along with other training components were eligible for this study. The methodological quality of studies was evaluated by the Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB-2). Sixteen studies were included in the analysis, performed by using Jamovi software. The within-group analysis for the intervention group showed significant improvements in memory (Hedges’ g = 1.210, p < 0.001) and depression (Hedges’ g = 0.921, p = 0.003), indicating multimodal cognitive interventions enhance these domains. The between-group comparison revealed a marginally significant positive effect on memory (Hedges’ g = 0.493, p = 0.052) and depression (Hedges’ g = 0.801, p = 0.214), but not on global cognition, working memory, language, or quality of life. The meta-analysis also showed that age does not significantly moderate intervention effects, whereas education significantly moderates memory outcomes. This meta-analysis highlights mixed effects of multimodal interventions for MCI, suggesting further research should refine intervention strategies to enhance the efficacy of multimodal interventions for individuals with MCI.
Falls are a leading cause of injury and premature death among older adults. Specific Training According to BaLance Evaluation (STABLE) is a novel approach to balance rehabilitation that comprises six clinical measures applied to guide exercise prescription in rehabilitation. To evaluate the construct validity of the STABLE measures. Specific hypothesis regarding the measure’s correlations with reference measures of the balance domains that they purport to measure were tested in 103 older adults with balance impairment. The hypothesized correlations (r ≥ 0.3 and r ≥ 0.5) with key reference measures were confirmed for four measures. Minimum 7 of 10 hypothesized correlations (r < 0.1) with patient´s characteristics were confirmed for all measures but one. The correlations with patient reported balance disability and falls related to the construct that each measure purports to measure were lower than hypothesized for all measures (v = 0.102 to 0.325). The correlations with generic balance measures were as hypothesized for all measures except for one and the correlations between the measures were higher than hypothesized. All measures but one can validly be applied in the balance profile to measure balance disability and to guide rehabilitation. Specific Training According to BaLance Evaluation (STABLE) is a novel approach for optimizing exercise-based balance rehabilitation for older adults at risk of falling, which comprises six balance domains that each are assessed with one clinical measure. The Maximal REACH test (MREACH), the Test of Reference frame Interaction in Balance (TRIB), the Reactive Four-Square Step Test (RFSST), the Adjusted Sit To Stand test (ASTS), and the Turn And Touch test (TAT) validly measure different domains of balance ability and can be applied in a patient-specific balance profile to guide rehabilitation.
Self-efficacy has positive effects on mental health of family caregivers of people with dementia (PwD) and has a direct relationship with positive aspects of providing care. Valid and reliable measures of self-efficacy are needed to evaluate effects of psychoeducational interventions. Aim of the current study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Dutch RIS Eldercare Self-efficacy Scale for measuring self-efficacy of family caregivers of PwD. Family caregivers who participated in the fifth measurement cycle of the Living Arrangements for PwD (LAD-)study were requested to complete a questionnaire on self-efficacy, socio-demographics, perceived pressure and role in the care for their relative with dementia (N = 479). Principal component analysis resulted in a three-factor solution (instrumental, self-soothing and relational self-efficacy). Internal consistency for the subscales was adequate. Small positive and negative correlations were respectively found with the Family Perceptions of Caregiving Role instrument and Self-Perceived Pressure from Informal Care scale, providing initial evidence for the construct validity of the Dutch RIS. The results indicate that the Dutch RIS has potential for research and clinical purposes. Future research should validate the instrument in different settings and populations.
Despite the growing importance of the older population in the Arab region, initiatives to facilitate their Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) access and use have been relatively limited, both in research and in practice. This article aims to shed light on the ICT access and usage patterns of older adults and caregivers in Qatar, one of the countries in the Arab region. The study utilized a qualitative approach involving semi-structured interviews with 20 older Arab individuals and 20 Arab caregivers residing in Qatar. The findings indicate that smartphones and social media apps are the primary technologies accessed and used by the surveyed older population, highlighting the significance of these tools for communication and information sharing among this population group. Moreover, the study identifies various factors deepen the digital divide faced by many older individuals in Qatar, including technological aspects, societal influences, and personal biases. Notably, family dynamics and attitudes of older individuals and caregivers toward aging play a significant role in shaping their ICT access and usage. The study underscores the urgency of addressing ageism within this population and emphasizes the importance of efforts to counteract such biases. By recognizing the role of family support, addressing societal perceptions, and enhancing digital literacy tailored to the unique needs of older individuals, we can bridge the digital divide.
Frailty is a dynamic and potentially reversible state that precedes and predicts adverse health outcomes. However, there is no instrument available that comprehensively assesses multidimensional frailty with adequate psychometric properties in the Spanish older population. A cross-culturally adaptation of the Comprehensive Frailty Assessment Instrument (CFAI), which has shown adequate psychometric properties in the evaluation of older Belgian population, is proposed. The availability of an electronic version will enhance access to the target population and reduce the workload of healthcare professionals. The process followed the International Test Commission (ITC) guidelines for test adaptation, Principles of Good Practice for the Translation and Cultural Adaptation Process for Patient-Reported Outcomes (PRO) Measures and the recommendations of the ePRO task Force. Iterative Cognitive interviews were conducted with a sample of 10 + 10 older adults selected based on the theoretical relevance of emerging patterns. The reconciliation phase identified minor wording issues. The harmonization committee and cognitive interview reviewers proposed the most significant changes. The issues resolved included recency bias, answers not being understood as expected by experts, wording ambiguity, lack of clarity and form layout. Measurement equivalence between versions was validated. A Spanish cross-culturally adapted version of the CFAI instrument is now available in electronic and paper format. The rigorous application of international guidelines and procedures suggests a high equivalence with the original instrument and retainment of its psychometric properties. Further analysis must confirm this assumption.
