| 1. |
- Edvardsson, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Differences in levels of albumin, ALT, AST, gamma-GT and creatinine in frail, moderately healthy and healthy elderly individuals
- 2018
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Ingår i: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. - : WALTER DE GRUYTER GMBH. - 1434-6621 .- 1437-4331. ; 56:3, s. 471-478
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Reference intervals are widely used as decision tools, providing the physician with information about whether the analyte values indicate ongoing disease process. Reference intervals are generally based on individuals without diagnosed diseases or use of medication, which often excludes elderly. The aim of the study was to assess levels of albumin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine and gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT) in frail, moderately healthy and healthy elderly indivuduals. Methods: Blood samples were collected from individuals amp;gt; 80 years old, nursing home residents, in the Elderly in Linkoping Screening Assessment and Nordic Reference Interval Project, a total of 569 individuals. They were divided into three cohorts: frail, moderately healthy and healthy, depending on cognitive and physical function. Albumin, ALT, AST, creatinine and gamma-GT were analyzed using routine methods. Results: Linear regression predicted factors for 34% of the variance in albumin were activities of daily living (ADL), gender, stroke and cancer. ADLs, gender and weight explained 15% of changes in ALT. For AST levels, ADLs, cancer and analgesics explained 5% of changes. Kidney disease, gender, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease explained 25% of the variation in creatinine levels and MMSE explained three per cent of gamma-GT variation. Conclusions: Because a group of people are at the same age, they should not be assessed the same way. To interpret results of laboratory tests in elderly is a complex task, where reference intervals are one part, but far from the only one, to take into consideration.
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| 2. |
- Classon, Elisabet, et al.
(författare)
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Relations between Concurrent Longitudinal Changes in Cognition, Depressive Symptoms, Self-Rated Health and Everyday Function in Normally Aging Octogenarians
- 2016
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE. - 1932-6203. ; 11:8, s. e0160742-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Ability to predict and prevent incipient functional decline in older adults may help prolong independence. Cognition is related to everyday function and easily administered, sensitive cognitive tests may help identify at-risk individuals. Factors like depressive symptoms and self-rated health are also associated with functional ability and may be as important as cognition. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between concurrent longitudinal changes in cognition, depression, self-rated health and everyday function in a well-defined cohort of healthy 85 year olds that were followed-up at the age of 90 in the Elderly in Linkoping Screening Assessment 85 study. Regression analyses were used to determine if cognitive decline as assessed by global (the Mini-Mental State Examination) and domain specific (the Cognitive Assessment Battery, CAB) cognitive tests predicted functional decline in the context of changes in depressive symptoms and self-rated health. Results showed deterioration in most variables and as many as 83% of these community-dwelling elders experienced functional difficulties at the age of 90. Slowing-down of processing speed as assessed by the Symbol Digits Modality Test (included in the CAB) accounted for 14% of the variance in functional decline. Worsening self-rated health accounted for an additional 6%, but no other variables reached significance. These results are discussed with an eye to possible preventive interventions that may prolong independence for the steadily growing number of normally aging old-old citizens.
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| 3. |
- Dannapfel, Petra, 1978-, et al.
(författare)
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Education to Increase Skills in Research Methods among Clinicians in Health Care
- 2017
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Ingår i: Journal of Health & Medical Informatics. - Los Angeles, United States : Omics Publishing Group. - 2157-7420. ; 8:4
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate participants’ and managers’ experience of the design and content of an education programme. The Knowledge to Action (KTA) framework was applied to identify the steps of knowledge creation and action in the education programme.MethodsData were collected from 18 participants representing two groups: participants in the intervention and supervisors and managers. Two focus groups took place: two with participants in the intervention (4 and 3 in each) and one with eleven managers.ResultsAll steps in the KTA framework were identified and discussed from several aspects. The importance of selecting projects that were relevant and added value in their clinics was mentioned by all participants. The participants also mentioned that after the education, they had further understanding and increased skills in how to be active and perform continuous improvement projects. The step in the KTA process regarding how to adapt knowledge to local context was not discussed explicitly by the participants or managers.DiscussionEducation in research methods and performing improvement projects to develop the clinic creates a more positive attitude to working with continuous improvement. The participant’s self-esteem and knowledge increased regarding how to work with improvements. It is important to have the manager’s support to perform a project. Emphasis was on knowledge inquiry and synthesis and presenting the results with or without possible solutions. The participants and managers talked about barriers and knowledge use more generally and at an organizational level. This means that the participants did not gain the last bit of nowledge needed to put the action into practice. This implies that the problem regarding lack of implementation skills in health care might remain.
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| 4. |
- Dong, Huan-Ji, et al.
(författare)
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Obese very old women have low relative handgrip strength, poor physical function, and difficulty in daily living
- 2015
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Ingår i: The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging. - : Springer. - 1279-7707 .- 1760-4788. ; 19:1, s. 20-25
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: To investigate how anthropometric and body composition variables, and handgrip strength (HS) affect physical function and independent daily living in 88-year-old Swedish women.Participants: A cross-sectional analysis of 83 community-dwelling women, who were 88 years old with normal weight (n=30), overweight (n=29), and obesity (n=24) in Linköping, Sweden, was performed.Measures: Assessments of body weight (Wt), height, waist circumference (WC), and arm circumference were performed by using an electronic scale and measuring tape. Tricep skinfold thickness was measured by a skinfold calliper. Fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and HS was recorded with an electronic grip force instrument. Linear regression was used to determine the contributions of parameters as a single predictor or as a ratio with HS to physical function (Short Form-36, SF-36PF) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL).Results: Obese women had greater absolute FM and FFM, and lower HS corrected for FFM and HS-based ratios (i.e., HS/Wt, HS/body mass index [BMI]) than their normal weight and overweight counterparts. After adjusting for physical activity levels and the number of chronic diseases, HS-based ratios explained more variance in SF-36PF scoring (R2: 0.52–0.54) than single anthropometric and body composition variables (R2: 0.45–0.51). WC, HS, and HS-based ratios (HS/Wt and HS/FFM) were also associated with the number of IADL with no difficulty.Conclusion: Obese very old women have a high WC, but their HS is relatively low in relation to their Wt and FFM. These parameters are better than BMI for predicting physical function and independent daily living.
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| 5. |
- Dong, Huan-Ji, et al.
(författare)
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Unaltered image of health maintenance : An observation of non-participants in a swedish cohort study of 85 to 86 years olds
- 2015
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Ingår i: Journal of Frailty & Aging. - Paris, France : Editions S E R D I. - 2260-1341 .- 2273-4309. ; 4:2, s. 93-99
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Selection bias is often inevitable in epidemiologic studies. It is not surprising that study conclusions based on participants’ health status are frequently questioned. Objective: This study aimed to assess whether the non-participants affected the characteristics of a general population of the very old people. Design, Setting and Participants: Prospective, cross-sectional (N=650, aged 85 years old) analysis and 1-year follow-up (n=273), in Linköping, Sweden. Measurements: We analysed data on health-related factors from a postal questionnaire, a home visit and a clinic visit at baseline and at the 1-year follow-up. We calculated the effect size to evaluate the degree of differences between the groups. Results: A greater proportion of non-participants resided in sheltered accommodation or nursing homes (participants vs non-response vs refusal, 11% vs 22% vs 40, P<0.001, φ=0.24). During the home visit or clinic visit, a higher proportion of dropouts reported mid-severe problems in EQ-5D domains (mobility and self-care) and limitations in personal activities of daily living, but the differences between participants and dropouts were very small (φ<0.2). No significant difference was found between the groups with regard to emergency room visits or hospital admissions, despite the fact that more participants than dropouts (φ=0.23) had multimorbidities (≥2 chronic diseases). Living in sheltered accommodation or a nursing home (odds ratio (OR), 2.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.5-5), female gender (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-3.1) and receiving more home visits in primary care (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1-1.06) contributed positively to drop out in the data collection stages over the study period. Conclusion: Non-participants were not considered to be a group with worse health. Mobility problems may influence very old people when considering further participation, which threatens attrition.
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| 6. |
- Johansson, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Cognitive impairment and its consequences in everyday life : experiences of people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia and their relatives
- 2015
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Ingår i: International psychogeriatrics. - : Cambridge University Press. - 1041-6102 .- 1741-203X. ; 27:6, s. 949-958
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The aim of this study was to explore experiences of cognitive impairment, its consequences in everyday life and need for support in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia and their relatives.Methods: A qualitative approach with an explorative design with interviews was chosen. The participants included five people with MCI and eight people with mild dementia and their relatives. All participants were recruited at a geriatric memory clinic in Sweden. The Grounded Theory method was used.Results: The following categories emerged: noticing cognitive changes; changed activity patterns; coping strategies; uncertainty about own ability and environmental reactions; support in everyday life; support from the healthcare system; consequences in everyday life for relatives; and support for relatives. The main findings were that people with MCI and dementia experienced cognitive changes that could be burdensome and changed activity patterns. Most of them, however, considered themselves capable of coping on their own. The relatives noticed cognitive changes and activity disruptions to a greater extent and tried to be supportive in everyday life. Degree of awareness varied and lack of awareness could lead to many problems in everyday life.Conclusions: Perceived cognitive impairment and its consequences in everyday life were individual and differed among people with MCI or dementia and their relatives. Thus, healthcare professionals must listen to both people with cognitive impairment and their relatives for optimal individual care planning. Support such as education groups and day care could be more tailored towards the early stages of dementia.
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| 7. |
- Johansson, Maria, 1967-
(författare)
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Cognitive impairment and its consequences in everyday life
- 2015
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The overall aim was to improve knowledge of the consequences of cognitive dysfunction in everyday life and of instruments to make these assessments. The thesis contains four studies each of different design using different populations.In study I, the relationship between cognitive function, ability to perform activities of daily living and perceived health-related quality of life were investigated in a population of 85-year-old individuals in the community of Linköping (n = 373). The study was part of the Elderly in Linköping Screening Assessment 85 (ELSA 85). Even mild cognitive dysfunction correlated with impaired ability to perform activities of daily living and lower health-related quality of life.In study II, the diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of Cognistat, a cognitive screening instrument, were evaluated for identifying individuals with cognitive impairment in a primary care population. Cognistat has relatively good diagnostic accuracy with a sensitivity of 0.85, a specificity of 0.79 and a Clinical Utility Index (CUI) of 0.72. The corresponding values were 0.59, 0.91 and 0.53 for the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and 0.26, 0.88 and 0.20 for the Clock Drawing Test (CDT).In study III, the aim was to develop an instrument measuring self-perceived or caregiver reported ability to perform everyday life activities in persons with suspected cognitive impairment or dementia and to perform psychometric testing of this instrument, named the Cognitive Impairment in Daily Life (CID). The CID was found to have good content validity.In study IV, experiences of cognitive impairment, its consequences in everyday life and the need for support in persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia and their relatives were explored. Interviews were performed with five people with MCI, eight people with mild dementia and their relatives (n = 13). The main finding was that persons with MCI and dementia experienced cognitive changes that could be burdensome and result in changed activity patterns.In conclusion, the findings support earlier research and show that cognitive dysfunction even at mild stages has an impact on everyday life and reduces perceived quality of life. To improve interventions for persons with cognitive impairment, it is important to assess not only cognitive function but also its consequences in everyday life activities.
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| 8. |
- Johansson, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Development of an instrument for measuring activities of daily living in persons with suspected cognitive impairment
- 2016
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1103-8128 .- 1651-2014. ; 23:3, s. 230-239
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: According to the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare, structured assessment of function and activity has high priority when investigating for dementia.Aim/objectives: The aim was to develop and psychometrically test an instrument to measure self-reported and/or informant-reported ability to perform activities of daily living in persons with suspected cognitive impairment.Material and methods: The Cognitive Impairment in Daily Life (CID) instrument has been developed in several phases. Content validity was achieved through five expert panels using a Content Validity Index (CVI). The content was tested further in a pilot study of 51 patients and 49 relatives from primary care or a specialist memory clinic.Results: Content validity was good with a CVI index of 0.83. All patients considered that relevant activities were included. Most relatives considered that the activities included in the instrument were adequate and captured the patients’ difficulties in daily life. Some adjustments to the items and scale were suggested and these were done after each phase. In general, relatives indicated more difficulties than patients.Conclusion: The CID instrument seems promising in terms of content validity. Further testing of reliability and construct validity is ongoing.
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| 9. |
- Johansson, Maria M., 1967-, et al.
(författare)
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Maintaining health-related quality of life from 85 to 93 years of age despite decreased functional ability
- 2019
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Ingår i: British Journal of Occupational Therapy. - : Sage Publications. - 0308-0226 .- 1477-6006. ; 82:6, s. 348-356
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- IntroductionThe ‘oldest-old’ is the most rapidly growing age group in Sweden and in the western world. This group is known to be at great risk of increased functional dependency and the need for help in their daily lives. The aim of this research was to examine how the oldest-old change over time regarding health-related quality of life, cognition, depression and ability to perform activities of daily living and investigate what factors explain health-related quality of life at age 85 and 93 years.MethodsIn this study, 60 individuals from the Swedish Elderly in Linköping Screening Assessment study were followed from age 85 to 93 years. Measurements used were EQ-5D, Geriatric Depression Scale, Mini Mental State Examination and ability to perform activities of daily living. Nonparametric statistics and regression analyses were used.ResultsAlthough the individuals had increased mobility problems, decreased ability to manage activities of daily living, and thus had increased need of assistance, they scored their health-related quality of life at age 93 years at almost the same level as at age 85 years. No depression and low dependence in activities of daily living speaks in favour of higher health-related quality of life.ConclusionsHealth-related quality of life can be maintained during ageing despite decreased functional ability and increased need of assistance in daily life.
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| 10. |
- Larsson, Ellinor, 1982-
(författare)
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Promoting social activities and participation among seniors : exploring and evaluating social and Internet-based occupational therapy interventions
- 2016
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- IntroductionThe use of technology and Internet-based activities (IBAs) is increasing in society. However, seniors with limited experiences with the Internet can experience restricted participation in meaningful activities that are dependent on the Internet. Also, social transitions during aging might lead to reduced social activities and social contacts and to increased experiences of loneliness, all of which might have negative health implications. Therefore, there is a need to advance the knowledge of how occupational therapists can support seniors’ use of IBAs and create opportunities for social contacts and social activities during aging.AimThe overall aim of this thesis is to increase the knowledge of how Internet-based activities influence seniors’ participation in society, how seniors experience and are influenced by support from a social Internet-based occupational therapy intervention, and how different aspects of this intervention can contribute to healthy ageing.MethodsIn study I, seniors’ experiences of IBAs were explored and described through interviews with 10 seniors (66–82 years old) that were analyzed with the constant comparative method. In study II, a multiple case study with five seniors (65–85 years old) was used to explore the design of an Internet-based occupational therapy social intervention program and how it influenced social activities and social contacts among the participants. The qualitative and quantitative data from multiple sources were analyzed by pattern matching. In study III, an explorative randomized crossover study with an AB/BA design was conducted with 30 seniors (61–89 years old) who were vulnerable to loneliness and who participated in the intervention program. The quantitative data were analyzed with parametric and non-parametric statistics. In study IV, a qualitative interview study was conducted to collect the experiences of 15 seniors (66–87 years old) from the previous intervention process in study III. The interviews were analyzed with the constant comparative method. All participants in studies I–IV were community-dwelling, retired seniors without home-care services. ResultsComplex interactions of different aspects influence seniors’ possibilities and preferences for taking part in IBAs. The performance of IBAs yielded different experiences of participation in society (study I). The initial explorative results indicated that the client-centered and individually adapted intervention program supports participation in social IBAs (SIBAs) and other social contexts (study II). After participation in the intervention program, the experiences of loneliness significantly decreased, and satisfaction with social contacts on the Internet increased for one group (study III). If an individual’s requirements are met during the intervention process, experiences of habitual SIBA usage, increased self-reliance, and enriched social contacts and social activities both on and off the Internet might be facilitated (study IV).ConclusionThis thesis provides knowledge of how social support, experiences of and accessibility to technology, life-changing events, and identified meaningfulness with online activities influence the motivation to participate in social and Internet-based activities. The occupational therapist should address the individual’s perspective in the intervention program so as to adapt the intervention and to support experiences of satisfactory participation and enhanced social activities and social contacts for seniors. In addition, healthy aging might be supported by the intervention program due to the reduction in loneliness and increased participation in social activities and society. Further evaluation of the framework and content of the intervention program for seniors with restricted participation in IBAs and SIBAs and high levels of loneliness is suggested.
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