Biomedical subjects

Megan E O'Connell

Publications and source records attributed to Megan E O'Connell.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2003

Prosthetic systems for addressing problems with initiation: guidelines for selection, training, and measuring efficacy.

In this paper we address the practical considerations for rehabilitation of problems with initiation. A variety of rehabilitation strategies for clients who have problems with initiation are discussed, as are our recommendations for the use of an external cueing system with these clients. Available external cueing systems are reviewed, including those that have been shown to be effective for prospective memory deficits. We identify important factors involved in selecting a particular external cueing device, and we provide guidelines for training to both respond to and program external cues. Finally, we discuss ways to monitor the efficacy of rehabilitation of problems with initiation. Throughout we provide an illustrative case example describing implementation of an external cueing system with a client who has difficulties with initiation, other aspects of executive function, and anterograde amnesia.

Humans↗

PubMed2002

The 12-item Buschke memory test: appropriate for use across levels of impairment.

Monitoring cognitive functions as older adults move from independent to assisted living is of utmost importance with respect to care planning. To this end, we examined the utility of a 12- item, free and cued recall, selective reminding, memory task for assessing persons across levels of functioning. Using cross-sectional data from the Canadian Study of Health and Aging, it was observed that the 12-item Buschke memory test was well tolerated by participants regardless of their level of impairment. Further, various measures from the memory task differentiated among participants with different levels of impairment: Individuals living in the community performed better than those in institutions; individuals with no or mild functional impairment performed better than individuals with moderate or severe functional impairments; individuals with mild dementia performed better than those with moderate to severe dementia. Normative data are provided for this easily administered and well-tolerated memory measure. Key words: cognitive assessment, memory test, dementia, levels of impairment

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Putting Humpty Dumpty together again: the importance of integrating cognitive and emotional interventions.

Acquired brain injury commonly results in both cognitive and emotional sequela, and it is increasingly recognized that these domains of functioning interact. Consequently, interventions directed at only or primarily one domain may be confounded by this interaction. To maximize treatment potential, we believe cognitive rehabilitation must integrate both cognitive and emotional interventions, and attend to belief systems about, and affective responses to, cognitive challenges. We review the scant literature addressing the impact of combined interventions for clients with acquired brain injury. Integrated with these reviews are 2 case studies that appear to break treatment "myths." Specifically, we address the notion that emotion-focused treatments are appropriate only for clients with awareness or insight and the notion that cognitive interventions are ineffective, and potentially even contraindicated, for clients whose profile suggests emotional distress and functional, as opposed to neurological, impairments. In each of these cases, we demonstrate that combining cognitive and emotional interventions was not only effective but also even more valuable than previous treatment approaches aimed exclusively at one domain. We conclude by emphasizing the importance of understanding emotional response to, and beliefs about, cognitive difficulties in developing effective interventions.

Adaptation, Psychological↗