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Abstract: The aim of the research was to identify psychosocial factors and functional characteristics of the elderly. The survey covered a stratified sample of 60 patients with advanced age, both sexes, living in a family environment. In order to assess functional and psychosocial characteristics of older persons were used: Barthel index test, self-assessment scale for depression, self-esteem Rosenberg scale, PD Questionnaire / Form A scale for assessing the degree of social support, as well as Structured questionnaire of personal data which we collected data on gender, age, marital status, number of children, diagnosis, and self-economic situation. Data analysis was performed using parametric and nonparametric statistics. To determine the latent space of applied variables factor analysis was used. Based on the results of the study there are four (4) factors: Factor of somatopsychic dimensions of existential anxiety, Factorof socioeconomicstatus, Factor of social status and Health status factor. Keywords: Elderly, functional and psychosocial characteristics.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: Persons with intellectual disability (PWID) have fewer opportunities for enrolment in school programs and post-school employment than do their peers with typical development. Evidence suggests that attitude toward PWID is a main factor in either promoting or limiting better life conditions for this population. In this paper, the goal was to determine the cognitive information integration rules underlying the expectations of 174 special education teachers and students with regard to job training for PWID. In order to accomplish this goal, four factors (Gender, Severity of disability, Type of task, and Emotional traits) were orthogonally combined to implement a cognitive algebra study design. We obtained 48 experimental conditions, with each one presented as a scenario describing a PWID in a work training situation. Participants read these scenarios and were asked to judge the probability of the success of PWID with regard to learning the skills needed to complete the required work.Patterns of response allowed us to identify low, moderate, and high viewpoints with regard to participants’ judgments of predicted success. Personal factors (Emotional traits and Severity of disability) and the Type of task factor were considered the most important in influencing the participants’ judgment. These factors seemed to be integrated in a complex systematic cognitive pattern. Implications from this type of result with regard to PWID and work training are discussed in this paper. Keywords: Intellectual disability, attitudes, special education teachers, work training, cognitive algebra.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: Introduction:Rett Syndrome is a genetic disorder that limits a girl’s ability to use her upper extremities for daily activities, such as dressing and playing. One possible intervention to improve upper extremity function in this population is virtual reality, which can be used to increase activity demands during therapy sessions. Objectives: To determine the feasibility of using internet-based virtual reality intervention for Rett Syndrome (RTT-IVR), to decrease hand wringing/mouthing and increase hand and arm movements away from the midline by identifying attributes and limitations to the proposed intervention. Materials and Methods: Using FAAST Software and Microsoft Kinect sensor, RTT-IVR was trialed with 6 girls with RTT. Upper extremity movements were used to play free Internet games as means of increasing repetitions and purposeful arm movements. Data regarding attributes and limitations of the RTT-IVR intervention were collected via observation and post-session parent interviews. Results: Interviews and observation revealed successful game play when games were motivating, clearly established cause and effect, and matched level of cognitive ability of the participant. Limitations include technological glitches regarding Kinect sensor sensitivity and identifying appropriate games for each participant’s interests and abilities. Conclusion: Internet based virtual reality interventions for girls with RTT should be highly individualized to increase motivation and success of intervention. Keywords: Rett Syndrome, internet-based virtual reality, Microsoft Kinect, upper extremity movements; qualitative analysis.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: Purpose: To study the effects of physical training on behavior and balance issues in elderly people afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease. Method: Forty patients (average age: 80 years old) participated in the study. The individuals were placed into two groups: a control group, which did not participate in any kind of training, and a trained group, which followed an eight-week training program. The training program comprised 2–3 sessions of light physical activity or walking per week; each session had an average duration of 15–55 min. Before (T1) and after (T2) the training program, an assessment of the psychical, psychological, physical, and functional parameters was conducted. Results: Upon completion of the physical training program, there was a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in the Tinetti test (T1: 19.5 ± 4.2 s; T2: 20.1 ± 4.1 s), a significant decrease in the completion time of the “get up and go” track for all of the participants (T1: 23.1 ± 8.1 s; T2: 19.5 ± 6.1 s), and a significant reduction in the seriousness of the behavioral issues observed. Conclusion: This preliminary study revealed that physical training had an overall beneficial impact on Alzheimer’s patients, especially on their behavior and balance. Keywords: Elderly people, physical activity, behavior, balance. Download Full Article |
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Abstract: Background: Oxidative stress is strongly linked in the development of numerous chronic and degenerative disorders. Medicinal plants with antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities exert a key role for the management of oxidative stress related disorders mainly Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore the purpose of this study was to assess antioxidant potentiality and anticholinesterase inhibitory activity of crude methanolic extract (CME), petroleum ether fraction (PEF), chloroform fraction (CLF), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) and aqueous fraction (AQF) of Uvaria littoralis (U. littoralis) leaves. Methods: The antioxidant compounds namely total flavonoids contents (TFCs) and total proanthocyanidins contents (TPACCs) were determined for quantities constituent’s characterization. Antioxidant capacity of U. littoralis leaves were estimated by the iron reducing power (IRPA), 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging capacity. Anticholinesterase effects were estimated for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinestrase (BChE) activity. Results: The EAF of U. littoralis leaves showed the highest TFCs as compared to CLF, CME, PEF and AQF. TPACCs were also found highest in EAF. The highest absorbance for IRPA was found in EAF (2.220 nm) with respect to CME and other fractions at the highest concentration. The EAF showed best DPPH and NO radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 31.63 and 55.47 μg/mL, respectively with regard to CME and remaining fractions. The PEF represents highest AChE inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 35.19 μg/mL and CLF showed highest BChE inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 32.49 μg/mL. Conclusions: The findings of the current study demonstrate the presence of antioxidant phytochemicals, likewise, turns out antioxidant and anticholinesterase potentiality of U. littoralis leaves which could be a prestigious candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases especially AD. Keywords: Oxidative stress, Antioxidant potentiality, Anticholinesterase activity, Uvaria littoralis, Alzheimer's disease.
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