Middle-aged and older Black adults' experiences completing a traditional paper-and-pencil cognitive battery and two contemporary computerized cognitive batteries

Traditional neuropsychological batteries may account for disparities in education and may produce testing anxiety, particularly for older Black adults. Computerized batteries may be more amenable to use. The current study used mixed-methods content analysis to explore the perceptions of middle-aged and older Black adults (N = 92) about the CogState Brief Battery (CSBB) and Joggle® computerized battery and a traditional paper-and-pencil neuropsychological battery. The data was analyzed using Atlas.ti. Themes were developed and qualitative responses were converted to quantitative counts to make comparisons to thematic differences based on demographics. Results: The majority of participants liked all three batteries. There were no differences based on demographics. Two prevalent themes across all three measures for what participants liked were 1) mental stimulation and memory, and 2) challenging. A disliked theme specific to the computerized batteries was personal competence. In summary, an array of accessible cognitive batteries is necessary to address individual preferences.

Leisure Barriers Among Older Adults in Low-Income Housing: Demographic, Health, and Contextual Correlates

Despite increased research pertaining to the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial benefits of leisure engagement, few studies have explored leisure barriers experienced by older adults residing in subsidized housing, and how these barriers relate to sociodemographic, health, and psychosocial characteristics. Thirty-nine Black and White residents (M=68.01, SD=10.26) from two subsidized housing communities (Wilmington, NC and State College, PA) were surveyed as part of the Tailoring Environments for Active Life Engagement study. Findings indicated that lack of available activities and low awareness of activities, limited social connections, and transportation were the most common barriers identified. Additionally, individuals with lesser years of education and poorer quality of education, worse mental and physical health, poorer cognitive function, as well as those experiencing loneliness and social isolation reported significantly more leisure barriers (ps <.05). More research is needed that examines micro-, meso-, and macro-level factors associated with leisure participation for older low-income housing residents.

Positive Role of Purpose in Life in Health Outcomes and Perspectives on Environment

Having a sense of purpose directs behaviors, hence, purpose in life (PIL) can be a useful indicator/moderator of healthy mental and physical behaviors and outcomes. As such, purpose in life, particularly in lower income older adults, might encourage meaningful engagement in activities and life that lead to positive health. Thirty-nine residents (M=68.01, SD=10.26) of affordable housing for older adults in Wilmington, NC and State College, PA were surveyed on demographics, mental health, well-being (i.e., PIL), health behaviors, and their perceptions on immediate housing and the community resources. Findings suggest that for higher educated, younger and Black older adults, PIL moderates or protects against negative mental outcomes (p<.05). For higher educated older adults, PIL moderates or encourages positive perception of job opportunities in the community (p<.05) and healthier behaviors (p<.05). More research is needed to understand how environment interacts with PIL to promote healthy behaviors and outcomes.

Use of the Into Aging Game to Improve Empathy Among Nursing, Recreational Therapy, and Social Work Students

As the older adult population continues to increase, healthcare professionals who specialize in caring for this population will continue to be in demand. Collaborative interprofessional teamwork is of utmost importance in the care of the older adult patient. The purpose of this curriculum activity was to determine if the use of an aging simulation game improved empathy of nursing, recreation therapy, and social work students toward older adults. A total of 185 students participated in the simulation. Results indicated that the simulated experience improved the level of empathy among interprofessional students toward older adults.

Evaluation of muscle strength and manual dexterity in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

STUDY DESIGN

Matched pair study.

INTRODUCTION

Differences in hand-muscle strength/dexterity between dominant (DH) and non-dominant (NDH) hand in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) are not well understood.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

To compare muscle strength/dexterity between DH and NDH and to correlate manual dexterity, strength and sensory function.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty CMT patients were studied using functional muscle testing (FMT) and strength (dynamometry), dexterity (the Nine Hole Peg Test [NHPT]), and Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function [JTT]), and sensory function (the Nottingham Sensory Assessment [NSA]).

RESULTS

Scores were worse for DH than NDH on FMT (p = 0.043) and NHPT (p = 0.014) but not on JTT (p = 0.098), handgrip strength (p = 0.710) or tripod pinch (p = 0.645). NSA did not correlate significantly with any tests (p's0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In CMT disease, DH appears more impaired than NDH in terms of function and dexterity. Greater muscle weakness in DH may also emerge as CMT progresses.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3b.