Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J I Sheikh

Publications and source records attributed to J I Sheikh.

28 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Pretraining enhances mnemonic training in elderly adults.

One hundred twenty-eight elderly adults were recruited to assess the effects of affective judgment, imagery, and relaxation pretraining on mnemonic training. Participants were assigned to one of the following conditions: (1) visual imagery and affective judgment pretraining plus mnemonic training, (2) visual imagery pretraining only plus mnemonic training, (3) relaxation pretraining plus mnemonic training, (4) nonspecific pretraining plus mnemonic training, (5) nonspecific pretraining only, and (6) wait list. Subjects were tested at three times: prior to training (Time 1), following pretraining (Time 2), and at the conclusion of mnemonic training (Time 3). Although those receiving active pretraining plus mnemonics did not differ from one another at Time 3, they recalled more than those with no active pretraining. The results suggest that for mnemonics to be effective they should be coupled with active pretraining techniques.

Aged↗

Elders' nonadherence, its assessment, and computer assisted instruction for medication recall training.

This study investigates three questions related to the problem of medication nonadherence among elders. First, does recall failure play a significant role in nonadherence? Recent research suggests that it may not. Second, can the new portable bar code scanner technology be used to study nonadherence? Other forms of monitoring are obtrusive or inaccurate. Finally, can inexpensive computer assisted instructions (CAI) be used to teach mnemonic techniques specifically designed to improve medication schedule recall? Current research on memory training teaches nonspecific mnemonics and uses the expensive classroom approach. Results of the present study suggest that physically active and cognitively alert elders do have significant nonadherence (control group = 32.0%) problems related to forgetting and that CAI courseware can significantly reduce (medication recall training group = 10.0%) this form of nonadherence. Portable bar code technology proved easy to use by elderly patients and provided detailed information about the type of forgetting underlying nonadherence. Most significant recall failure was in the complete forgetting to take medication rather than delays in medicating or overmedicating.

Aged↗

Tardive dyskinesia and steady-state serum levels of thiothixene.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the relationship between serum levels of the neuroleptic agent thiothixene and tardive dyskinesia in schizophrenics of a wide age range. Forty-one male schizophrenic subjects, 21 with tardive dyskinesia and 20 without, were given a fixed dosage of thiothixene hydrochloride (10 mg orally four times daily) after a drug-free period of one week. Higher steady-state serum levels of thiothixene (obtained after five days of a fixed-dosage schedule) were associated with greater degrees of tardive dyskinesia. This relationship was independent of the relationship between tardive dyskinesia and age.

Adult↗

Imagery mnemonic training in a patient with primary degenerative dementia.

A visual-imagery mnemonic was used as a memory training aid for a 66-year-old patient with primary degenerative dementia. Length of retention time was used as the primary outcome measure. The application of the mnemonic procedure extended the length of retention time for name-face recall from baseline. Performance gains were sustained at one month.

Aged↗

The effect of mnemonic training on perceived recall confidence in the elderly.

This study examined the effects of memory training on the relationship between perceived recall confidence and recall performance. The sample consisted of 76 elderly, community dwelling volunteers. Fifty-nine individuals received eight hours of memory training; the remaining 17 were wait-list controls. Participants were tested at pre- and post-intervention, and rated their confidence for recall of name-face pairs prior to each testing. The results showed a significant improvement in name-face recall at post test, favoring the group receiving mnemonic training. There was a significant association found between confidence ratings and recall performance at post-test. A closer examination of standardized regression residuals (confidence ratings and number of name-face pairs recalled) revealed that with mnemonic training, there was an improvement in the relationship between perceived confidence and recall performance following mnemonic training. The results suggest that the ability to assess changes in recall capacity and to judge future memory performance is enhanced by exposure to mnemonic training.

Age Factors↗

Treatment of anxiety disorders in the elderly: issues and strategies.

Clinical practice for the treatment of anxiety disorders in the elderly in general lacks empirical validation and hence is somewhat inconsistent. Extensive clinical experience, along with the knowledge gleaned from studies with a younger population, has led to the development of the following treatment approach. A thorough diagnostic assessment, crucial in planning subsequent treatment, is discussed first along with more general clinical issues. Next. a detailed review of current pharmacologic and psychologic treatments for each of the diagnostic categories of anxiety is described for application to the older patient. Definitive studies regarding the best treatments for anxiety disorders in the elderly are lacking, and further investigation of this area is emphasized.

Aged↗