Cognitive Support Research Articles

Addressing Cyberscams and Acquired Brain Injury ("I Desperately Need to Know What to Do"): Qualitative Exploration of Clinicians' and Service Providers' Perspectives.

People with acquired brain injury (ABI) may be more susceptible to scams owing to postinjury cognitive and psychosocial consequences. Cyberscams result in financial loss and debilitating psychological impacts such as shame and mistrust, interference with neurorehabilitation, and reduced independence. Despite these significant consequences, there are no psychological treatments to support cyberscam survivors. There is limited evidence regarding how the current workforce is addressing post-ABI cyberscams. This study aims to understand the perspectives and needs of clinicians and service providers in addressing post-ABI cyberscams. Overall, 20 multidisciplinary clinicians and service providers were recruited through purposive sampling across Australia. Semistructured interviews explored post-ABI scam experiences and vulnerabilities, treatments and their efficacy, and recommendations for future cybersafety recovery interventions. Reflexive thematic analysis was used. In total, 8 themes encompassing a biopsychosocial understanding of scam vulnerabilities and impacts were identified: "genuine lack of awareness: cognitive-executive difficulties"; "not coping with the loss of it all"; "needing trust and connection"; "strong reactions of trusted others"; "nothing structured to do"; "financial stress and independence"; "cyberability"; and "scammer persuasion." Each theme informed clinical recommendations including the need to provide psychological and cognitive support, enhance financial and cybersafety skills, promote meaningful social engagement, and foster collaboration between families and clinical support teams. The multifaceted range of scam vulnerabilities and impacts highlighted the need for individualized, comprehensive, and targeted treatments using a biopsychosocial approach to enable cyberscam recovery among people with ABI. These findings will guide the development of a co-designed intervention.

Reconsidering Recognition in the Lives of Children and Young People in Care: Insights from the Mockingbird Family in South Australia

This study explored the experiences of children and young people in the Mockingbird Family, South Australia, during implementation and roll-out. The study involved semi-structured interviews with a diverse group of 54 participants, including 21 children and young people, 12 foster carers, and 14 agency workers. Thematic analysis, with the application of Axel Honneth’s recognition theory, showed the Mockingbird Family model to validate the emotional, cognitive, and social support needs of children and young people. Through interconnected experience, the nurturing of care and the promotion of rights-based, holistic approaches were crucial for achieving social recognition, dignity, and developmental growth. The study indicates the potential benefits of the Mockingbird Family model for addressing the needs of children and young people in care. The research suggests that a community-based support model such as the Mockingbird Family should be considered in child welfare practices. However, further research is necessary to fully understand the model’s long-term effects and justify its integration into wider child welfare policies.

What matters in the cultivation of student feedback literacy: exploring university EFL teachers’ perceptions and practices

Student feedback literacy has been widely recognized as a crucial lever in shaping self-regulated autonomous learners. Extant research has displayed a whole variety of feedback interventions to promote student feedback literacy. However, these discussions are either of a conceptual nature or draw on the experiences of feed-back literate teachers. The perceptions and practices of those in-service teachers count in the cultivation of student feedback literacy, which quite unexpectedly have drawn scant attention. This qualitative study explored how university EFL teachers perceived the need to cultivate student feedback literacy and their actual practices through thematic analysis about data gathered from semi-structured interviews with 9 Chinese university EFL teachers and classroom observation. Results revealed an obvious lack of awareness among the participants to purposefully develop student feedback literacy, underpinned by the conceptualization of feedback as teacher-centered and compounded by a shortage of relevant guiding policies. However, the participants subconsciously promoted student feedback literacy through cognitive steering, behavioral regulation and affective support in unsystematic and disorganized feedback interventions. The findings highlight the exigency for teachers to deepen their understandings about feedback and call for policy support from the authorities. Implications are discussed to chart the potentials to optimize the cultivation of student feedback literacy.

A Cognitive Medical Decision Support System for IoT-Based Human-Computer Interface in Pervasive Computing Environment

A Cognitive Medical Decision Support System for IoT-Based Human-Computer Interface in Pervasive Computing Environment

The Effects of Cognitive Social Support on Medical Students' Depressive Symptoms: The Mediating Role of Self-efficacy

499 medical students were given the Perceptual Social Support Scale and the Self-Efficacy Scale in order to investigate the link and processes between depression symptoms and these constructs. The Perceptual Social Support Scale, the Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Depression Scale were used to investigate 499 medical students. The results showed that: ①Depressive symptoms were substantially inversely correlated with perceived social support; ②The association between depressed symptoms and perceived social support was mediated by self-efficacy. Consequently, lowering depressed symptoms in medical students can be achieved through raising self-efficacy and social support.

Understanding experiences of cognitive decline and cognitive assessment from the perspectives of people with glioma and their caregivers: A qualitative interview study

BackgroundDespite the impact of cognitive decline during brain cancer care, implementing routine cognitive assessment can be challenging. Effective implementation of cognitive assessment necessitates an understanding of implementation from the patient perspective. However, little is known about how people with glioma and their caregivers experience cognitive changes, assessment and support. ObjectiveTo understand the lived experiences of changes in cognition for people with glioma and their caregivers including experiences of: i) perceived or objectively measured cognitive decline (or absence of decline); ii) cognitive assessment following diagnosis, and; iii) met and unmet cognition-related supportive care needs. DesignSemi-structured qualitative telephone interviews were conducted with people with gliomas and support persons and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Setting(s)Two Australian cancer services Participants18 people with glioma and caregivers MethodsSemi-structured qualitative telephone interviews were conducted with people with gliomas and caregivers and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. ResultsPeople with glioma (n = 5) and caregivers (n = 13) completed interviews. Four themes were identified: Cognition needs to be considered within the context of glioma diagnosis and treatment; concerns about cognition were initially subordinate to survival but become important; there are challenges identifying and communicating about people with gliomas’ changes in cognition; cognition-related supportive care can be helpful but challenging for people with glioma and caregivers to identify and access. ConclusionsChanges to cognition can have considerable impacts of people with glioma and their caregivers which may be overshadowed by treatment and survival. A multi-disciplinary approach to timely cognitive screening, structured referral pathways, and communication with caregivers may provide opportunities for support. Registrationn/a Tweetable abstractIdentifying cognitive changes in people with glioma is important and challenging. A multidisciplinary approach and inclusion of care coordination and caregivers can help.

Recognition of cognitive dysfunction in hospitalised older patients: a flash mob study

BackgroundIt is important that healthcare professionals recognise cognitive dysfunction in hospitalised older patients in order to address associated care needs, such as enhanced involvement of relatives and extra cognitive and functional support. However, studies analysing medical records suggest that healthcare professionals have low awareness of cognitive dysfunction in hospitalised older patients. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of cognitive dysfunction in hospitalised older patients, the percentage of patients in which cognitive dysfunction was recognised by healthcare professionals, and which variables were associated with recognition.MethodsA multicentre, nationwide, cross-sectional observational study was conducted on a single day using a flash mob study design in thirteen university and general hospitals in the Netherlands. Cognitive function was assessed in hospitalised patients aged ≥ 65 years old, who were admitted to medical and surgical wards. A Mini-Cog score of < 3 out of 5 indicated cognitive dysfunction. The attending nurses and physicians were asked whether they suspected cognitive dysfunction in their patient. Variables associated with recognition of cognitive dysfunction were assessed using multilevel and multivariable logistic regression analyses.Results347 of 757 enrolled patients (46%) showed cognitive dysfunction. Cognitive dysfunction was recognised by attending nurses in 137 of 323 patients (42%) and by physicians in 156 patients (48%). In 135 patients (42%), cognitive dysfunction was not recognised by either the attending nurse or physician. Recognition of cognitive dysfunction was better at a lower Mini-Cog score, with the best recognition in patients with the lowest scores. Patients with a Mini-Cog score < 3 were best recognised in the geriatric department (69% by nurses and 72% by physicians).ConclusionCognitive dysfunction is common in hospitalised older patients and is poorly recognised by healthcare professionals. This study highlights the need to improve recognition of cognitive dysfunction in hospitalised older patients, particularly in individuals with less apparent cognitive dysfunction. The high proportion of older patients with cognitive dysfunction suggests that it may be beneficial to provide care tailored to cognitive dysfunction for all hospitalised older patients.

Predictor of depression and anxiety among caregivers of hospitalized patients with mental illness

Purpose The study aims to identify the predictors of depression and anxiety among carers of hospitalized patients with mental illness in Eradah Complex for Mental Health Hospital. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive correlational study design was conducted using a convenient sample of family carers of patients with mental illness (N = 216). The study used the Beck Depression Inventory and Anxiety Inventory scales. Findings The results of regression models revealed that the socio-demographic characteristics of the family carers showed that age is a statistically significant predictor of family carers depression and anxiety scores. In addition, the age of the family carers explained 36% of the variance in the family carers depression and anxiety scores, while marital status explained 64% of the total variance in the family carers’ depression and anxiety scores. Furthermore, having received support in caring significantly predicted depression and anxiety scores, and this was the case for occupation status and being diagnosed with any form of chronic illness. Practical implications Based on the findings of this study, the authors opine that evaluations of carers’ cognitive strategies and social support are needed to determine the risk of depression in carers of mental patients. Originality/value This study is the one of the limited studies conducted in Saudi Arabia to identify predictor of depression and anxiety among caregivers of hospitalized patients with mental illness. The study has used a validated scales to assess the main study outcomes.

Socially assistive walker for daily living assistance in older adults.

This paper addresses the growing healthcare needs of an ageing population and the lack of advanced technologies with social capabilities that are cost effective, user friendly, and readily adopted. In response to this motivation, a socially assistive walker is designed to provide physical and cognitive support in activities of daily living for older adults. Physical and cognitive support is provided by walker's structure, sensors, and feedback interfaces to assist users daily living activities, as well as, in navigating environment safely and efficiently. The walker's design arises from semi-structured interviews conducted with ageing experts, leading to the development of two levels or modes of social interaction, namely low and high interaction. In a cohort of 14 adults, the study found the device easy to use regardless of the interaction mode, with 78.5% expressing a preference for the version featuring embodiment, verbal feedback, and more proactive cues (p 0.05). The results also prompted ideas and suggestions for new designs based on insights gleaned from the user. This research contributes to the field of socially assistive robotics by offering an example of a user centred approach to address the healthcare challenges an ageing population poses.

Myelin Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease: Potential Therapeutic Opportunities.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline. Despite significant efforts over several decades, our understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease is still incomplete. Myelin is a multi-layered membrane structure ensheathing neuronal axons, which is essential for the fast and effective propagation of action potentials along the axons. Recent studies highlight the critical involvement of myelin in memory consolidation and reveal its vulnerability in various pathological conditions. Notably, apart from the classic amyloid hypothesis, myelin degeneration has been proposed as another critical pathophysiological feature of AD, which could occur prior to the development of amyloid pathology. Here, we review recent works supporting the critical role of myelin in cognition and myelin pathology during AD progression, with a focus on the mechanisms underlying myelin degeneration in AD. We also discuss the complex intersections between myelin pathology and typical AD pathophysiology, as well as the therapeutic potential of pro-myelinating approaches for this disease. Overall, these findings implicate myelin degeneration as a critical contributor to AD-related cognitive deficits and support targeting myelin repair as a promising therapeutic strategy for AD.

Mediating mechanism of posttraumatic growth as buffers of burnout and PTSD among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study aims to investigate factors that prevent burnout (BO) and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) while facilitating posttraumatic growth (PTG) among nurses combating the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, with the purpose of validating the mediating effects of PTG. A total of 247 nurses who provided patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic were enrolled, and a questionnaire was used to measure BO, PTSD, and PTG, data on deliberate rumination, emotional expression, adaptive cognitive emotion regulation (CER), maladaptive CER, and social support. The mediation path models for the effects of the predictors on BO and PS through the mediation of PTG were analyzed using the R Lavaan package. The results showed that deliberate rumination, emotional expression, and adaptive CER significantly increased PTG, while PTG significantly reduced BO and PTSD symptoms (PSs). However, maladaptive CER did not have a significant effect on PTG and only had significant direct effects on BO and PS. Bootstrapping confirmed that PTG significantly mediated the effects of all predictors. It partially mediated the effects of deliberate rumination and adaptive CER and completely mediated the effects of emotional expression. Based on the results, it has been supported that deliberate rumination, emotional expression, and adaptive CER should be addressed as important variables in psychological interventions addressing nurses' adversities during the pandemic. These variables can prevent BO and PS by facilitating PTG.

A human-centered perspective in repetitive assembly processes: preliminary investigation of cognitive support of collaborative robots

Human-robot collaboration (HRC) is one of the paradigms of the emerging Industry 5.0, aimed at supporting humans in production processes. However, the introduction of an industrial robotic system in close contact with a human opens new challenges not only for safety but also for ergonomics. This paper aims to study whether the introduction of a collaborative robot into an assembly process can support the human operator not only physically but also cognitively. To address this research question, shifts of a repetitive assembly process were implemented in both manual and HRC settings. The two settings were compared over time by analyzing the evolution of generated process failures and physiological response, revealing potential differences in process quality and operator stress.

Cognitive Auditory Training: Comparative Impact of Telerehabilitation and In-person Training

Abstract Background: Cognitive auditory approach has been shown effective in assessment and intervention with children with Central Auditory Processing Disorders (CAPD). Objective: To compare the intervention methods: telerehabilitation for synchronous auditory training through an Online Cognitive Auditory Training Program, with the traditional rehabilitation method, called acoustically controlled auditory training, carried out in person in an acoustic booth. Methods: The sample included 23 children between the ages of 7 and 9, of both genders, living in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, who were divided into two groups: Group I - 13 children undergoing telerehabilitation and Group II - 10 children undergoing auditory training in an acoustic booth. The instruments used were: i) Pediatric Speech Intelligibility (PSI) test in the ipsilateral competitive messages (ICM condition); ii) Digit Dichotic (DD) in binaural integration and separation skills test in auditory separation and integration skills. Results: In this study the following results were: a) there were statistically significant differences in the performance of children who underwent telerehabilitation for CAPD, revealing the reliability of the method, b) there were statistically significant differences both in the effect of auditory training carried out through telerehabilitation and in the effect of auditory training carried out in person, proving that the effectiveness of the two methods is equivalent, c) there were statistically significant differences in the performance of school-age students with CAPD who used the Online Cognitive Auditory Training Program, showing that the cognitive auditory approach is effective in intervention with children with CAPD. Conclusion: There is efficacy in cognitive auditory training through the telerehabilitation intervention. Results shown that intervention through the Online Cognitive Auditory Training Program support student learning and communication skills. Keywords: Auditory Processing, Cognitive Auditory Training, Telerehabilitation, Central Auditory Processing Disorders (CAPD).

Early Benefits with Potential Long-Term Risks of a Comprehensive Intervention on Serum Cortisol Levels and Cognitive Performance in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease.

Elevated cortisol levels represent a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), prompting treatments to lower hormone concentrations for preventive or therapeutic purposes. To assess the efficacy of a comprehensive intervention (CI) in modulating serum cortisol levels in patients with AD. CI consisted in a 2-month protocol involving cognitive stimulation, psychological support, lifestyle guidance, leisure activities, and socialization. AD subjects were randomly assigned to experimental (EG, n = 45) and control (CG, n = 45) groups. A wide range of sociodemographic, cognitive, psychosocial, and functional conditions were evaluated before, at the conclusion, and 24 months after CI. Data about lifestyle and drug prescription were also recorded. Baseline evaluations revealed that higher cortisol levels correlated with worse cognitive status (higher CDR and ADAS-Cog values and lower MMSE scores), increased depressive symptoms, and reduced physical and social engagement. Following CI, EG exhibited reduced cortisol levels, improved overall cognitive status, and enhanced verbal working memory and executive functions compared to CG. However, at the 24-month follow-up, EG displayed a rebound effect, characterized by elevated cortisol levels and cognitive decline compared to CG. These findings strengthen the adverse relationship between excessive cortisol and deficits in cognition/behavior in AD, demonstrate the short-term benefits of CI, and emphasize the potential long-term risks, which may be attributed to the fragile nature of the AD brain. Comprehensive interventions can yield positive results, but careful calibration of type and duration is necessary, considering disease progression and the potential need for re-administration.

CONNECTING AGING RURAL VETERANS WITH TELE-GERIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH: REFERRING PROVIDERS’ SURVEYED PERSPECTIVE

Abstract Providing comprehensive, individualized care to older Veterans with complex needs is particularly challenging in rural areas. Geriatric mental health specialists are scarce but needed for care including psychiatric medication and behavior management, consultation on complex comorbidities, cognition, and caregiver support and education. Tele-geriatric mental health services were initially developed in one VA regional telehealth hub and then expanded to three more regional telehealth hubs. Referring providers (N = 37) to tele-geriatric mental health services during a 1-year period were surveyed via REDCap. Providers came from varied settings in the 4 VA regions with 76% serving rural Veterans. Referring providers included prescribers (N = 26; pharmacists, physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and advanced practice nurses) and non-prescribers (N = 11; psychologists, social workers). Most worked in Patient Aligned Care Teams, mental health clinics, or Community Living Centers and reported geriatric training and comfort with geriatric patients. When asked about their perception of the impact of the services, most providers believed that patients (91.9%) and care teams (94.6%) benefitted from the telehealth services and would recommend the services (94.6%). Most followed through on recommendations (83.7%) and believed the service increased access to geriatric mental health (89.2%). Open-ended feedback included gratefulness for providing care to aging rural Veterans lacking resources. These services are appreciated by providers and may facilitate access to specialized mental health care particularly in rural areas. Having access to specialists to assist with the care of patients with complex needs may ease the care coordination needed by referring providers.

THE IMPACT OF 3 GENERATIONS OF VIOLENCE ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF COLOMBIAN OLDER ADULTS: COMPARATIVE MULTI-SITE SURVEY

Abstract Endemic violence across Colombia for 70 years has displaced generations of the poorest among Colombian society particularly in (semi)rural and peri-urban settings, approximately (10m- 20% total population). In 2022, 12.5% (1.2m) were older adults living with the health and socioeconomic consequences, losses and life-changing disruptions. Our joint Colombian UK-funded project in Turbo explores ways to co-produce and pilot an intervention to help mitigate impacts older-adults’ mental-health and wellbeing. This survey explores their burden of ill-health and adversity. We compared our 2022 older-adults survey in Turbo ( n=611) with 2016 (n=~0.5m) survey findings from three other Colombian regions with different exposures to ‘La Violencia’. Both surveys measured Cognitive status, Functionality, Autonomy, Depression, Anxiety, Alcohol-use, Well-being, Social support, Loneliness, Nutrition and Maltreatment plus demographics and used probability cluster two-stage sampling to enhance representativeness. Mental health is not a concept used by older adults, ‘depression’ (5-28%) and ‘anxiety’ (4-21%) were lower than anticipated. An unexpectedly high proportion in Turbo respondents had at least some cognitive deficit (62%), much higher than elsewhere (1.3-5.1%). Most respondents were living in significant poverty with low educational attainment, low or minimal income, low nutrition, poor housing and social isolation. Reported elder abuse rates ranged from 4-30% across sites. The survey findings confirm high rates of vulnerability among older adults living with the severe consequences of ’La Violencia’ upon mental-health. Our project co-producing and delivering affordable and sustainable interventions, seeks to improve mental health and wellbeing, self-esteem and belonging, within a society that largely neglects older adults.

A Helping Hand Isn’t Always So Helpful: Parental Autonomy Support Moderates the Effectiveness of Interpersonal Emotion Regulation for Emerging Adults

The current study examined parental autonomy support in relation to the quality of youths’ interpersonal emotion regulation (IER) experiences with parents. 194 emerging adult college students ( M age = 19.6 years; 52.1% women) recounted a recent instance of receiving IER from a parent. Youth reported on their parent’s IER behaviors (emotional responsiveness and cognitive support), the perceived effectiveness of the IER, who initiated it, and how autonomy supportive their parent typically was. As expected, parental autonomy support moderated the relation between IER and its perceived effectiveness, such that at higher levels of support, parental emotional responsiveness and cognitive support related to higher perceived IER effectiveness. Likewise, in conditions of low autonomy support, youth perceived unsolicited IER to be less effective than did youth who sought the support. Autonomy support likely plays a meaningful role in the effectiveness of various IER processes, thus furthering our understanding of emerging adults’ socioemotional development.

Studying the Level of Components of Professional and Pedagogical Preparation of Primary Education Teachers

As part of the experimental work, a plan-program was developed for increasing the level of professional and pedagogical preparedness of primary education teachers and a plan-program for a continuous study-seminar based on a systematic and practical approach. The plan-program is designed to solve a number of problems: the adoption by primary education teachers of the ideology of the new State educational system of school general education; mastering more effective methods of digitalization technology, pedagogical technology, methods of educational and cognitive activities aimed at achieving the intended results for students; teachers’ mastery of the modern system of requirements for objective assessment of students’ activities. After organizing a continuously ongoing study-seminar, planning and conducting the educational process using a set of digitalization and software tools, reflection was carried out on the professional and pedagogical activities of primary education teachers. The educational and cognitive system of experimental work provided for the creation of pedagogical prerequisites, which are: the reality of the needs of primary education teachers in restructuring their professional and pedagogical activities by increasing the level of preparedness using an accessible information and educational environment; educational and cognitive support of pedagogical activities, carried out through continuous study-seminars; providing direct assistance to teachers in planning and conducting the educational and cognitive process; active participation in activities for objective self-assessment based on the activation of one’s reflection.

How old is too old? Frailty and geriatric assessments of older patients undergoing allogeneic HCT.

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a curative-intent treatment for many hematologic malignancies but carries a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. An increasing number of older adults are receiving HCT, but current pretransplant evaluations overlook the unique vulnerabilities that older adults face. Oncology-specific geriatric and frailty assessments provide a comprehensive evaluation of older adults, help better weigh the risks of HCT with patients, and guide personalized optimization strategies to minimize vulnerabilities. Geriatric assessments evaluate seven domains: comorbidities, physical function, mental health, cognition, nutrition, medications, and social support. Frailty indices provide unique evaluations into a patient's overall status. Various standardized measures have been used to evaluate these areas in older adults prior to HCT. Different care models exist for the integration of geriatrics and geriatric principles into HCT evaluation: a multidisciplinary consultative clinic, a geriatrician alongside the HCT clinic, or a primary geriatric hematologist/transplant physician. Future studies are needed to investigate the use of geriatric assessments in selecting the conditioning regimen and intensity and measuring the impact of geriatric assessment-driven interventions on quality of life and toxicities post transplant.

Advancing Student Learning Inside and Outside of the Classroom with Cognitive and Motivational Supports

Advancing Student Learning Inside and Outside of the Classroom with Cognitive and Motivational Supports