Alice Verstaen1, Holly K Rau1, Emily H Trittschuh1. 1. is a Clinical Psychologist in Mental Health Services; is a Neuropsychologist at the Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center; is a Research Health Scientist Specialist in Research and Development; all at VA Puget Sound Health Care System Seattle Division. Emily Trittschuh is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Positive health behaviors can promote brain health with age. Although healthy lifestyle factors are often encouraged by health care providers, many older adults experience difficulty incorporating these into their daily life. METHODS: To address this gap, we developed a novel health education and implementation group for older veterans (aged > 50 years). The primary objectives of this group were to provide psychoeducation about the link between behaviors and brain health, increase personal awareness of specific health behaviors, and promote behavior change through individualized goal setting, monitoring, and support. Based on input from medical providers, group content targeted behaviors known to support cognitive functioning: physical activity, sleep, cognitive stimulation, and social engagement. RESULTS: Thirty-one veterans participated in six 90-minute weekly classes and attended 5 of the 6 groups on average. The average age for the predominantly male (90%) and white (70%) group was 71 years. Qualitative feedback indicated high satisfaction and increased awareness of health behaviors. Results of paired samples t tests comparing baseline to posttreatment self-report measures revealed a significant decline in depressive symptoms (P = .01) and increases in satisfaction with life (P = .003) and self-efficacy (P = .008). CONCLUSIONS: This development project showed evidence of increased awareness of health behaviors and improved mood. Expanded data collection will strengthen power and generalizability of results (increase sample diversity). It will also allow us to examine moderating factors, such as perceived self-efficacy, on outcomes.
INTRODUCTION: Positive health behaviors can promote brain health with age. Although healthy lifestyle factors are often encouraged by health care providers, many older adults experience difficulty incorporating these into their daily life. METHODS: To address this gap, we developed a novel health education and implementation group for older veterans (aged > 50 years). The primary objectives of this group were to provide psychoeducation about the link between behaviors and brain health, increase personal awareness of specific health behaviors, and promote behavior change through individualized goal setting, monitoring, and support. Based on input from medical providers, group content targeted behaviors known to support cognitive functioning: physical activity, sleep, cognitive stimulation, and social engagement. RESULTS: Thirty-one veterans participated in six 90-minute weekly classes and attended 5 of the 6 groups on average. The average age for the predominantly male (90%) and white (70%) group was 71 years. Qualitative feedback indicated high satisfaction and increased awareness of health behaviors. Results of paired samples t tests comparing baseline to posttreatment self-report measures revealed a significant decline in depressive symptoms (P = .01) and increases in satisfaction with life (P = .003) and self-efficacy (P = .008). CONCLUSIONS: This development project showed evidence of increased awareness of health behaviors and improved mood. Expanded data collection will strengthen power and generalizability of results (increase sample diversity). It will also allow us to examine moderating factors, such as perceived self-efficacy, on outcomes.
Authors: Marilyn Huckans; Shital Pavawalla; Theresa Demadura; Michael Kolessar; Adriana Seelye; Noah Roost; Elizabeth W Twamley; Daniel Storzbach Journal: J Rehabil Res Dev Date: 2010
Authors: Michelle E Kelly; David Loughrey; Brian A Lawlor; Ian H Robertson; Cathal Walsh; Sabina Brennan Journal: Ageing Res Rev Date: 2014-05-23 Impact factor: 10.895
Authors: Karen J Miller; Prabha Siddarth; Jean M Gaines; John M Parrish; Linda M Ercoli; Katherine Marx; Judah Ronch; Barbara Pilgram; Kasey Burke; Nancy Barczak; Bridget Babcock; Gary W Small Journal: Am J Geriatr Psychiatry Date: 2012-06 Impact factor: 4.105
Authors: Laura E Middleton; Todd M Manini; Eleanor M Simonsick; Tamara B Harris; Deborah E Barnes; Frances Tylavsky; Jennifer S Brach; James E Everhart; Kristine Yaffe Journal: Arch Intern Med Date: 2011-07-19
Authors: Ariela R Orkaby; Lisa Nussbaum; Yuk-Lam Ho; David Gagnon; Lien Quach; Rachel Ward; Rachel Quaden; Enzo Yaksic; Kelly Harrington; Julie M Paik; Dae H Kim; Peter W Wilson; J Michael Gaziano; Luc Djousse; Kelly Cho; Jane A Driver Journal: J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci Date: 2019-07-12 Impact factor: 6.053