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LO 17.6. Examine Alzheimer’s disease, and discuss its course, including risk and protective factors.

Zuelsdorff, M., Engelman, C., Friedman, E., Koscik, R., Jonaitis, E., Rue, A., & Sager, M. (2013). Stressful Events, Social Support, and Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged Adults With a Family History of Alzheimer's Disease. Journal of Aging and Health, 944-959.

Summary/abstract excerpt: The article examines the associations of stressful experiences and social support with cognitive function in a sample of middle-aged adults with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease.

Questions to Consider:

1. What do the authors identify as the difference between their study and previous literature on psychosocial factors and cognitive function?
2. What was the authors’ hypothesis and to what degree was it supported by their study?
3. Name one of the limitations of this study.

LO 17.7. Distinguish among other common dementias, such as vascular dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

Yang, S., Sajatovic, M., & Walter, B. L. (2012). Psychosocial interventions for depression and anxiety in Parkinson’s disease. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 25(2), 113-121.

Summary/abstract excerpt: The article explores treatment approaches that address depression and anxiety among patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Questions to Consider:

1. What do depression and anxiety look like in patients with Parkinson’s disease?
2. Which of the interventions explored was most effective in decreasing depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease? Why?
3. What is the clinical relevance of the article’s findings?