This paper provides a critique of the research paper "Does CognitiveFunction in Older Adults with Hearing Impairment Improve by Hearing Aid Use?" by van Hooren et al.
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the main hypothesis of the study, "Does CognitiveFunction in Older Adults with Hearing Impairment Improve by Hearing Aid Use?", can be stated as follows: while hearing aids show significant results in terms of auditory improvement, there is no proof to suggest a related improvement or increase in cognitive ability as a result of the application of a hearing aid. The writer explains that the study refers to cognitivefunctions such as memory, attention, executive functioning, and processing speed. The writer also explains that it should be noted at the outset that this hypothesis presupposes a connection, albeit based on prior research sources, between hearing or hearing enhancements and cognitivefunctioning. Thus, this is an aspect that forms part of the critique in this analysis of the paper. The writer points out that it is also suggested that the methodology used to ascertain cognitive correlation is to some extent not adequate in terms of the complexity of determining quantitatively a definite link between hearing aids and improved cognition.
From the Paper "The methodology used in this study was comparatively simple and conventionally straight-forward. In essence a relatively small number or participants were used in this study - which is also a point of contention with regard to the results and conclusion of this research. In total there were fifty-six participants (mean age 0/72.5) who were fitted with hearing aids were compared with 46 control participants (mean age 0/74.5) with an equivalent impairment, but who were not fitted with a hearing aid. The study took cognizance of a number of variables and factors that could influence the results of the experiment. These included neurocognitive tests after 12 months. However, it is also possible that these tests in terms of personality and individual psychological components were not sufficient. This aspect is possibly one of the reasons why the study did not return the expected correlation between hearing aids and cognitive improvement."
Tags: memory, attention, cognition, sensory, organ
Abstract This paper defines cognition and explains the effects of aging on the brain in relation to memory, attention, metacognition, effects on language and the effects of aging on the executive function and finally cognitivefunction in very old age.
Introduction
Causes
Overview of Findings in Relation to Cognition and Aging
Cognitive Aging and Working Memory
Long-Term Memory
Environmental Support Indications
Health-Related CognitiveFunction Impairment
Changes in Hormonal Levels Associated with Cognitive Decline
Medical Treatments Available
Dietary Changes
Lifestyle Changes
Nutritional Aids in Combating Cognitive Dysfunction
Summary
Conclusion
From the Paper "Manifestations of the age-associated cognitive disorder may be in various forms including senility, loss of memory, Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Dementia is inclusive of diseases that involve nerve cell deterioration with loss in two complex behavior areas including language, memory, visual abilities, spatial abilities, and judgment."
Abstract This paper examines the correlation between smoking and cognitivefunctioning in the elderly. The paper aims to determine if evidence exists to support the contention that smoking is detrimental to the mental health of elderly patients, or if this suggestion is unfounded. It generally discusses the health risks associated with smoking and then analyzes the literature with regards to the specific risks of smoking in elderly patients.
Outline:
Introduction
Health Risks
Literature
Health Promotion
Conclusion
From the Paper "The research indicates that there is widespread concern for the impact that smoking has on the mental health of elderly patients. The literature indicates that there is currently no correlation between a decline in mental health and smoking, but that there are continued concerns for health risks that are known and have yet to be determined for all age groups. It is apparent, therefore, that continued research is significant to discover the impact that smoking has on all people and that in relation to the elderly smoking should be evaluated as part of the service delivery on a consistent basis."
Abstract The paper discusses how forgetting is one of the most puzzling aspects of the human mind. Researchers have debated about the true nature of forgetting for a very long time. In particular, they are interested in whether forgetting is caused by some type of cognitive failure, or whether forgetting is a cognitivefunction that is a vital part of human survival. This essay argues that forgetting is a cognitivefunction that is a vital part of human survival. It is argued that forgetting works essentially like a filter, removing unimportant information from the conscious mind. Traditionally, forgetting has been seen as a type of cognitive failure.
Abstract Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a principal cause of death and disability in young adults with consequences ranging from physical disabilities to long-term cognitive, behavioral and social disorders. Cognitive rehabilitation is a term used to refer to that branch of rehabilitation aimed at patients who are disabled primarily as a result of impairments in memory, judgment and other cognitivefunctions. This paper critically explores existing literature regarding cognitive rehabilitation for treatment of TBI patients to determine what types of cognitive rehabilitation are used, what the strengths and weaknesses of these types are and whether or not there are specific cognitive impairments that are more amenable to cognitive rehabilitation.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Background of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Significance of the Study
Rationale of the Study
Research Questions
Definition of Terms
Limitations of the Study
Review of Literature
Overview of TBI
Cognitive Impairments: Conditions Linked to TBI
Costs of Cognitive Rehabilitation for TBI
Cognitive Rehabilitation: Strategies and Practices
Variables Influencing Cognitive Rehabilitation Outcomes
Conclusions to the Chapter
Research Design
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Inclusion Criteria
Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy Rehabilitation
Holistic/Home-Based Therapy Studies
Computer-Assisted/Virtual Reality Studies
Research Questions and Hypothesis
From the Paper "Whitlock and Hamilton (1995) suggest, however, that even the most severely brain damaged patient can recover cognitive functioning to a remarkable degree if admitted to an acute rehabilitation program as early as possible after the initial injury. Age, severity of injury, pre-TBI educational and/or functional level, and type of treatment provided were among the most significant variables influencing outcome. Several other studies of a similar nature - i.e., Katz and Alexander (1994), Lubusko, Moore, and Stambrook (1994), and Carney, Chesnut, Maynard, Mann, Patterson, and Helfand (1999) - found further support for the effects of these variables on the outcome of cognitive rehabilitation."
Abstract This paper examines the impact that cognitive training can have on older people. It begins by defining and explaining the mental process of cognition and the aspects associated with the decline of the cognitivefunction. The paper goes on to talk about Alzheimer's disease, one of the most common forms of dementia, and how research has indicated that the severity of Alzheimer's and other forms of senile dementia can be reduced considerably by means of cognitive training.
From the Paper "Cognitive decline with aging has always been a matter of great concern for senior citizens. Senility and other forms of dementia are considered as inevitable part of the aging process. Alzheimer's disease for example affects an astounding 10-15% of American population in the age group of 65-75 and around 20% of those in the age group of 75 and above. Alzheimer's is the fourth leading disease in terms of the deaths caused. In fact statistics indicate that Alzheimer's disease alone accounts for more than half of the 1.3 million patients in the nation's nursing homes. [Roger B. Yepsen, 173]. However researchers indicate that the severity of the Alzheimer's and other forms of senile dementia can be reduced considerably by means of cognitive training. Cognitive training in adults has a significant role in the recuperation alongside the medications. Let us analyze the usefulness and the effectiveness of cognitive training in older adults in a little detail."
Abstract The paper looks at the research on the practice of cognitive modification in the special education setting and contends that more work needs to be done in order to truly evaluate the benefits of this therapy. The paper points out that the individual child must be assessed for his or her level of functioning and then be constantly monitored. The writer of the paper is of the opinion that the apparent long-term beneficial outcomes outweigh any difficulties with the implementation of this therapy.
From the Paper "In theory, cognitive modification has been successful with the general population with average intelligence having no need for special assistance in educational objective. This area of therapy has been quite successful in maintaining long term result by changing the way one thinks about him or herself, and their beliefs about the world at large. It has helped to improve self- efficacy and self esteem in individuals with emotional of psychological impairments as well as those undergoing treatment for substance abuse and addictions. It accomplishes this through several methods that help to change Negative Automatic Thoughts (NATS) so that there is developed a more positive attitude and outcome for an individual. (Neenan & Dryden, 2004)"
Abstract In this article, the writer looks at intelligence as knowledge that allows a person to learn from experience and observation. The writer notes that intelligence also allows humans to adapt to changes in their environment, or to adapt the environment through manipulation and the use of tools. Further, the writer points out that there is much debate, regarding the nature of intelligence and what cognitivefunctions comprise intelligence. This paper compares and contrasts two prevailing theories of intelligence, proposed by Charles Spearman and by Howard Gardner.
Outline:
Spearman's Model
Multiple Intelligence
Many Forms of Intelligence
Works Cited
From the Paper "Howard Gardner, a cognitive theorist, pursued this idea further by proposing a theory of multiple intelligences. Gardner devised a criteria of eight intelligences, including linguistic skills, bodily-kinesthetic skills and logical-mathematical skills. According to Gardner, people can have different profiles of intelligence, meaning that they can have challenges in some areas but exhibit strengths in others. Because of these different forms of intelligence, Gardner proposed that people also have distinct learning styles. Thus, a person with strengths in kinesthetic and spatial intelligence will have very different learning styles from people who have strong linguistic and logical-mathematical skills."
Abstract In this article, the writer maintains that, as several research studies have indicated, there is a definite relation between Down's syndrome and dementia. The writer notes that dementia typically follows as a co morbid condition among adults with Down's syndrome and has a severely crippling effect on the patient. The writer points out that though some studies show the neurobiological pathways associated with the onset of dementia in DS patients, we are still a long way from a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms involved. The writer discusses that several researchers have focused on studying Down's syndrome and dementia as comorbid conditions and this has contributed to an improved understanding of these disorders and ineffective management of DS patients. The writer presents a brief review of existing literature on the association between these two comorbid conditions in order to provide a better understanding of the complications and the latest treatment modalities.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Downs Syndrome - Brain Structure
Genetic Factors For Dementia In DS
CognitiveFunctioning and Dementia
Proactive Screening for Dementia
Conclusion
From the Paper "Earlier studies among healthy population have revealed that many years of education have an effect of slowing down the onset of Alzheimer's. Therefore in this study the researchers compared DS patients exhibiting symptoms of dementia and those without such symptoms and correlated them with other factors such as levels of education, recreational activities, employment, etc. In all, 35 adult subjects in the age ranging between 26 and 67 years were included for the study. All the subjects were periodically observed over 3 years and assessed for their decline based on Neuropsychological tests, reports from caregivers, and the Dementia Scale for Down syndrome. Applying the statistical tool of regression analysis, the researchers found that decline was directly related to cognitive functioning and that higher cognitive functioning implied lesser decline. It was also identified from the study that the level of cognitive functioning was by itself related to the other variables such as education, employment and other activities. "
Abstract This paper begins with a review of the literature on the cognitive and affective bases of behavior. The review is followed by a brief description of neural networking model of cognition. The paper concludes with an attempt to answer the central question, the purposes of affect in the neural networking model.
Introduction
Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior - Sampling of literature
Neural Networking Model of Cognition How can you account for the purposes of affect in a neural networking
model of cognition?
From the Paper "Neural network (NN) modeling has developed as a major component of science's attempt to understand the brain. NN modeling attempts to answer the fundamental question of how does the brain's formidable information-processing abilities emerge from the self-organizing behavior of a collection of relatively simple neurons?"
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts various cognition principles as applied to a high school journalism class. Specifically, the paper examines situated cognition,distributed cognition,and socially shared cognition principles. The paper looks at commonalities and differences and analyzes what objectives are easily assessed from each theoretical framework.
From the Paper "The students in a 12th grade journalism class are learning interviewing skills and how to assemble a news story. The students are assigned to travel to the local government center where reporters are assembling for a statewide video-feed media conference with the governor of the state. There, they will join working reporters who will question the governor after she makes her opening remarks. Instructional Objectives: Each student will be able to: 1. Determine the newsworthiness of topics for a news stories. 2. Select the most newsworthy topic. 3. Plan and write a news story for publication on the same day. 4. Publish the edited story on the class web site as part of the school's intranet. Assessment Methods: 1. News stories will be reviewed for understanding of basic journalistic concepts taught in class."
Abstract This paper discusses IQ tests: their history, their significance and their conclusions. It discusses the first IQ tests in history and explains how the idea came about. It defines several relevant psychological terms such as cognition, intelligence, thinking, and more. It studies the environmental and genetic causes of low cognitive ability: Finally, it concludes that cognition and the study of the brain will develop greatly in the future using FMRI's and other new techniques.
From the Paper "Ever since Simon and Binet developed the first intelligence test in 1905, the field of psychology has maintained a strong interest in the nature of intelligence. How do we think? Why are some people better problem solvers than others? What is cognition, the ability to think about our environment? Why are some people consistently more able to use their brains to think, to remember, and to problem-solve than others?"
An overview of cognitive behavior therapy, focusing on the roles of the therapist and patient and how it compares to other therapies used in psychology.
3,720 words (approx. 14.9 pages), 6 sources, 2006, $ 133.95
Abstract This paper discusses cognitive behavioral therapy and the elements of its practice. It also explores the therapist and patient roles of cognitive behavioral therapy, and how it relates to other therapies currently used in psychology. Adlerian therapy, person centered therapy, existential therapy, Gestalt therapy, reality therapy, solution oriented brief therapy, multi-modal therapy, feminist therapy, and rational emotion behavior therapy are discussed and contrasted to traditional cognitive behavioral therapy. Through these comparisons a focus on the central characteristics of these therapies is evident, providing a framework for patients and professionals to determine which therapy would be most effective for the needs of particular patients.
Abstract The essay evaluates three different intelligence or cognitive tests, namely Raven's test, the Mental Alertness test (HSRC) and the Cognitive Process Profile. These tests are used in both academic and workplace settings and are mainly critiqued in this essay according to their manual information, norm groups, reliability, purpose, and item content.
From the Paper "Intelligence tests are being used increasingly to assist individuals in educational planning, and in making decisions about aspects of their own lives" (Anastasi & Urbina, 1997). Raven's tests have been described as "tests of observation and clear thinking"( Raven et al., 1998, p.657). The Mental Alertness test is to provide measures of general intelligence, arithmetical ability and certain language abilities (Lombard, 1975). A strength of the Cognitive Process Profile is that it measures learning potential and involves a teach-test-teach approach (CPP Manual, 2000).?
Abstract This is a review of a cognitive psychology article that found that older adults can accurately assess the side effects of their own medications -- something that tends to be dismissed by health professionals who do not believe that older adults have sufficient cognitive skills to make such assessments.
