Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
Vol. 48 No. 4 April 2010
How Neuroplasticity and Cognitive Reserve Protect Cognitive Functioning
David E. Vance, PhD, MGS; Anthony J. Roberson, PhD, PMHNP-BC; Teena M. McGuinness, PhD, CRNP, FAAN; Pariya L. Fazeli, BA
ABSTRACT
Overall cognitive status can vary across an individual’s life span in response to factors that promote either positive or negative neuroplasticity. Positive neuroplasticity refers to the physiological ability of the brain to form and strengthen dendritic connections, produce beneficial morphological changes, and increase cognitive reserve. Negative neuroplasticity refers to the same physiological ability of the brain to atrophy and weaken dendritic connections, produce detrimental morphological changes, and decrease cognitive reserve. Factors that promote positive neuroplasticity include physical activity, education, social interaction, intellectual pursuits, and cognitive remediation. Factors that promote negative neuroplasticity include poor health, poor sleep hygiene, poor nutrition, substance abuse, and depression and anxiety. Implications for promoting positive neuroplasticity and avoiding negative neuroplasticity across the life span are emphasized to facilitate optimal cognitive health and ensure successful cognitive aging.
AUTHORS
Dr. Vance is Associate Professor, Dr. Roberson is Assistant Professor, Dr. McGuinness is Professor, School of Nursing, and Ms. Fazeli is a graduate student, Department of Psychology and Center for Research in Applied Gerontology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to David E. Vance, PhD, MGS, Associate Professor, School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1701 University Boulevard, Room 456, Birmingham, AL 35294-1210; e-mail: devance@uab.edu.
Received: July 8, 2009
Accepted: December 9, 2009
Posted: March 22, 2010
doi:10.3928/02793695-20100302-01
Keeping in Touch: Cell Phone Use in People with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
Lora Humphrey Beebe, PhD, PMHNP-BC; Kathlene Smith, PhD, RN; Chris Bennett, RN, BSN, BSSW; Katherine Bentley, MA, RN; Amanda B. Walters, BSN, BA; Beverly Hancock, BSN, MHN-BC; Shirley Y. Farmer, RN, BSN; Karen Earle, RN; Sheila White, BSN
ABSTRACT
There is limited research exploring telephone intervention for psychiatric clients; no studies specific to cell phone use have been conducted. This pilot study examined the feasibility and acceptability of cell phone use in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs). Ten outpatients with SSDs were provided with previously activated cell phones for 5 months; trained nurses contacted participants weekly. Seven participants completed the 5-month follow-up period. A minority of participants reported difficulty retrieving messages and answering or charging their phone. These preliminary findings indicate the majority of individuals with SSDs are willing to use this method of communication and are able to do so with few problems. Possible barriers to the use of cell phones with this group include lifestyle factors and poor decision making. Future investigations should examine the use of cell phone access to foster personal safety, gain a sense of connectedness to others, and enhance quality of life.
AUTHORS
Dr. Beebe is Associate Professor, and Mr. Bennett, Ms. Bentley, Ms. Walters, Ms. Hancock, Ms. Farmer, Ms. Earle, and Ms. White are MSN students, University of Tennessee, College of Nursing, and Dr. Smith is Associate Professor, Tennessee Wesleyan College, Knoxville, Tennessee.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Lora Humphrey Beebe, PhD, PMHNP-BC, Associate Professor, University of Tennessee, College of Nursing, 1200 Volunteer Boulevard, Knoxville, TN 37996; e-mail: lbeebe1@utk.edu.
Received: July 9, 2009
Accepted: December 9, 2009
Posted: March 22, 2010
doi:10.3928/02793695-20100304-99
Profile of Women in a County Jail
Patricia J. Kelly, PhD, MPH, APRN; Esther Peralez-Dieckmann, MPA; An-Lin Cheng, PhD; Carla Collins, BA
ABSTRACT
The literature about women in prison says little about characteristics of women in local jails. The goal of this study was to better understand the demographics and characteristics of these women to develop responsive programming. A cross-sectional survey of 346 women in an urban jail was conducted. Descriptive statistics were generated, and a logistic regression analysis was performed to examine contributors to multiple arrests. Of the 346 women surveyed, 65.3% were incarcerated for minor charges and 58.9% had been incarcerated four or more times. Of those with children, the majority had children younger than 18, and nearly 30% had children younger than 5. Partner abuse and involvement in the juvenile justice system were significantly related to multiple arrests. These findings indicated that many women in jail are caught in a cycle of multiple arrests and violence, with many of their children likewise involved.
AUTHORS
Dr. Kelly is Professor, and Dr. Cheng is Associate Professor, School of Nursing, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri. Ms. Peralez-Dieckmann is Director, and Ms. Collins is Policy Analyst, Office of Women’s Policy, County of Santa Clara, San Jose, California.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity. This work was supported by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, Award 2005-DJ-BX-1720. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice.
The authors thank the following for their collaboration and support on this project: Chief Edward Flores, Captain Troy Beliveau, Captain Toby Wong, Lieutenant Kristine Pantiga, Neelam Wadhwani, Carla Van Meter, the staff of the Elmwood Correctional Center for Women, and the Santa Clara County Commission on the Status of Women. The authors offer a special acknowledgment to the women of the Elmwood Correctional Center who were willing to take the time to complete the survey and share their stories with the authors.
Address correspondence to Patricia J. Kelly, PhD, MPH, APRN, Professor, School of Nursing, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2464 Charlotte Street, Kansas City, MO 64108; e-mail: kellypj@umkc.edu.
Received: June 22, 2009
Accepted: December 9, 2009
Posted: March 22, 2010
doi:10.3928/02793695-20100302-02
