The first therapeutic game specifically designed and evaluated for Alzheimer's disease.

The first therapeutic game specifically developed for Alzheimer's disease was evaluated on an NIH grant. It was hypothesized that the game would have a positive influence on factors influencing quality of life (eg, mood, pleasure, interest in activities) and family comfort level in visiting. The study used a single group, within-participants, design, and 2 control conditions including a family visit as usual.

The impact of professionally conducted cultural programs on the physical health, mental health, and social functioning of older adults.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to measure the impact of professionally conducted community-based cultural programs on the physical health, mental health, and social activities of individuals aged 65 and older.

Design And Methods: Participants in the study were 166 healthy, ambulatory older adults from the Washington, DC, area. We assigned them to either an intervention (chorale) or comparison (usual activity) group and assessed them at baseline and after 12 months.

Depression in late life. An historic account demonstrates the importance of making the diagnosis.

Depression in older patients is common and responds well to treatment, yet the diagnosis is often missed. Not only has this conclusion been confirmed by recent research, it also was suggested years ago in the famous case of Ebenezer Scrooge.

Promoting mental health, treating mental illness. Broadening the focus on intervention.

Geriatrics is pleased to welcome Gene D. Cohen, MD, PhD, as "The Psychiatric Consultant" series editor for 2002. He is the author of more than 150 publications in the field of aging, including a book for the general public, "The Creative Age: Awakening Human Potential in the Second Half of Life," published in 2000 by Harper Collins/Avon Books.