Clinical Manifestations.

Background: Age-related cognitive decline (ARCD) refers to the cognitive changes that occur in individuals because of aging. Research suggests that the underlying mechanism behind ARCD is a loss of synaptic plasticity and altered dendritic spine morphology. Similarly, the cognitive changes in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) are also thought to arise from impaired synaptic plasticity and dendritic spine loss.

Serious mental illness in Florida nursing homes: need for training.

This study examined how the mental health needs of nursing home (NH) residents with serious mental illness (SMI) are addressed. Data were collected from three sources: interviews with 84 SMI stakeholders; surveys of 206 NH staff members; and focus groups at two psychiatry specialty NHs. Four common themes emerged: placement of older adults with SMI was a significant problem for discharge planners and NH admission coordinators; NH staff reported being uneasy with SMI residents and were concerned over aggressive behavior; staff in NHs with psychiatry specialty units appeared more comfortable serving SMI residents; and SMI training was a consistent recommendation of all SMI stakeholders and NH staff.