While researchers have demonstrated interest in the use of activities with persons with AD, theoretical and methodological difficulties, unclear findings and gaps exist, including a lack of emphasis on gender, ethnic, racial or cultural differences. Sampling issues involving diagnosis and staging complicate the research on individuals with AD. Case studies, single subject experimental designs, and tightly controlled quasi-experimental and experimental designs are needed to advance knowledge in this important area.

In a study of cognitively impaired nursing home residents, excess disability was found in the specific mealtime task of drinking liquids and among those eating a puréed diet. Nursing home staff tended to rely on spoonfeeding, a process in which the resident is a passive recipient of care rather than an active participant in it, as an intervention among residents who were partially able to feed themselves. Feeding techniques other than spoonfeeding--including verbal and nonverbal prompts, and physical guiding--can support residents' participation in feeding even when independence is no longer possible.

No abstract

Progressive relaxation significantly moved elders toward a perception of internal locus of control. Progressive relaxation and activity programs significantly increased elders' self-esteem. Progressive relaxation was significantly more effective than the activity group in increasing self-esteem. Changes in locus of control and self-esteem were not correlated.

TA-GVHD has been recognized in immunocompromised, HLA-heterozygous patients receiving blood from blood relatives who are HLA-homozygous. patients receiving blood from either blood relatives or non-blood relatives who are HLA-homozygous. This HLA-heterozygous patient received transfusions of unirradiated, class I HLA-homozygous platelets, which were specifically ordered as HLA-matched, and his death was attributed to TA-GVHD. Consideration should always be given to providing irradiated blood for immunosuppressed patients, especially when HLA-matched platelets are used, to prevent TA-GVHD.