Studies have shown that the presence of acute inflammation during recovery is indicative of poor outcomes after a traumatic brain injury (TBI); however, the role of chronic inflammation in predicting post-TBI-related symptoms remains poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to compare inflammatory biomarkers (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-6, and IL-10) in active duty personnel who either sustained or did not sustain a TBI. Service members were also assessed for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and quality of life through self-reported measures. IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations were greater in the TBI group than in the control group. Of those with a TBI, IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations were greater in the high-PTSD group than the low-PTSD group. No significant differences were found in IL-10 or the IL-6/IL-10 ratios between those with low and high PTSD. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to describe the latent structure of variables relating to emotional and physical health (i.e., Short Form 36 subcomponents, etc.) and their relationships within the TBI group with inflammatory cytokines. Four symptom profiles were found, with the third component most relating to PTSD and depression symptoms and high inflammation. This study indicates that the comorbidity of TBI and PTSD is associated with inflammation in a military sample, emphasizing the necessity for intervention in order to mitigate the risks associated with inflammation.

No abstract

Background The ubiquity of the Internet is changing the way people obtain their health information. While there is an abundance of heart failure information online, the quality and health literacy demand of these information are still unknown. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality and health literacy demand (readability, understandability, and actionability) of the heart failure information found online. Methods Google, Yahoo, Bing, Ask.com, and DuckDuckGo were searched for relevant heart failure websites. Two independent raters then assessed the quality and health literacy demand of the included websites. The quality of the heart failure information was assessed using the DISCERN instrument. Readability was assessed using seven established readability tests. Finally, understandability and actionability were assessed using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Print Materials (PEMAT-P). Results A total of 46 websites were included in this analysis. The overall mean quality rating was 46.0 ± 8.9 and the mean readability score was 12.6 grade reading level. The overall mean understandability score was 56.3% ± 16.2. Finally, the overall mean actionability score was 34.7% ± 28.7. Conclusions The heart failure information found online was of fair quality but required a relatively high health literacy level. Web content authors need to consider not just the quality, but also the health literacy demand of the information found in their websites. This is especially important considering that low health literacy is likely prevalent among the usual audience.

The literature on the use of reminiscence therapy is vast in patients with dementia, but there is minimal evidence in older adults with Alzheimer's disease. The current review seeks to develop a unifying way to administer reminiscence therapy that will be effective for older adults with Alzheimer's disease. The review used the PRISMA guidelines in the literature search and data extraction. Results showed the effectiveness of reminiscence therapy in older adults with Alzheimer's disease, area of cognition, depression, activities of daily living, and quality of life. Additionally, for the therapy to be effective, it must be conducted regularly in a small group of patients for an average of 45 min for 8-to 12-week duration. Patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease are most likely to benefit with the use of photographs, videos, and music that are associated with their past experiences. This review highlights innovative ways to render reminiscence therapy to individuals with Alzheimer's disease including technology-aided applications.

No abstract