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Role of Age and Cognitive Abilities in Knowledge of Life-Sustaining Treatments and Treatment Preferences

Jost, Lauren A.C.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xavier1510580890950656

Abstract Details

2014, Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Xavier University, Psychology.
There has been an increased initiative for older adults to be active participants in the end- of-life decision making process. Cognitive changes that occur as part of the normal aging process, including declines in processing speed and working memory, can negatively affect older adults' comprehension of medical information. The present study investigated the relationship between age-related cognitive decline and the ability to learn about life-sustaining treatments (LSTs). It also explored the relationship between age related cognitive decline and LST decisions. Participants were 58 undergraduate students and 58 community-dwelling older adults. Results indicated older adults evidenced significantly worse cognitive abilities than young adults. Participants who read information specific to LSTs were significantly more knowledgeable about LSTs than those who read information on general health, even after adjusting for cognitive abilities. Neither age group was more knowledgeable about LSTs in either information group. Older adults were significantly less likely to choose LSTs, even after adjusting for knowledge of LSTs. Reading information about LSTs did not affect preferences for LSTs. These results suggest older adults can learn as well as young adults about LSTs, despite cognitive decline. Finally, age, rather than knowledge of LSTs, appears to be related to preferences for LSTs.
Cynthia Dulaney, L. (Committee Chair)
94 p.
Psychology
aging; life-sustaining treatments; cognitive decline

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Jost, L. A.C. (2014). Role of Age and Cognitive Abilities in Knowledge of Life-Sustaining Treatments and Treatment Preferences [Doctoral dissertation, Xavier University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xavier1510580890950656

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Jost, Lauren. Role of Age and Cognitive Abilities in Knowledge of Life-Sustaining Treatments and Treatment Preferences. 2014. Xavier University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xavier1510580890950656.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Jost, Lauren. "Role of Age and Cognitive Abilities in Knowledge of Life-Sustaining Treatments and Treatment Preferences." Doctoral dissertation, Xavier University, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xavier1510580890950656

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

xavier1510580890950656
391
© 2014, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Xavier University Psychology and OhioLINK.