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Health Promotion for the Mind, Body, and Spirit: A college course for older adults with dementia

Center for Positive Aging, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, Florida

Linda L. Buettner, CTRS, PhD

Interdisciplinary Center for Positive Aging; College of Health Professions, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, Florida

This article describes a pilot study of an experimental college course for individuals with newly diagnosed dementia, with a focus on teaching methods for promoting and maintaining optimal health. Community involvement included recruitment by the local Alzheimer's Association chapter and an off-campus site at a local assisted living center with easy access for the students. Course topics covered over the 10-week period, included modules on: physical and cognitive fitness, nutrition, recreation, communication, understanding the disease process, depression, coping, relationships, and driving issues. Stress, depression, selfefficacy, and self-esteem were evaluated both prior to and after the 10-week course. Providing education early in the course of the disease, empowers the older adult student and provides an element of personal control and dignity. The course also attempts to prevent future problems by teaching new habits and lifestyles early in the disease process. Attempts to change habits and behavior later in the course of the disease often fail due to the difficulty of learning new behaviors.

How do you feel when you are given a diagnosis by your physician for a disease that has no treatment to stop its progression? What do you do? Many people search for information on the Internet, ask friends, healthcare providers or others with the same diagnosis for advice, read articles, and attend workshops and conferences. When the diagnosis is Alzheimer's disease (AD) or another type of dementia, what does that person do? Where do they get information—especially since most services and education are aimed at the caregiver?

Key Words: community-based care • dementia • education • early stage • empowerment

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