ANZCTR search results

The Nintendo Wii console has been shown to provide both physical and cognitive benefits for the elderly. Playing Wii in groups can also provide an opportunity to interact with others, which may in turn encourage relationships to form. These relationships are based on shared interests and activities. This research aims to investigate the mental health of elderly nursing home residents who are encouraged to participant in group activities involving the Wii console, compared with elderly residents with no intervention. A sample of approximately 40 elderly adults aged 65 years and older who are currently living in a residential nursing home will be assigned to either the intervention group) or a control group (no intervention) based on their place of residence. Participants will complete a mental status examination eligibility questionnaire to determine if they have dementia or other health concerns preventing the use of the Wii. Demographics information, self-rated health scale, geriatric depression scale, social support provisional scale, intervention expectancy scale and three visual analogue scales measuring sense of belonging and mood will also be completed. The scores received on the Wii and time spent playing will be recorded by the residents. Residents will be invited to participate in a qualitative interview at the end of the intervention. The results will provide a theoretical basis for future cost effective intervention programs to be implemented in nursing homes.

To characterize the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, and tolerability of sublingually administered esketamine hydrochloride from IPX237 at two dose strengths, and to evaluate the effect of formulation retention in the sublingual space.

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a sleep disorder that results in hypersomnia and sleep fragmentation, is identified as a possible risk factor for cognitive decline in the elderly. Although the occurrence of OSA in certain neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD), has been examined, its role and impact in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) - a group 'at risk' of dementia progression - is yet to be established. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment has been shown to decrease sleep disturbance in patients with AD and OSA over periods of up to three weeks, and positive effects on global cognition, executive functioning and psychomotor speed have been observed. However, there are no known studies examining the efficacy of CPAP on cognition in MCI. Thus, if it is possible that OSA is identified and treated early, cognitive decline could be slowed or ameliorated. We hypothesise that CPAP will be associated with superior cognitive functioning in the domains of processing speed, memory and executive function, than compared to no treatment with CPAP.

This project aims to investigate (1) the effectiveness of the HELFIMED protocol for improving dietary behaviours and nutrition status of people with self-reported depression; (2) the mental health benefits of improved diet/nutrition status and (3) the cardiometabolic benefits of improved diet/nutrition status.

Most children born in the Western world have a sibling. Of all the aspects of the sibling relationship, none is potentially more harmful than sibling conflict. Of particular concern, the impact of pervasive sibling conflict is potentially devastating and far reaching for children and their parents’ social, emotional and behavioural health. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a brief, group-based parenting intervention for parents of children experiencing sibling conflict. It is expected that participating in a group based parenting intervention has the potential to reduce rates of sibling conflict, increase warmth in the sibling relationship and lower rates of ineffective and coercive parenting practices.

The project will aim to test a single-session parenting group for parents of children with problem eating. It will add observational data to a trial conducted in 2012. It is anticipated that the group will improve child feeding, the strategies parent use at mealtimes, and how parents think and feel about mealtimes. The study will also seek to identify which types of feeding problems respond best to this intervention.

The aim of this research is to investigate a behavioural treatment for the management of headache triggers within a cognitive-behavioural therapy program. The research will compare two variations of trigger management, one being the traditional approach (avoidance of all triggers) and one being a variation of the traditional approach (learning to cope with triggers). The investigators hypothesise that the enhanced approach which assists individuals to manage triggers rather than simply avoid them will have more positive outcomes including reduced headache frequency, reduced use of pain medication and improved quality of life

Title Optimising Peritoneal Dialysis: A Comparison of Adapted and Conventional Peritoneal Dialysis Objectives To investigate the effect of varying the dwell time and fill volume of peritoneal dialysis to determine whether a new dialysis regime (Adapted Peritoneal Dialysis) offers better fluid removal and solute clearance than conventional peritoneal dialysis in patients maintained on chronic peritoneal dialysis. Patient Impact Patients maintained on peritoneal dialysis are routinely seen in clinic with a blood test, clinical review and a review of their dialysis parameters and prescription every 2-4 weeks. Participation in this study will require a clinic review every 2 weeks. Therefore at most, participation will involve 3 extra visits with one extra blood test, usually taken via finger prick. For the majority of patients there will be no extra appointments required. The protocol for the study has been drawn up in consultation with dialysis-nurse co-ordinators and one parent whose child is on nightly peritoneal dialysis.

There is evidence in the published literature that consumption of a high fructose diet is detrimental to cardio-metabolic health. The purpose of this research is to determine the effect of dietary fructose consumption on plasma lipids, satiety hormones, insulin resistance and inflammation. If our hypothesis is validated, dietary strategies can be designed to reduce body weight and associated risk for the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease

Approximately 220-250 mg of iron is lost with each 470 mL whole blood donation. This may result in progressive iron deficiency, ultimately leading to iron deficiency anaemia and deferral at a subsequent attendance. This study will pilot an education program for high risk donors on how to replenish iron stores after donation. The study will evaluate operational feasibility, donor acceptance and efficacy of this program.