Clinical Research Directory

Nurse-led Intervention for Cognitive Reserve and Stress Management

As people approach retirement, leaving the workplace can reduce the mental, social, and physical stimulation that a demanding job provides, while also introducing new stress related to the transition. Both changes may affect long-term brain health and well-being, yet there is little evidence on programs that address them together before retirement particularly programs delivered by nurses in the workplace. This study tested whether a brief, nurse-led group program could improve cognitive reserve (the mental resources that help a person maintain thinking ability despite age-related brain changes) and reduce perceived stress among primary school teachers aged 55 to 69 who were still working and approaching retirement. The four-week program combined cognitive-stimulation activities, stress-management and relaxation training, gentle psychomotor (movement and coordination) exercises, and guided planning for staying mentally, physically, and socially active after retirement. Teachers in the comparison group continued their usual activities and received an educational booklet after the program ended. The trial used a cluster-randomized controlled design conducted in four public primary schools in Kafr El-Dawwar, Beheira Governorate, Egypt. Whole schools rather than individual teachers were randomly assigned, so that two schools received the program and two served as controls. Cognitive reserve and perceived stress were measured at baseline, immediately after the program, and again at 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months of follow-up.

Cognitive Reserve and Post-Fatigue Recovery in Older Adults

As people grow older, it is common to experience a drop in physical stamina and memory functions. This can make recovering from daily physical and mental fatigue more difficult, which directly impacts an individual's independent daily life and overall quality of life. "Cognitive reserve" is a term that describes the brain's built-in resilience. Built over a lifetime through education, work, and social activities, a higher cognitive reserve acts like a buffer, helping the brain adapt to stress and aging. While research shows that a high cognitive reserve protects against conditions like dementia, we still do not fully understand how it helps older adults bounce back from normal, everyday physical and mental exhaustion. The goal of this study is to investigate how cognitive reserve levels influence how individuals aged 65 and older perceive their recovery after experiencing physical and mental fatigue. What the Study Involves The researchers will evaluate participants aged 65 and older to measure their baseline cognitive reserve levels. The study will look closely at how these levels affect the participants': Ability to cope with daily physical and mental fatigue. Need for rest and rest patterns. Time and ability to return to normal daily activities. Overall perception of their mental and physical recovery. Expected Outcome By understanding this relationship, the study aims to fill a gap in medical literature and help healthcare providers design better, more personalized rehabilitation and lifestyle support programs to improve the quality of life for older adults.

Use of Sevoflurane to Test Concept of Cognitive Reserve

Previous pilot study had demonstrated a correlation between cognitive reserve and BIS variability during steady state of anesthesia. This study, we intend to evaluate the association between BIS variability and emergence and recovery time from anesthesia.