A Mixed Method Review of Cognitive Decline in the Older Incarcerated Adult Population
Open Access
- Author:
- Mazer, Chloe
- Area of Honors:
- Biobehavioral Health
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Linda Ann Wray, Thesis Supervisor
Marie P Cross, Thesis Honors Advisor
Susan Jayne Loeb, Thesis Supervisor - Keywords:
- cognitive decline
incarcerated older adult
Alzheimer's disease
incarceration
mixed method review - Abstract:
- The percentage of older adults incarcerated in prisons is rapidly increasing. As this population ages, they experience normative age-related declines in health, including declines in cognitive functioning. Incarcerated older adults are especially vulnerable to diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, as well as Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). These diagnoses are in part due to accelerated aging from stresses of incarceration, longer prison sentences, and lifestyle or behavioral choices before becoming incarcerated. This mixed method review serves to uncover the biological and behavioral underpinnings of cognitive decline in this older adult incarcerated population. A comprehensive search of the body of literature was conducted using the databases PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science. After reviewing multiple articles, 21 relevant studies were included for analysis and discussion. The selected articles present findings from US-based and international studies conducted between 1985 and January 2022. Analysis and evaluation of the articles revealed four key sets of thematic findings related to cognitive decline in older incarcerated adults: (1) an assessment of cognitive decline screening measures and tools utilized; (2) evidence of cognitive decline; (3) risk factors associated with cognitive decline; and (4) existing education and programming focused on cognitive decline within this population. The findings from this mixed methods review can inform future research that focuses on the development and testing of interventions to enhance care and management of older adults living in prison with cognitive impairment. Findings may also support policies that promote humane management of this especially vulnerable segment of the incarcerated population.