Semantic deficits are common in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). These deficits notably impact the ability to understand words. In healthy aging, semantic knowledge increases but semantic processing (i.e., the ability to use this knowledge) may be impaired. This systematic review aimed to investigate semantic processing in healthy aging and AD through behavioral responses and the N400 brain event-related potential. The results of the quantitative and qualitative analyses suggested an overall decrease in accuracy and increase in response times in healthy elderly as compared to young adults, as well as in individuals with AD as compared to age-matched controls. The influence of semantic association, as measured by N400 effect amplitudes, appears smaller in healthy aging and even more so in AD patients. Thus, semantic processing differences may occur in both healthy and pathological aging. The establishment of norms of healthy aging for these outcomes that vary between normal and pathological aging could eventually help early detection of AD.

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Background. Occupational therapists support workers who have experienced a mental health issue in their return-to-work process, but can also support the maintenance of long-term healthy participation. Little scientific literature exists to understand this emerging role. Purpose. To describe occupational therapists’ interventions with respect to enabling workers to maintain their mental health. Method. Using a descriptive qualitative design, interviews were conducted with 19 occupational therapists working in socioprofessional rehabilitation. Findings. Occupational therapists reported to implemente 31 interventions, devided in eight categories. These interventions were mainly focused on the workers themselves; those involving the environment were less developed. Implications. The interventions described with specificity offer concrete levers that occupational therapists can use in their practice. However, research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions.