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The cognitive and functional decline of demented residents in a specialized Alzheimer's facility was compared to that of demented residents living in a traditional nursing home. All residents met DSM-III-R criteria for dementia. The evaluation consisted of a clinical interview with patients and collateral assessments of cognition, general health, problem behaviors, depression, and a broad range of activities of daily living (ADLs) including mobility. Residents were evaluated at baseline and 6-month intervals over 18 months. Similar rates of decline were found in cognition and overall ADLs in both groups. However, the most striking finding was preserved mobility in residents of the Alzheimer's facility. This finding suggests that specialized facilities do not halt or slow the overall progression of cognitive and functional decline seen in Alzheimer's disease; however, residents of such facilities may show slower decline in mobility.

Studies suggest that proximity to a supermarket influences access to healthy foods. However, little is known about factors that influence food buying practices within areas with limited supermarket access. This study identified these factors and explored how they are related and influence healthy eating. Twenty-five men and women engaged in the concept mapping process, a mixed methods approach allowing participants to identify, sort, and rate ideas. Participants generated 121 unique (nonduplicate) statements of factors that influence food buying practices and sorted them into 12 clusters that represented their perceptions. Average cluster ratings for residents with poor supermarket access were higher than residents with supermarket access. Awareness of these factors is important for increasing access to and consumption of healthy foods.

Prior research found that financial hardship or distress is one of the most important underlying factors for depression/depressive symptoms, yet factors that contribute to financial distress remain unexplored or unaddressed. Given this, the goals of the present study were (1) to examine the relationship between perceived financial distress and depressive symptoms, and (2) to identify financial priorities and needs that may contribute to financial distress. Surveys from 111 African American women, ages 18-44, who reside in Allegheny County, PA, were used to gather demographic information and measures of depressive symptoms and financial distress/financial well-being. Correlation and regression analyses revealed that perceived financial distress was significantly associated with levels of depressive symptoms. To assess financial priorities and needs, responses to two open-ended questions were analyzed and coded for common themes: "Imagine you won a $10,000 prize in a local lottery. What would you do with this money?" and "What kinds of programs or other help would be beneficial to you during times of financial difficulties?" The highest five priorities identified by the participants were paying bills and debt, saving, purchasing a home or making home repairs, and/or helping others. The participant's perceived needs during times of financial difficulty included tangible assistance and/or financial education. The findings from this study can be used to create new and/or enhance existing programs, services, and/or interventions that focus on the identified financial priorities and needs. Collaborative efforts among professionals in different disciplines are also needed, as ways to manage and alleviate financial distress should be considered and discussed when addressing the mental health of African American women.