Cognition and survival in a biracial urban population of old people

We examined the relation of level of cognition to survival in a biracial community population of more than 10,000 older persons. At baseline, participants completed 4 cognitive tests from which a composite global cognitive measure was derived. During up to 14 years of follow-up (mean = 6.9 years), 4201 people died (41.6%). Higher level of cognitive function was associated with increased survival even after controlling for health related and lifestyle variables. The association did not differ between African Americans and whites; it was stronger in older than younger persons; and it was especially pronounced for perceptual speed. The results underscore the importance of cognition to survival in old age.     

Empirically derived consequences to treat rumination

We evaluated a contingent oral hygiene procedure on rumination emitted by a 9‐year‐old boy with autism. Results of a functional analysis screening suggested rumination was maintained by automatic reinforcement. We conducted a stimulus avoidance assessment to identify a hierarchy of potential consequences to be used in treatment. During treatment, contingent toothbrushing resulted in a 97% decrease in rumination. Finally, we transitioned to a less intrusive intervention (i.e., contingent mouthwash spray) and rumination remained at near‐zero levels. Treatment effects generalized to different settings and caregivers and maintained over a 4‐year period.     

Intrapsychic and family dynamics in perinatal sibling loss

The effects of perinatal death on surviving and subsequent siblings have been virtually unexplored. Perinatal sibling death is considered an event with impact determined by the interaction of the child's emotiond and cognitive responses with the reactions, distortions, and communications of the parents. The potentially maladaptive aftermath of perinatal sibling death is illustrated by clinical case reports that integrate intrapsychic and family perspectives. In each case, the individual's disturbed response to perinatal sibling death complements parental inability to: (1) resolve their loss; (2) communicate accurate information about the death to their child; and (3) assist their child in dealing with his/her feelings about death.     

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