Graham J. McDougall Jr, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, FGSA
Dr. McDougall's research program emphasizes the frequent complaint of "memory loss" in older adults. The endemic fear of losing one's memory is one of the most widespread complaints about cognitive aging. The incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias is clearly greater in females; however, the prevailing belief does not include the widespread occurrence that aging males have significantly greater memory impairment than do females. Cognitive aging and modifying risk factors through health promotion interventions that are targeted to improve cognitive performance and memory self-efficacy has been the primary focus. Dr. McDougall's research and the various projects have been funded from the National Institutes on Aging, National Institute of Mental Health, and/or National Institute of Nursing Research. These findings have been disseminated in peer-reviewed interdisciplinary and nursing journals. The Cognitive Behavioral Model of Everyday Memory (CBMEM), a psychosocial intervention model was tested in a 5-year NIA-funded study which utilized a program-specific operationalization of Bandura's self-efficacy theory The research is being conceptualized and implemented in interdisciplinary teams and has taken on three new dimensions. First, the translation of evidence-based health promotion programs, specifically SeniorWISE into rural communities throughout the State of Arkansas with Drs. Cornelia Beck & Delia West funded through the Centers for Disease Control. Second, the examination of the biological underpinnings of cognitive impairment associated with aging and dementia with emphasis on studying the neural substrates of memory, language and executive function in clinical populations in vivo by utilizing functional neuroimaging (fMRI).Currently, along with Co-Invesigators Haley, A., Tanaka, H., Ress, D., & McDougall, G. J, we are investigating cardiovascular health and brain function in Mexican-American adults at-risk for hypertension. Finally, a new hypothesis to test the potential utility of the CBMEM memory training with breast cancer survivors is in the planning phase. My goals for advancing the field of gerontology:
As a gerontologist, I think that we all must continue working to dispel the many widely held ageist myths. And as a nurse, I know nursing can make a significant contribution to this effort.
My overall goal for advancing the field of gerontology is to proactively participate as a nurse in the ongoing transformation of the aging paradigm. The paradigm must shift from a worldview of inevitable decrement, to one of possibility, which includes health promotion, development, growth, and learning.
Well-prepared gerontological nurses, with their unique expertise and knowledge, can make a significant difference in moving gerontology forward within the nursing profession, the healthcare system and beyond. Including clearly identifiable gerontological content in nursing school curricula is one step that can be taken to chip away at ageist ideas, and nursing educators can use creative and novel approaches to prepare students for enlightened practice with older people.
Since gerontology is a relatively new and broad field of scientific inquiry, the continued preparation of scientists to study aging phenomena in a multi-disciplinary context is key. Preparing future researchers in the basic sciences, social sciences, and health sciences to think creatively and across disciplines is crucial for the advancement of gerontology as an academic and scientific enterprise.
Another way to advance gerontology is through evidence-based practice. By proactively developing and improving their research and practice skills, gerontological nurses can make significant contributions throughout the different areas of gerontology. These range from patient care, chronic disease management and disease prevention, health promotion, to an improved health care delivery system, to improved national, state, and local health policy, to multidisciplinary research.
Finally, the field of gerontology will be advanced in the social policy arena through the active involvement of gerontologists and gerontological nurses in the process of creating and implementing health policy for the nation and the world.