Aims
Research in self-neglect is very limited. To increase understanding of self-neglect and lay the ground work for future intervention trials we have convened a diverse research group including: geriatricians, nurses, social scientists, epidemiologists, a statistician, a nutritional biochemist, a health economist and an immunologist. The specific aims are to:
- Establish a case definition for self-neglect
- Describe the phenotype of self-neglectors
- Develop the models to explain the relationships among physical, cognitive, and socioeconomic factors.
To achieve these aims we will conduct three pilot studies to validate a Self-Neglect Severity Scale, assess the feasibility of comprehensive nutritional assessment using NASA methodology and measure muscle strength and APO e4 in self-neglecting elders.