About this Research Topic
The number of elderly delinquent individuals living in prisons and forensic hospitals is increasing. For both settings, complex needs have been described for the elderly related to age-related changes and frequent somatic disorders as well as mental disorders. One of the biggest challenges is cognitive dysfunctions which have been described for the group of older offenders in correctional settings considering them as a vulnerable group. Higher rates of cognitive dysfunctions are discussed in relation to lifestyle-related factors (e.g., frequent substance abuse) and mental disorders (e.g., frequent depressive symptoms). And also, correctional institutions themselves contribute to a distinct risk profile for cognitive decline (e.g., fewer possibilities for cognitive and physical engagement, very structured and, therefore, less cognitively challenging routines). For this group, the detection of cognitive dysfunctions with regard to therapy, release planning, and rehabilitation goals regarding crime prevention is of high relevance. Notably, despite the high relevance, studies on cognitive dysfunctions and how to prevent and treat them are rare.
The goal of this research topic is to contribute to the field of cognitive dysfunctions in the specific vulnerable population of older offenders in correctional institutions. The following research questions should be addressed: How is the cognitive profile of older offenders in correctional institutions characterized? How frequent are cognitive dysfunctions including mild cognitive impairment and dementia in different subgroups (e.g., regarding sex, different crimes)? What are intrapersonal and environmental influencing factors on cognitive dysfunctions? How are cognitive dysfunctions handled in correctional settings’ routine care (e.g., diagnostic and treatment procedures)? How feasible and effective are pharmacological and non-pharmacological (e.g., cognitive interventions, physical exercise) treatment strategies for cognitive decline? Which prevention strategies are introduced, and how effective are these?
In this Research Topic, we welcome original empirical work (qualitative and quantitative), systematic and narrative reviews, and reports from routine practice. Original empirical studies include cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, clinical intervention trials considering feasibility as well as efficacy, and health-economic analyses.
The goal of this research topic is to contribute to the field of cognitive dysfunctions in the specific vulnerable population of older offenders in correctional institutions. The following research questions should be addressed: How is the cognitive profile of older offenders in correctional institutions characterized? How frequent are cognitive dysfunctions including mild cognitive impairment and dementia in different subgroups (e.g., regarding sex, different crimes)? What are intrapersonal and environmental influencing factors on cognitive dysfunctions? How are cognitive dysfunctions handled in correctional settings’ routine care (e.g., diagnostic and treatment procedures)? How feasible and effective are pharmacological and non-pharmacological (e.g., cognitive interventions, physical exercise) treatment strategies for cognitive decline? Which prevention strategies are introduced, and how effective are these?
In this Research Topic, we welcome original empirical work (qualitative and quantitative), systematic and narrative reviews, and reports from routine practice. Original empirical studies include cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, clinical intervention trials considering feasibility as well as efficacy, and health-economic analyses.
Keywords: Cognition, dementia, mild cognitive impairment, older offenders, prison, forensic psychiatry, correctional setting, offender rehabilitation
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