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Research on personality disorders PDs in older adults is limited despite these disorders being common in this age group and often co-occurring with other mental and physical conditions. Current diagnostic criteria mainly fit younger adults, so this study evaluates new dimensional models for PDs called the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders AMPD and the ICD-11 approach. Researchers aim to assess if these models are appropriate and clinically relevant for older adults by comparing younger and older populations and studying older clinical patients. Participants include younger adults 18-64 and older adults 65 from the general population who complete questionnaires. Older adults in clinical settings with various psychological conditions will also take questionnaires, and a smaller group will undergo clinical interviews. The study uses two main questionnaires the LPFS-BF 2.0 measuring personality functioning, and the PID-5-BFM measuring personality traits. Additional standard tests and clinical ratings will be collected in the clinical population. Participants will complete questionnaires in person, with some clinical participants providing informant reports from family or friends. Researchers will analyze questionnaire results for validity, age-neutrality, and clinical utility. The primary outcomes are scores from the PID-5-BFM and LPFS-BF 2.0 collected about one month after admission, with clinical ratings and additional measures collected during hospitalization and follow-up. The study involves ongoing monitoring to understand PD structure and characteristics in older adults and improve care.

Researchers are evaluating the Cognitive Model for Behavioral Interventions CoMBI, a personalized, non-drug approach designed to reduce behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia BPSD in people living in nursing homes. This study also aims to see if CoMBI can lessen caregiver burden and improve quality of life for those with dementia. The study will explore how personal factors like personality, gender, cognitive impairment, and dementia stage may affect CoMBIs impact. Participants will receive care in residential long-term care facilities where staff are trained to use CoMBI. This intervention involves caregivers observing symptoms, identifying core needs based on personality profiles, and applying tailored strategies to modify the environment and caregiver responses. The study uses a stepped-wedge cluster randomized design where all units start with usual care and transition sequentially to CoMBI. Care plans are regularly updated by the care team. Participants will be assessed every four weeks using tools like the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire NPI-Q, Qualidem, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Global Deterioration Scale. Personality questionnaires will also be completed to understand core needs. Researchers will monitor symptom severity, quality of life, cognitive function, and personality functioning before and after CoMBI training to measure outcomes over time.

Researchers are evaluating the Ronnie Gardiner Method RGM, a music-based training, in older adults aged 60 and above who are psychiatric inpatients at the Psychiatric Clinic of Alexianen Zorggroep Tienen. The study aims to assess the feasibility and effects of RGM on core executive functions, emotion regulation, and well-being. It also explores how personality types and positive experiences with RGM may influence its effectiveness. No control group is used as all patients receive the treatment. The RGM intervention consists of twice-weekly sessions lasting at least 45 minutes each, over a 12-week period. These sessions are led by trained RGM practitioners who adapt exercises based on participant abilities. The method involves following choreoscores, visual movement sequences paired with vocalized drum sounds, designed to stimulate cognitive and motor skills. Personality assessments are routinely conducted upon admission to study their relationship with RGM outcomes. Participants undergo evaluations before starting RGM, midway at 6 weeks, and after completing 12 weeks. These assessments include questionnaires and neuropsychological tests measuring executive functions, emotion regulation, and mental well-being. Experiences with RGM are also collected through brief questionnaires at mid and post-intervention. The study monitors changes using standardized tools like the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire and the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery to understand RGMs impact over time.