Browsing by Author "Larsen, Alison"
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Item Effects of exposure to ¹²C and ⁴He particles on cognitive performance of intact and ovariectomized female rats(Elsevier Ltd., 2019-07-10) Rabin, Bernard M.; Miller, Marshall G.; Larsen, Alison; Spadafora, Christina; Zolnerowich, Nicholas N.; Dell'Acqua, Lorraine A.; Shukitt-Hale, BarbaraExposure to the types of radiation encountered outside the magnetic field of the earth can disrupt cognitive performance. Exploratory class missions to other planets will include both male and female astronauts. Because estrogen can function as a neuroprotectant, it is possible that female astronauts may be less affected by exposure to space radiation than male astronauts. To evaluate the effectiveness of estrogen to protect against the disruption of cognitive performance by exposure to space radiation intact and ovariectomized female rats with estradiol or vehicle implants were tested on novel object performance and operant responding on an ascending fixed-ratio reinforcement schedule following exposure to ¹²C (290 MeV/n) or ⁴He (300 MeV/n) particles. The results indicated that exposure to carbon or helium particles did not disrupt cognitive performance in the intact rats. Estradiol implants in the ovariectomized subjects exacerbated the disruptive effects of space radiation on operant performance. Although estrogen does not appear to function as a neuroprotectant following exposure to space radiation, the present data suggest that intact females may be less responsive to the deleterious effects of exposure to space radiation on cognitive performance, possibly due to the effects of estrogen on cognitive performance.Item Realizing Choice: Online Safeguards for Couples Adapting to Cognitive Challenges(USENIX, 2020-08-11) McDonald, Nora; Larsen, Alison; Battisti, Allison; Madjaroff, Galina; Massey, Aaron; Mentis, HelenaThis paper investigates qualitatively what happens when couples facing a spectrum of options must arrive at consensual choices together. We conducted an observational study of couples experiencing memory concerns (one or both) while the partners engaged in the process of reviewing and selecting “Safety Setting” options for online activities. Couples’ choices tended to be influenced by a desire to secure shared assets through mutual surveillance and a desire to preserve autonomy by granting freedom in social and personal activities. The availability of choice suits the uneven and unpredictable process of memory loss and couples’ acknowledged uncertainty about its trajectory, leading them to anticipate changing Safety Settings as one or both of them experience further cognitive decline. Reflecting these three decision drivers, we conclude with implications for a design system that offers flexibility and adaptability in variety of settings, accommodates the uncertainty of memory loss, preserves autonomy, and supports collaborative management of shared assets.Item Voice User Interfaces supporting older adults with differing physical and cognitive abilities complete daily activities(2019-01-01) Larsen, Alison; Madjaroff, Galina; Gerontology; GerontologyThe number of older adults is expected to increase from 43.1 million in 2012 to 87.3 million people in 2050 and with that, the instances of aging related disorders such as Mild Neurocognitive Disorders (mNCD) and low vision will increase too (Ortman, Velkoff, & Hogan, 2014; WHO, 2019; Beaver & Mann, 1995). There will be a need for innovative technologies to support this rapid increase of older adults. This research looks at how VUI technology, the Amazon Echo, can support older adults with differing abilities in completing daily activities and what level of need can be satisfied. The VUI was installed for twenty-five weeks. After the study, the participants' interactions with the VUI were collected and a post study interview was conducted. Although the daily activities the VUI supported seemed trivial, they were more complex and contributed to a higher level of needs satisfaction from the BASICS model of care.