title: The macular degeneration and aging study: Design and research protocol of a randomized trial for a psychosocial intervention with macular degeneration patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible and predictable blindness among older adults with serious physical and mental health consequences. Visual impairment is associated with negative future outlook and depression and has serious consequences for older adults' quality of life and, by way of depression, on long-term survival. Psychosocial interventions have the potential to alleviate and prevent depression symptoms among older AMD patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe the protocol of the Macular Degeneration and Aging Study, a randomized clinical trial of a psychosocial Preventive Problem-Solving Intervention. The intervention is aimed at enhancing well-being and future planning among older adults with macular degeneration by increasing preparation for future care.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Adequate randomization and therapeutic fidelity were achieved. Current retention rates were acceptable, given the vulnerability of the population. Acceptability (adherence and satisfaction) was high.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Given the high public health significance and impact on quality of life among older adults with vision loss, this protocol contributes a valid test of a promising intervention for maintaining mental and physical health in this population.
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, United States. Electronic address: silvia_sorensen@urmc.rochester.edu.
authors: Silvia
authors: S
authors: Sörensen
authors: Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 100 South Clinton Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620, United States. Electronic address: kwhite@abvi-goodwill.org.
authors: Katherine
authors: K
authors: White
authors: Department of Psychology, Lehman College, 250 Bedford Park Blvd West, Bronx, NY 10468, United States. Electronic address: WINGYUN.MAK@lehman.cuny.edu.
authors: Wingyun
authors: W
authors: Mak
authors: Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, United States. Electronic address: katherine_zanibbi@urmc.rochester.edu.
authors: Katherine
authors: K
authors: Zanibbi
authors: Department of Biostatistics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, United States. Electronic address: wan_Tang@urmc.rochester.edu.
authors: Wan
authors: W
authors: Tang
authors: Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, United States. Electronic address: Amanda_OHearn@urmc.rochester.edu.
authors: Amanda
authors: A
authors: O'Hearn
authors: Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH, United States. Electronic address: Mark.T.Hegel@Dartmouth.edu.
authors: Mark T
authors: MT
authors: Hegel
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011340:Problem Solving; D011788:Quality of Life; D012107:Research Design; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: Aging; Future planning; Macular degeneration; Preventive problem-solving; Randomized controlled trial