Hereditary Genetics: Current Research

Writing about epigenetics for allied health professionals in gerontology

4^th International Congress on Epigenetics & Chromatin

September 03-05, 2018 | London, UK

Celia M Ross

Delaware Gerontology Institute, LLC, USA

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Hereditary Genet Curr Res

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: There is a need to provide medical epigenetics information to allied health professionals who have varying educational backgrounds. Epigenetics is increasingly being recognized as being a factor in neurodegenerative conditions. It will thus become an area of growing interest to allied health professionals working in gerontology. The purpose of this study was to develop a strategy for communicating information about epigenetics to allied health professionals. Methodology: Information about professional development preferences for US activity professionals was obtained through a qualitative study of semi-structured phone interviews. This information was combined with the researcher???s extensive experience as a volunteer molecular biology educator where she discussed genetics and epigenetics with individuals of varying ages and educational backgrounds. Findings: Activity professionals have greatly varying educational backgrounds and can enter the professional with nonscience college degrees such as music. However, activity professionals are interested in gaining a greater understanding of neurodegenerative disorders both from the practical prevention/ care stand point but also from the theoretical biomedical stand point. This thirst for information comes from both the personal satisfaction of learning and from a professional need for it. Study participants enjoy life-long learning. Some participants were also healthcare educators. Conclusion & Significance: Activity professionals are life-long learners; however, they come from varying academic backgrounds. Advanced scientific concepts can be taught to diverse audiences, facilitated in part through the use of analogies. For example; one can use a recipe book analogy for the genome, a sticky note analogy for epigenetics and a banquet analogy for phenotype. This lays the ground work for the development of learning materials about epigenetics for diverse audiences. Recent Publications: 1. Ross C M (2017) Activity professionals are avid readers seeking more books about dementia. BAOJ Pall Medicine 3:026. 2. Ross C M (2017) Dicer and dementia: from the molecular level to a possible role in memory care activities. BAOJ Neurology 3:49. 3. Ross C M (2018) Surgical Recovery, stress, and activities departments. BAOJ Surgery 4:031. 4. Taher N, McKenzie C, Garrett R, Baker M, Fox N and Issaacs G D (2014) Amyloid-? alters the DNA methylation status of cell-fate genes in an Alzheimer's disease model. Journal of Alzheimers Disease 38(4):831-44. 5. Kim-Ha J and Kim Y J (2016) Age-related epigenetic regulation in the brain and its role in neuronal diseases. BMB Reports 49(12):671-680

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