Socio-Gerontological Perspectives on Disease-Modifying Alzheimer’s Therapies (Lecanemab): A Delphi Study in Central Europe

Natasa Standeker

Alma Mater Europaea University 

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4404-0907 (unauthenticated)

Šefik Salkunič

Alma Mater Europaea University, Department of Social Gerontology, Maribor, Slovenia University Clinical Centre Maribor 

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5862-202X (unauthenticated)

Jana Goriup

Alma Mater Europaea University, Department of Social Gerontology, Maribor, Slovenia https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8926-084X (unauthenticated)

Kristijan Jejčič

Alma Mater Europaea University, Department of Social Gerontology, Maribor, Slovenia

Mateja BerčanAlma Mater Europaea University, Department of Social Gerontology, Maribor, Slovenia https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1157-876X (unauthenticated)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.5.1.222

Abstract

Introduction: This study examines experts forecasts on societal, ethical, and structural challenges of DMT introduction in Austria, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina—countries differing in care models and cultural attitudes toward dementia.

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore experts perspectives on the societal, ethical, and systemic implications of introducing disease-modifying Alzheimer’s therapies in Central European care contexts.

Methods: A three-round Delphi study engaged 10 multidisciplinary experts . The panel included three full professors (PhD) specialising in sociology, law and psychology, three medical doctors (MD) with specialisations in psychiatry, gerontology and geriatrics, two associate professors (PhD) in social gerontology, and one professor of public health (PhD).

Results: Strong consensus emerged on six priorities: (1) public and professional awareness/education (x̄=9.71), (2) tailored long-term care models (x̄=9.71), (3) faster drug access (x̄=9.43), (4) open dialogue to reduce stigma (x̄=8.57), (5) integrating cultural beliefs and funding (x̄=8.29), and (6) accessibility despite pricing (x̄=8.29).

Conclusion: Despite systemic disparities, experts across contexts identified shared challenges. Successful DMT integration demands culturally sensitive destigmatization, professional training, and community-based LTC adaptation.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, Lecanemab, Delphi method, Long-term care, Health equity, Social gerontology

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Cognitive-Communicative Differences Between Mild Cognitive Impairment and Healthy Aging: A Comparative Study Using the SCCAN

Kostadin Chompalov

Medical University of Plovdiv https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4636-1384 (unauthenticated)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.5.1.207

Abstract

Aim: To examine cognitive-communicative functioning in adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease (MCI-AD) and compare performance with cognitively healthy older adults using the Bulgarian-adapted version of the Scales of Cognitive and Communicative Ability for Neurorehabilitation (SCCAN-BG).

Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study included 60 participants: 30 individuals with MCI-AD and 30 cognitively healthy controls comparable in education. Cognitive-communicative functioning was assessed across SCCAN domains, including orientation, memory, attention, oral expression, auditory and reading comprehension, writing, and problem solving. Group differences were analysed using non-parametric statistical methods.

Results: Overall SCCAN performance was lower in the MCI-AD group. Consistent group differences were observed in memory, attention, oral expression, and problem solving. These differences suggest reduced efficiency in tasks that require integrated cognitive-communicative processing. Reading comprehension and writing were largely preserved. Auditory comprehension showed a non-significant trend towards lower performance in the MCI-AD group.

Conclusion: Cognitive-communicative changes are evident at the MCI-AD stage and extend beyond memory impairment alone. The SCCAN-BG captures early, functionally relevant vulnerability in everyday communication. This supports its use for clinical monitoring and rehabilitation-oriented decision-making in populations at risk for Alzheimer’s disease–related cognitive decline.

Keywords: cognitive-communicative functioning, Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease, healthy aging, clinical monitoring, SCCAN

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New Issue Published – Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Volume 5, Issue 1 (2026)

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce that today June 7th, the publication of the latest issue of the Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (JHRS):

Volume 5, Issue 1 (2026)

This issue features a diverse collection of original research articles, reviews, case studies, and scholarly contributions addressing contemporary topics in health sciences, rehabilitation, disability studies, education, and related interdisciplinary fields.

We invite you to explore the new issue at:

JHRS Volume 5, Issue 1 (2026)

We encourage you to read, share, and cite the published articles. Your continued support as authors, reviewers, readers, and members of our scholarly community contributes significantly to the growth and impact of the journal.

We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to all authors, reviewers, editorial board members, and readers for their valuable contributions and continued trust in JHRS.

We look forward to receiving your future submissions and to continuing our mission of advancing high-quality research in health and rehabilitation sciences.

With best wishes,

Editor-in-Chief

Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (JHRS)

Journal Website:

Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Current Issue:

Volume 5, Issue 1 (2026)

Submit Your Manuscript:

Online Submission System

The Interplay of Patient Demographics, Pain and Quality of Life in Chronic Low Back Pain Management Through Physiotherapy

Helena Blažun Vošner 

Community Health Center dr. Adolf Drolc, Maribor, Slovenia 

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1998-7346

Jernej Završnik 

Community Health Center dr. Adolf Drolc, Maribor, Slovenia 

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5023-0483

Grega Žlahtič 

University of Maribor, FERI, Maribor, Slovenia 

https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7773-5953

Peter Kokol 

Univeristy of Maribor, FERI, Maribor, Slovenia 

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9102-9359
Urška Šajnovič 

Community Health Center dr. Adolf Drolc, Maribor, Slovenia

https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8834-3811

https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.4.2.182

Abstract

Background: Chronic Lower Back Pain (CLBP) represents a pandemic diagnosis of contemporary society. Pain is a multidimensional personal experience influenced by various interrelated subjective and objective factors. In this study, we examined the impact of physiotherapeutic treatment on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with CLBP.

Methods: Multiple linear regression analysis, Paired Student's t-test, and Pearson Correlation were used to statistically analyse data collected through various measurement instruments: a demographic questionnaire, 36-Item Short Form Survey Instrument (SF-36v2) and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). A total of 123 participants (29 males, 94 females) with CLBP were included in the study, undergoing physiotherapeutic rehabilitation lasting eight working days.

Results: The findings indicate positive associations between Age, Education level, Female gender with QoL, while negative associations were observed between BMI, work experience, and Difference in pain with QoL. In the study, only SF36 dimensions showed statistically significant improvements following physiotherapy in individuals with chronic low back pain namely Pain Reduction, Social functioning and Physical Functioning.

Conclusion: The results provide a solid foundation for further professional and scientific research in this field, as well as for the complex multidisciplinary collaboration between physiotherapy and medical sciences

Keywords: Chronic lower back pain, Quality of Life, Physiotherapy

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JHRS established cooperation with Contrimetrics

Dear readers,

I am glad to announce you that today we signed and agreement with Contrimetric.

What is Contrimetric?

Contrimetric.com appears to be the online presence of Contrimetric, an academic and research support tool designed primarily for the scholarly ecosystem, particularly journal publishers, researchers, and academic institutions. Based on available information, here are the key benefits and features associated with Contrimetric:

1. Enhanced Citation and Research Impact Tracking

Contrimetric is an AI-powered bibliometric enhancement tool that helps track and analyse citation data in ways that go beyond traditional citation counts. It focuses on measuring how individual research articles contribute to broader citation metrics, such as the Journal Impact Factor (JIF). This can provide deeper insight into the influence of specific scholarly works within the academic community. 

2. Improved Discoverability and Visibility of Research

One of the main advantages of Contrimetric is that it aims to increase the visibility of research articles by making citation and engagement data more accessible in real time. This can help journals, authors, and institutions better understand which works are attracting attention and how they are being engaged with across different platforms.

3. Real-Time Metrics and Insights

Unlike traditional bibliometric indicators that may lag behind publication activity, Contrimetric reportedly provides more immediate data on scholarly attention, helping users assess article influence shortly after publication. This improves responsiveness for authors and editors monitoring their work’s reach. 

4. Support for Editors and Editorial Teams

The plugin or backend system serves editorial staff by enabling monitoring and analysis of citation patterns, readership behaviour, and related performance measures. This can support editorial decisions related to promotion, solicitation of submissions, and strategic development of journal portfolios. 

5. Complementary to Traditional Bibliometrics

Contrimetric does not replace conventional metrics but adds value by offering an alternative lens on research impact, emphasizing contribution and engagement metrics rather than simple citation counts. This complements existing frameworks like h-index or Journal Impact Factor with richer, data-driven insights. 

6. Integration with Research Workflows

The platform appears to incorporate features such as ORCID login support and backend dashboards, suggesting it can integrate smoothly with researcher identifiers and existing publishing workflows — potentially making it easier for users to adopt and manage their research analytics.

JHRS Editor-in-Chief

Experiences of People with Motor Disabilities and Visual Impairments in Croatia with Assistive Technology

Renata Pinjatela 

University of Zagreb, Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5601-1425

Sonja Alimović 

University of Zagreb, Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2122-7944

https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.4.2.181

Abstract

Introduction: Assistive technology (AT) is a term that encompasses assistive products, and the systems and services associated with them. Despite existing legislation and the fact that AT is an important part of this process, there are many barriers to access AT. The purpose of this study is to explore the differences in the evaluation of the assistive technology (AT) availability and the AT services quality in Croatia between people with visual impairments (IwVI) and people with motor disabilities (IwMD).

Methods: We created an online questionnaire about knowledge of AT, previous training and the need for further training, and the benefits and challenges regarding AT. In addition to the online questionnaire, we obtained qualitative data on AT use.

Results: The results show that most participants were not aware of AT before they started using it but also did not know about their rights to benefits and the purchase of AT. Participants reported financial problems in purchasing assistive devices and were forced to fund AT from their own resources or through donations. Many of the participants, regardless of the type of disability, had and still have problems with AT that are not adapted to their personal abilities and needs.

Conclusion: To improve access to AT and the quality of services, it is necessary to bring together professionals and experienced AT users who will disseminate accurate and trustworthy information to ensure the best cost-benefit ratio of AT for individuals with different disabilities.

Keywords: Quality of assistive technology services, people with visual impairments, people with motor disabilities

Full Text Article

Exploring an inclusive educational program within Higher Education for individual with Intellectual Disabilities

Catherine Kelly Mason 

South East Technological University, Waterford, Ireland

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7327-6452

Vicki Anderson 

South East Technological University, Waterford, Ireland

https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3376-7599

Louise Bennett 

South East Technological University, Waterford, Ireland

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0311-2959

Martina Gooney 

South East Technological University, Waterford, Ireland

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1499-3472

Sara Kennedy 

South East Technological University, Waterford, Ireland

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6132-0735

Cathy Pembroke 

South East Technological University, Waterford, Ireland

https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6955-2722

https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.4.2.180

Abstract

Introduction: Individuals with Intellectual Disability (ID) have traditionally been excluded from Higher Education (HE). As HE moves towards more inclusive practices for individuals with ID, there is a need to capture the experience of support staff implementing and facilitating such programs. This paper explores an inclusive educational program within higher level designed specifically for individuals with an ID from support staff’s perspective.

Methods: A qualitative design was employed, utilising a focus group interview and purposive sampling to gather in-depth insights.

Results: This study highlights the transformative potential of an inclusive program in HE for students, staff, the University and the wider community. Findings demonstrate that when educational environments can embrace co-creation, collaboration, and a values-driven approach, students have the opportunity to experience meaningful growth in their confidence, self-esteem, social integration and capacity. Staff and peers are further provided with opportunities to challenge assumptions, increase understanding and gain renewed perspectives on teaching, learning and inclusion. However, despite the evident benefits, without secure investment, sustained policy commitment and a systemic culture change, such opportunities are limited.

Conclusion: This study has implications for the further development and sustainability of inclusive education for individuals with ID in HE nationally and internationally. Further research to examine student perspectives is warranted, to inform the future development and delivery of inclusive programs for individuals with an ID.

Keywords: Inclusive education, Higher Education, Intellectual Disability, Empowerment, co-creation, collaboration, confidence, support staff

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Enhancing the Visibility and Impact of JHRS Publications

Dear Members of the JHRS Editorial Board and Prospective Authors,

We are pleased to inform you that Issue 2, Volume 4 of the Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (JHRS) was officially published on 20th December. The issue is available at the following LINK.

Please note that the submission deadline for the forthcoming issue is 31st January.

I would like to draw your attention to the increasing importance of social media and academic networking platforms in contemporary scientific publishing. A growing body of evidence indicates that articles which are shared, mentioned, cited, and linked across social and scholarly platforms—such as Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Mendeley, ResearchGate, Academia.edu, and similar networks—tend to achieve greater visibility and higher citation rates than those that are not actively disseminated.

I therefore kindly encourage all of you to share and promote your previously published articles in JHRS via your personal and professional online profiles. This can be done very easily: on the right-hand menu of the JHRS website, you will find social media sharing buttons that allow you to disseminate any article of interest with just one click. The entire process takes less than one minute, yet it can have a meaningful impact.

By doing so, you will contribute to:

• increasing the visibility and citation potential of individual JHRS articles,
• strengthening the international reach and scientific impact of the journal, and
• enhancing the overall dissemination of research in the field of health and rehabilitation sciences.

I personally and actively promote numerous JHRS articles through both my personal and journal-related social media accounts, and I strongly believe that collective engagement will further amplify our shared success.

We are also proud to note that JHRS is indexed in several important international databases, including Scopus, EBSCO, ScienceOpen, ERIH PLUS, Hinari and more others.

Finally, we warmly encourage you to consider submitting new manuscripts to JHRS in the near future. We would be honored to receive your scholarly contributions.

Thank you for your continued support and collaboration.

With kind regards,

Editor-in-Chief

Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

JHRS activities and achievements in 2025

Dear Authors, Reviewers, and Readers of the Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences,

We are pleased to present the Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (JHRS) review of 2025—a year marked by measurable growth, scholarly impact, and shared academic achievement.

Throughout 2025, JHRS continued to advance scientific excellence in the fields of health and rehabilitation by publishing high-quality empirical research, systematic reviews, and innovative clinical contributions. These works have meaningfully supported evidence-based practice and informed contemporary academic and clinical discourse. During this period, the journal expanded its international reach through new indexing milestones, increased article downloads, and growing engagement from the global research community.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our authors, whose rigorous and original research forms the foundation of the journal; to our reviewers, for their critical, constructive, and timely evaluations that uphold scientific quality; and to our Editorial Board, for their steadfast commitment to academic integrity and strategic scholarly leadership. Above all, we thank our readers, whose interest and engagement continuously inspire our mission.

The year 2025 was also characterized by impactful international collaborations, and multidisciplinary dialogue that transcended institutional and geographical boundaries. As we look ahead to 2026, JHRS reaffirms its commitment to innovation, open-access publishing, ethical scholarship, and the continuous advancement of health and rehabilitation sciences.

We kindly invite you to view our 85-second overview video highlighting JHRS activities and achievements in 2025 HERE:

On behalf of the entire editorial team, we thank you for your continued trust and collaboration and wish you a prosperous and successful New Year 2026.

JHRS Editorial Office

Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Using ReAttach Therapy and an Eclectic Approach: A Case Study of a 27-Year-Old Unmarried Hindu Female Engineering Graduate

Ashutosh Srivastava 

Clinical & Counseling Psychology Assam Downtown University, Panikhaiti, Guwahati, India

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2190-4327
Mohadeseh Bita 

Department of Social Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran 

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2693-7411

https://doi.org/10.33700/jhrs.4.2.156

Abstract

Background: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex psychiatric condition characterised by persistent emotional dysregulation, a fragmented self-image, impulsive behaviors, and significant difficulties in maintaining interpersonal relationships. Managing BPD poses notable challenges, particularly when accounting for the impact of various cultural contexts on symptom expression and treatment methodologies.

Objectives: This case study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an eclectic treatment approach that integrates ReAttach Therapy with established interventions for the management of BPD. The subject of the study was a 27-year-old unmarried Hindu female engineering graduate diagnosed with BPD.

Methods: The intervention lasted 52 weeks and combined ReAttach Therapy as the primary modality with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness practices. Standardised psychometric tools (BSL-23, DERS, and BDI-II) were administered before and after treatment to evaluate outcomes.

Results: The results indicate significant improvements in emotional regulation, a decrease in fears of abandonment, stabilisation in relationships, and enhanced psychological resilience. These findings suggest that the combination of ReAttach Therapy with eclectic techniques presents a promising and culturally adaptable framework for managing BPD.

Conclusions: The integrative approach resulted in a considerable reduction in BPD symptoms, indicating that ReAttach Therapy, when used in conjunction with eclectic techniques, may offer an effective and culturally responsive strategy for treating BPD.

Keywords: Borderline Personality Disorder, Case Study, Eclectic Approach, ReAttach Therapy

Full Text Article