Ann M. Kolanowski
PhD, RN, FGSA, FAAN

Elouise Ross Eberly Professor in the School of Nursing

Center Director, Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence at Penn State.

Professor of Psychiatry, College of Medicine

Adjunct Professor, Associated Faculty, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania

Contact Information

106 Health & Human Development East
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 16802

(814) 863-9901

Fax: (814) 865-6625

amk20@psu.edu

Quality of Life website: http://www.hhdev.psu.edu/nurs/qualityoflife/

Education

Post-Doctoral Training, 1994-96
Research Fellow/Neurobehavior
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
Post-Doctoral Training, 1992
Research Associate/Teaching Nursing Home Project
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
PhD, Nursing Research & Theory Development, 1989
New York University
New York, NY
MS, Adult Health & Aging, 1980
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA
B.S., Nursing (Cum Laude), 1970
College Misericordia
Dallas, PA

Honors

2006
John A. Hartford Geriatric Nursing Research Award, Eastern Nursing Research Society
2004
Recipient of the College of Health and Human Development Fran & Holly Soistman Award
2003
Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing
2003
Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America
2003
Visiting Professor, School of Nursing, Medical College of Georgia
2002
“Spirit of Nursing” Award, Georgia Nurses Association
1996
Pennsylvania Higher Education in Nursing Schools - Distinguished Colleague Award
1991
Leadership Wilkes-Barre, Class of 1991
1990-1991, 1983-1984
Listed in Who's Who in American Nursing
1990
Excellence in Research Award, Zeta Psi Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau

Publications

In Peer-reviewed Journals

Dettmore, D., Kolanowski, A. & Boustani, M. (accepted). Aggression in persons with dementia: Use of nursing theory to guide practice. Geriatric Nursing.

Loeb, S.,  Penrod, J.,  Kolanowski, A., Hupcey, J., Haidet, K., Fick, D., McGonigal, D., & Yu, F. (accepted). Creating cross-disciplinary alliances to advance nursing science. Journal of Nursing Scholarship.

Burgener, S., Buettner, L., Buckwalter, K., Beattie, E., Bossen, A., Fick, D., Fitzsimmons, S., Kolanowski, A., Richeson, N., Rose, K., Schreiner, A., Specht, J., Testad, I., Yu, F., Gabrielson, M. & McKenzie, S. (accepted). Review of exemplar programs for persons in early stage Alzheimer’s Disease. Research in Gerontological Nursing.

Burgener, S., Buettner, L., Buckwalter, K., Beattie, E., Bossen, A., Fick, D., Fitzsimmons, S., Kolanowski, A., Richeson, N., Rose, K., Schreiner, A., Specht, J., Testad, I., Yu, F., & McKenzie, S. (2008). Evidence supporting nutritional interventions for persons in early stage Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Journal of Nutrition, Health, and Aging: 12(1), 18-21

Buettner, L., Richeson, N., Yu, F., Burgener, S., Buckwalter, K., Beattie, E., Bossen, A., Fick, D., Fitzsimmons, S., Kolanowski, A., Rose, K., Schreiner, A., Specht, J., Testad, I.,  & McKenzie, S. (2008). Evidence supporting exercise interventions for persons in early stage Alzheimers disease. American Journal of Recreational Therapy. 7(1), 1-8

Whall, A., Colling, K., Kolanowski, A., Kim, H., Son, G., DeCicco, B., Ronis, D., Richards, K., Algase, D., Beck, C. (accepted). Factors associated with aggressive behavior among nursing home residents with dementia. The Gerontologist

 Dettmore, D. & Kolanowski, A. (2008). Case Study—Mrs. X: Not waving but drowning. Activity Directors’ Quarterly, 9 (1), 7-8.

 Kolanowski, A. & Buettner, L. (2008). An innovative method for prescribing activities that engage residents who are passive.  Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 34 (1), 13-18

Wan, H., Yu, F., & Kolanowski, A. (2008). Caring for aging Chinese: Lessons learned from the USA. Journal of Transcultural  Nursing, 19, 114-120.

 Kolanowski, A. & Buettner, L. (2008). An innovative method for prescribing activities that engage residents who are passive.  Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 34 (1),13-18

Penrod, J., Yu, F., Kolanowski, A., Fick, D., Loeb, S. & Hupcey, J. (2007). Reframing person-centered nursing care for persons with dementia. Research and Theory for Nursing Practice, 21(1), 61-76.

Kolanowski, A., Hoffman, L., & Hofer, S. (2007). Concordance of self-report and informant assessment of emotional well-being in nursing home residents with dementia. The Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences, 62B, (1), 20-27.

Fick, D., Kolanowski, A., & Waller, J. (2007). High prevalence of inappropriate central nervous system medications in community-dwelling older adults with dementia over a three-year period. Aging & Mental Health, 11, (5), 588-595

Buettner, L., Kolanowski, A. & Yu, F. (2007). Recreational games: Simple and effective cognitive stimulation programs for residents with dementia in long-term settings. American Journal of Recreational Therapy, 6 (1), 25-30.

 Kolanowski, A., Litaker, M. (2006). Social interaction, premorbid personality and agitation in nursing home residents with dementia. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing,.20 (1), 12-20

Kolanowski, A., Buettner, L., Litaker, M.,& Yu, F. (2006).  Factors that relate to activity engagement in nursing home residents. American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias, 21 (1), 15-22.

Yu, F., Kolanowski, A., Strumpf, N., & Eslinger, P. (2006). Improving cognition and function through exercise intervention in Alzheimer’s Disease. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 38 (4), 358-365.

Yu, F., Kolanowski, A., Litaker, M. (2006). The association of physical function with agitation and passivity in nursing home residents with dementia. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 32 (12), 30-36.

Yu, F., & Kolanowski, A. (2006). Improving function through research. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 32(12),4-5.

Kennedy-Malone, L., Penrod, J., Kohlenberg, E. M., Letvak, S. A., Crane, P. B., Tesh, A., Kolanowski, A, Hupcey, J., Milone-Nuzzo, P. (2006). Integrating gerontology competencies into graduate nursing programs. Journal of Professional Nursing, 22 (2), 123-128.

Moeller, J. & Kolanowski, A. (2006). Lessons learned when working with persons with dementia. Activity Directors’ Quarterly, 7 (1), 4-9.

Kolanowski, A., Fick, D., Waller, J., & Ahern, F. (2006). Outcomes of antipsychotic drug use in community-dwelling elders with dementia. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 20 (5), 217-225.

Kolanowski, A., Buettner, L., & Moeller, J. (2006). Treatment fidelity plan for an activity intervention designed for persons with dementia. American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias, 21 (5), 326-332.

Kolanowski, A. & Piven, M. (2006). Geropsychiatric nursing: State of the science. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 12, (2), 75-99.

Fick, D., Kolanowski, A., Waller, J., Inoyue, S. (2005). Delirium superimposed on dementia in a community-dwelling managed care population: A 3-year retrospective study of occurrence, costs, and utilization. Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, 60A, 748-753.

Kolanowski, A., Litaker, M., and Buettner, L. (2005). Efficacy of theory-based activities for behavioral symptoms of dementia. Nursing Research, 54 (4), 219-228

Whall, A. & Kolanowski, A. (2004).  The need-driven dementia-compromised behavior model:  A framework for understanding the behavioral symptoms of dementia.  Aging & Mental Health 8(2), 106-108.

Kolanowski, A., Buettner, L. (2004). Promoting health in community-dwelling older adults using recreational activities. American Journal of Recreational Therapy, Winter, 20-28.

Kolanowski, A., Fick, D., Waller, J., Shea, D. (2004). Spouses of persons with dementia: Their healthcare problems, utilization and costs. Research in Nursing & Health, 27, 296-306.

Buettner,L., Kolanowski, A. (2003). Practice guidelines for recreation therapy in the care of persons with dementia. Geriatric Nursing, 24(1),17-22.

Kolanowski, A. (2003).  What to do based on who:  Personality-based activities for persons with dementia.  Activity Director’s Quarterly, 4,( 2), 11-16

Kolanowski, A., Litaker, M. & Baumann, M. (2002). Theory-based intervention for dementia behaviors: A within person analysis over time. Applied Nursing Research, 15(2), 87-96

Kolanowski, A., Litaker, M. & Catalano, P. (2002). Emotional well-being in a person with dementia. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 24(1), 28-48.

Kolanowski, A. & Richards, K. (2002).  Introverts and extroverts: Leisure activity behavior in persons with dementia.  Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 26(4), 1-16.

Kolanowski, A., Richards, K. & Sullivan, S. (2002).  Derivation of an intervention for need-driven behavior: Activity preferences of persons with dementia. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 128(10), 12-15.

Boyle, J., Kolanowski, A., & Buckwalter, K. (2001). Guest Editorial: Tribute to Lore K. Wright 1938 – 2001. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 27(3), 5.

Kolanowski, A., Buettner, L., Costa, P. & Litaker, M. (2001).  Capturing interests: Therapeutic recreational activities for persons with dementia. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 35(4), 220-235.

Kolanowski, A. & Rule, R. (2001).  The way we were: Importance of psychosocial history in the care of persons with dementia.  Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 26(2), 13-28.

Kolanowski, A. & Whall, A. (2000).  Toward holistic theory-based intervention for dementia behavior.  Holistic Nursing Practice, 14(2), 67-76.

Kolanowski, A. (1999).  An overview of the Need-driven Dementia-compromised behavior model.  Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 25(9), 7-9.

Kolanowski, A. (1999).  Guest Editorial:  Building nursing science.  Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 25(9), 6.

Kolanowski, A. & Garr, M.  (1999). The relation of premorbid factors to aggressive physical behavior in dementia.  Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, 31(5), 278-284.

Kolanowski, A., Garr, M., Evans, L. & Strumpf, N. (1998)  Behavioral syndromes in institutionalized elders. American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 13(5), 245-256

Kolanowski, A. M., Strand, G., & Whall, A. (1997).  A pilot study of the relation of premorbid characteristics to behavior in dementia.  Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 23(2), 21-30.

Kolanowski, A.  (1996).  Everyday functioning in Alzheimer’s Disease:  The contribution of neuropsychological testing.  Clinical Nurse Specialist.  The Journal for Advanced Nursing Practice, 10 (1), 11-17 & 56.

Kolanowski, A., & Whall, A. (1996).  Life-span perspective of personality in dementia.  Image, Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 28(4), 315-320.

Algase, D.L., Beck, C., Kolanowski, A., Whall, A., Berent, S., Richards, K., & Beattie, E. (1996).  Need-driven dementia- compromised behavior:  An alternative view of disruptive behavior.  American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 11(6), 10 & 12-19.

Kolanowski, A. (1995).  Aggressive behavior in institutionalized elders:  A theoretical framework.  The American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 10, 23-28.

Kolanowski, A. (1995).  Disturbing behavior in demented elders: A concept synthesis.  Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 9(4), 188-194.

Kolanowski, A., Hurwitz, S., Taylor, L., Evans, L., Strumpf, N. (1994).  Contextual factors associated with disturbing behaviors in institutionalized elders.  Nursing Research, 43, 73-79.

Kolanowski, A. (1992).  The clinical importance of environmental lighting to the elderly.  Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 18(1), 10-14

Kolanowski, A. (1990).  Restlessness in the elderly:  The effects of artificial lights.  Nursing Research, 39(3), 181-183.

Kolanowski, A., & Gunter, L. (1988).  Do retired career women exercise?  Geriatric Nursing, 12, 350-352.

Gunter, L., & Kolanowski, A. (1986).  Promoting healthy life styles in mature women.  Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 12(4), 6-13

Kolanowski, A., & Gunter, L. (1985).  What are the health practices of retired career women?  Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 11(12), 22-29.

Brower, T., Kolanowski, A., Tappen, R., & Dunham, R. (1984-85).  Integration or separation for gerontological nursing education.  Gerontological and Geriatrics Education, 5(2), 45- 53

Kolanowski, A., & Gunter, L. (1983).  Thermal stress and the aged.  Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 9(1), 13-15.

Kolanowski, A. (1983).  The expansion of the gerontic component of a nursing curriculum.  Gerontology and Geriatrics Education, 3(2), 207-211.

Kolanowski, A., & Gunter L. (1981).  Hypothermia in the elderly.  Geriatric Nursing, 5, 362-365.

Research

Foci

Complex care issues in the health of the Elderly.

Drug burden in nursing home residents with dementia.

Non-pharmacological interventions for the behavioral symptomsof dementia and delirium.

Funded Projects

Principal Investigator- The Nursing Faculty Shortage: A Local Solution to Address a National Crisis. John A. Hartford Foundation Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence. 2007-2012                         

Principal Investigator- CNS-active Medications in Community-dwelling Elders. Beta Psi Chapter , Sigma Theta Tau,  2004

Principal Investigator- A Prescription For Enhancing Resident Quality of Life. National Institute of  Nursing Research 1R01 NR008910- 01A1 2005- 2009                        

Principal Investigator- A Prescription For Enhancing Resident Quality of Life. National Institute of  Nursing Research 1R01 NR008910- 01A1 2005- 2009                        

Investigator – CNS-active Drug Use in Persons with Dementia. College of Health and Human Development seed grant 2004-2006

Principal Investigator – Correlates of Antipsychotic Drug Use in Community-dwelling Persons with Dementia. Level 1 funding Center for Youth and Family Studies 2004-2005  

Principal Investigator – Theory-based Activities for Dementia Behaviors. National Institute of Nursing Research 1 R15  NR08148-01 2002-2003

Principal Investigator-subcontract – Wandering Behavior:  Background and Proximal Factor,    NINR,R01NR004569. Donna Algase—PI. 2002-2004

Co-Investigator – Development of the Neurological Disorders Database Repository to Support Collaborative, Multidisciplinary Research Investigations in the Areas of Neurobiology of Aging and Neurological Diseases. Medical College of Georgia Combined Intramural Grant Program 1999

Principal Investigator – Complex Care Issues in the Health of the Elderly and Near Elderly in Georgia.  Blue Cross of Georgia 2000-2003

Principal Investigator – Individualized Activity Intervention for Dementia Behavior: A Within-Person Analysis Over Time. Eastern Nursing Research Society 2000.

Principal Investigator – Medical College of Georgia MCGRI:  Testing Theory-based Interventions for Dementia Behavior 1999.

Principal Investigator – Medical College of Georgia School of Nursing Small Grant:  Designing Theory-based Interventions for Dementia Behaviors 1999.

Investigator:  Aggressive Physical Behavior:  Background and Proximal Factors.  NINR, R01NR004568 ($2,453,896).  Ann Whall—PI 1999-2004

Principal Investigator - The Relation of Premorbid Characteristics to Behavior in Dementia, Neuroscience Nursing Foundation 1998

Principal Investigator - Disturbing Behaviors in Institutionalized Elders.  Alzheimer’s Association Pilot Research Grant (#PRG-95-039) 1995

Research Fellow in Neurobehavior - University of Michigan School of Nursing Supported by T32-NR-07074 1994-1996

Research Associate - Teaching Nursing Home Project, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing Partially supported by NIA P01-AG-23934-09 and NIA R01-AG-08324-03 1992.