GSA 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting BEHAVIORAL SYMPTOMS AMONG VETERANS WITH CO-OCCURRING POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AND DEMENTIA B. Kang 1 , M.J. Karel, PhD 2 , K. Corazzini, PhD 3 , W. Pan, PhD 4 , E.S. McConnell, PhD 5 , 1. Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, North Carolina, United States, 2. Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Central Office, Washington, DC, USA, 3. Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, USA, 4. Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, USA, 5. Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, USA Veterans with dementia and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in residential care facilities are likely to encounter a range of trauma-related environmental stimuli that may trigger behavioral symptoms of dementia (BSD). Most stud- ies of BSD do not examine the impact of trauma or PTSD on BSD. This study examines how BSD, interpersonal and environmental triggers, and care plans vary depending on the presence of PTSD or combat exposure among veterans with dementia. This mixed-method, secondary analysis study uses program evaluation data from the STAR-VA behavioral intervention program, implemented in 76 VA Community Living Centers between 2013 and 2016. Among 315 vet- erans enrolled in this program, 45% had a history of combat exposure, and 26% had PTSD. Results highlight a range of triggers amenable to intervention, such as overstimulation. The similarities and differences between veterans with and without PTSD are discussed in relation to enhancing person- centered dementia care for older veterans. ASSOCIATION BETWEEN COGNITION AND FUNCTION: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF CHINESE ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE PATIENTS J. Li 1 , J. Wang, PhD. Candidate 2 , B. Wu, PhD. 3 , L. Zhou, PhD. 4 , 1. Second Military Medical University School of Nursing, Shanghai, China, Shanghai, Shanghai, China (People’s Republic), 2. Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, USA, ., 3. New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York, USA, Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, USA, 4. Second Military Medical University School of Nursing, Shanghai, China This study was to explore the association between cog- nitive impairment and function among Chinese acute ische- mic stroke (AIS) patients. We collected 194 AIS patients’ sociodemographic information, stroke severity, treatment, comorbidities, cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) and function (modified Rankin Scale) during acute stage in Shanghai, China, and function at 1, 3, 6 months after the onset via telephone follow-ups. Linear mixed effect model was used. The function increased over the study period after adjustment for covariates (β=-0.4276, p<0.01). Patients with vascular dementia and those with cognitive impairment at baseline had poorer function compared to those with normal cognition (β=1.8298，p<0.01, β=1.0886，p<0.01, respect- ively). No significant difference in rate of function increase among the three groups. These findings suggest cognitive impairment of AIS patients at acute stage was associated with poorer recovery function. Further studies are needed to explore the linkages between long-term cognitive change and function among AIS patients. TECHNOLOGY-BASED COGNITIVE INTERVENTIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW S. Ge 1 , Z. Zhu, MSN 2 , B. Wu, PhD 3 , E.S. McConnell, PhD 4 , 1. Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, North Carolina, United States, 2. School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Fudan University Centre for Evidence-Based Nursing: a Joanna Briggs Institute Center of Excellence, Shanghai, China, 3. Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York City, NY, USA; Ashman Department of Periodontology & Implant Dentistry, New York City, NY, USA, 4. Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, USA; Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA Background: Rapid advances in computing technology have enabled researchers to conduct cognitive interventions with the assistance of technology. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effects of technology-based cognitive training or rehabilitation interventions to improve cognitive function among individuals with MCI. Methods: The fol- lowing criteria were applied: MCI, empirical studies, and evaluated a technology-based cognitive training or reha- bilitation intervention. Twenty-six articles met the criteria. Results: Studies were characterized by considerable varia- tion. The major types of technologies applied included com- puterized software, tablets, gaming consoles, and virtual reality. Use of technology to adjust the difficulties of tasks based on participants’ performance was an important fea- ture. Technology-based cognitive interventions were found to potentially improve global cognitive function, attention, executive function, and memory. Some cognitive interven- tions improved non-cognitive symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and physical functions. Discussion: Technology- based cognitive training and rehabilitation interventions show promise, but the findings were inconsistent due to the variations in study design. SESSION 785 (SYMPOSIUM) SHOWING GERIATRICS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS MAKE A DIFFERENCE: MEASURES, METHODS, AND MODALITIES IN EVALUATION Chair: P.G. Clark, Program in Gerontology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island Discussant: N. Tumosa, Health Resources and Services Administration, DHHS, Rockville, Maryland The importance of assessing impacts of educational pro- grams is growing in both academic institutions and grants awarded to universities. Students, trainees, and profession- als are all being evaluated with regard to changes in their attitudes, knowledge, and behavior. This is certainly the case in geriatrics and gerontological education, where assessment is increasingly tied to governmental funding and successful grants. The reach of impacts is being extended to patient and community, using data drawn from Medicare and other types of primary and secondary datasets. 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