The Psychopharmacology Algorithm Project at the Harvard South Shore Program: An update on management of behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was (1) to develop a virtual reality (VR) intervention program based on the psychological needs of patients residing in nursing facilities in South Korea to alleviate their behavioral and psychological symptoms and (2) to confirm the possibility of utilizing VR in patients with dementia. Methods In the first phase, patients with dementia residing in nursing homes and experiencing behavioral and psychological symptoms were recruited. Surveys and questionnaires were used to identify activities that alleviated the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) among the patients. These activities were classified into five types of psychological needs. In the second phase, a fully immersive, interactive, easy-to-use VR platform was developed that reflected these psychological needs. Patients with dementia experienced the VR content. The researchers assessed the level of the participants’ immersion, preference, and interaction with the VR using a 5-point Likert scale. Results In the feasibility test, 10 nursing home residents were recruited. The mean immersion score was 4.93 ± 0.16 points, the mean preference score was 4.35 ± 0.41 points, and the mean interaction score was 3.84 ± 0.43 points using a 5-point Likert scale. Higher mean scores indicated a more positive outcome. Six of the 10 participants required assistance while using the VR. The mean VR experience duration was 10.00 ± 3.46 min. Conclusions The VR-based intervention program that was developed to reduce BPSD was feasible for the participants and provided them with a high degree of satisfaction and immersion. Furthermore, this study also confirmed the convenience and safety of the program. These findings support the potential use of VR-based BPSD intervention programs to treat patients with dementia.

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404 - Effect of Psychoeducation Modul on the Administration of Psychotropic Drugs for Patients with Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia at the RS Dr. H. Marzoeki Mahdi Bogor on Caregivers

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610220002574 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 32 (S1) ◽

pp. 120-120

Keyword(s):

Psychotropic Drugs ◽

Cognitive Abilities ◽

Health Workers ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Clinical Syndrome ◽

List Type ◽

Study Program ◽

Dementia Patients ◽

Patients Experience ◽

Behavioral And Psychological Symptoms

Name : Yuniar Pukuk KesumaStudy program : Psychiatry, Specialist II Geriatric PsychiatryCounsellor : Dr.dr. Martina Wiwie S. Nasrun, Sp.KJ(K)Background:Dementia is a clinical syndrome characterized by a decline in cognitive abilities and memory deficits globally. About 90% of patients experience behavioral and psychological symptoms. The use of psychotropic drugs is influenced by the patient symptoms, burden of the caregiver, and the habit of health workers.Objective:To determine the effect of psychoeducation modules to caregivers to increase knowledge, decrease of psychotropic drugs, reduce symptoms and burden of caregivers.Methods:There are 2 steps of studies. The first was a qualitative study to create psychoeducation module and the second was to conduct a pre-experimental study (one group pretest-posttest study). Psychoeducation is given in 2 consecutive weeks.Results:Fourty caregivers of dementia patients aged 41.3 (± 9.72) years. The psychoeducation modules is associated with decreasing symptoms and the use of psychotropic drugs, increasing knowledge and decreasing the burden of caregivers. At the end, 23% of patients were able to stop using psychotropic drugs and 62% of patients reduced their dose and/or the amount of psychotropic drugs.Conclusion:The psychoeducation modules to caregivers is associated with a decrease of patient symptoms and the use of psychotropic drugs. Psychoeducation also increases the knowledge of the caregiver and decreases the burden of the caregiver so that this psychoeducation module can be an additional therapy for patients with dementia.

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The Holistic Impact of Using Arts-Based Intervention for Elderly With Dementia

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1874 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 567-567

Author(s):

Rainbow Tin Hun Ho

Keyword(s):

Motor Behavior ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Negative Mood ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Creative Arts ◽

Dance Movement ◽

Moderate Dementia ◽

Practical Experiences ◽

Behavioral And Psychological Symptoms

Abstract The use of creative arts on supporting elderly with dementia has been becoming popular due to its safe and engaging process. This non-pharmacological approach can complement with other treatment methods to support elderly with dementia on various aspects, including physical, cognitive and social functioning. In our randomized controlled trial on dance movement therapy (DMT) for 204 community dwelling elders with mild dementia, we found DMT could significantly reduce the level of depression, loneliness and negative mood (β=0.33-0.42, p<.01), and also the diurnal cortisol slope (β =0.30, p<.01); while in another trial on 73 elderly with moderate dementia, we found music and movement could help reduce the behavioral and psychological symptoms such as agitation (β = -0.41, p<.01), aberrant motor behavior (β=-1.02, p<.01), and dysphonia (β=-0.61, p<.05). The present presentation aims to share with the audience our practical experiences, the research procedures as well as the findings of the projects.

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