scholarly journals The Effects of a Recollection-Based Occupational Therapy Program of Alzheimer’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
DeokJu Kim
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Therapy Program ◽  
Dementia Patients ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Experimental Group

Considering the high socioeconomic costs related to the increasing number of dementia patients and their poor quality of life and that of their families, it is important to identify the condition early on and provide an appropriate intervention. This study organized a recollection-based occupational therapy program: a nonpharmacological intervention consisting of five categories of activities (physical, horticultural, musical, art, and instrumental activity of daily living; IADL) and applied it to those having a mild stage of Alzheimer’s disease. The experimental group participated in a total of 24 sessions––five times per week for one hour per session––while the control group took part in regular activities offered by the existing facilities. The experimental group presented improved cognitive functions, reduced depression, and enhanced quality of life; the two groups showed a statistically significant difference in every category. This study is meaningful in that it made a cognitive stimulation program concerning five different categories, implemented it for people suffering mild dementia, and confirmed positive outcomes. If a systemic version of the program is offered in dementia care facilities, it is expected to make a considerable contribution to the care of dementia patients.

Quality of life in dementia: the role of non-cognitive factors in the ratings of people with dementia and family caregivers

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (7) ◽  
pp. 1097-1105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Fernanda Barroso Sousa ◽  
Raquel Luiza Santos ◽  
Cynthia Arcoverde ◽  
Pedro Simões ◽  
Tatiana Belfort ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Cognitive Factors ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Significant Difference

ABSTRACTBackground: The validity of self-reported quality-of-life (QoL) assessments of people with dementia (PWD) is a critical issue. We designed this study to determine the non-cognitive factors that are associated with self-reported QoL and PWD QoL as rated by family caregivers.Methods: Using a cross-sectional study, we assessed QoL of 41 people with mild Alzheimer's disease (AD). The individuals with AD and their family caregivers completed the Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease Scale (QoL-AD), the Assessment Scale of Psychosocial Impact of the Diagnosis of Dementia (ASPIDD), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale, the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD), the Pfeffer Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ), and the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to examine the contribution of the various cofactors.Results: We observed a significant difference (t = 3.292, p < 0.01, d = 0.727) in the QoL measures of PWD after comparing self-reported assessments with the assessments of family caregivers. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that awareness of disease was related to PWD QoL-AD scores. Both the education levels of family caregivers and the depressive symptoms in PWD were related to the family caregivers’ ratings of PWD QoL.Conclusions: The difference between self-reported QoL and family caregivers’ ratings of QoL in people with mild dementia indicated that cognitive impairment was not the primary factor that accounted for the differences in the QoL assessments. Our findings suggested that non-cognitive factors, such as awareness of disease and depressive symptoms, played an important role in the differences between the self-reported AD QoL ratings and the caregivers’ AD QoL ratings. A major implication is that discrete measures such as cognition or level of function are likely to miss important factors that influence QoL.

Evaluation of the Relationship between Nutritional Status and Quality of Life among Nursing Home Residents with Alzheimer's Disease

2016 ◽  
pp. 42-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alev Keser ◽  
Filiz Yildirim
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Nutritional Assessment ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Mini Nutritional Assessment ◽  
Dementia Patients

The purpose of this study was to determine nutritional status and its influence on their quality of life in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients with Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and anthropometric measurements. This study was conducted with 57 Alzheimer type dementia patients between the ages of 52 and 89 who live in nursing homes in Ankara/Turkey. In this study, it was found that the 57.9% of the AD patients were at risk of malnutrition, and that 19.3% were malnourished. Malnutrition risk rises as the length of stay increases (p< .05). A significant correlation between body weight and quality of life as well as one between calf circumference and quality of life was detected (p< .05). In this study, nutrient intake among aged individuals with AD was found unbalanced; a statistically significant correlation between energy / nutrient intake and quality of life also was not detected.

scholarly journals Effects of cognitive stimulation on neuropsychiatric symptoms in elderly with Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 178-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raiana Lídice Mór Fukushima ◽  
Elisangela Gisele do Carmo ◽  
Renata do Valle Pedroso ◽  
Pollyanna Natalia Micali ◽  
Paula Secomandi Donadelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Inclusion Criteria

ABSTRACT Introduction: Neuropsychiatric symptoms are frequent in Alzheimer's disease and negatively affect patient quality of life. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of cognitive stimulation on neuropsychiatric symptoms in elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease. Methods: The included articles were reviewed between December 2015 and June 2016, and the inclusion criteria were: (1) studies involving older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease; (2) studies published in English, Spanish or Portuguese; (3) studies that determined the effect of cognitive stimulation on neuropsychiatric symptoms in elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease; (4) controlled trials. Results: Out of the total 722, 9 articles matched the inclusion criteria. Depression, apathy and anxiety were the most frequent symptoms. Conclusion: Studies reported significant results post-treatment, suggesting cognitive stimulation can be effective for these neuropsychiatric symptoms, thus improving the quality of life of Alzheimer's disease patients and their caregivers.

scholarly journals The Importance of Exercise in Alzheimer’s Disease and the Minds in Motion® Program: An Editorial

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Jessica Watson ◽  
Nathan O’Keeffe ◽  
Sarah L. West
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Exercise Interventions

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and other dementias are prevalent neurodegenerative diseases characterized by decreased cognition, physical function, and quality of life. Currently, millions of people are living with AD and other dementias. With no cure, research has examined the use of non-pharmacological treatment options including exercise. Many high-quality studies demonstrate that physical activity slows the progression of AD’s many outcomes, and is beneficial to overall quality of life in those living with AD. However, creating exercise interventions at the community level that individuals will adhere to is often a challenge. The Alzheimer’s Society of Canada developed a unique program that combines physical activity with cognitive stimulation in a social atmosphere: The Minds in Motion® program. Minds in Motion® addresses many of the barriers often linked to poor physical activity participation in chronic diseases (such as inclusion of the care partner), to ensure the best program uptake. The Minds in Motion® program has anecdotally been successful in helping to increase physical function and social skills in those living with dementia. However, it is important to connect community-driven programs with the academic research community, to create an opportunity for high quality evaluation metrics that can be disseminated at multiple levels: to research audiences, clinical audiences, and to those in the community. With ongoing collaborations between research and community programs, there is a greater opportunity to understand the positive impact of a program, which ultimately increases the chance of funding for the program. In this editorial, we highlight that community-integrated research is an important priority for future collaborations.

scholarly journals Efficacy of an evidence-based cognitive stimulation therapy programme for people with dementia

2003 ◽  
Vol 183 (3) ◽  
pp. 248-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aimee Spector ◽  
Lene Thorgrimsen ◽  
Bob Woods ◽  
Lindsay Royan ◽  
Steve Davies ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Older People ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy ◽  
People With Dementia

BackgroundA recent Cochrane review of reality orientation therapy identified the need for large, well-designed, multi-centre trials.AimsTo test the hypothesis that cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) for older people with dementia would benefit cognition and quality of life.MethodA single-blind, multi-centre, randomised controlled trial recruited 201 older people with dementia. The main outcome measures were change in cognitive function and quality of life. An intention-to-treat analysis used analysis of covariance to control for potential variability in baseline measures.ResultsOne hundred and fifteen people were randomised within centres to the intervention group and 86 to the control group. At follow-up the intervention group had significantly improved relative to the control group on the Mini-Mental State Examination (P=0.044), the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale – Cognition (ADAS–Cog) (P=0.014) and Quality of Life – Alzheimer's Disease scales (P=0.028). Using criteria of 4 points or more improvement on the ADAS–Cog the number needed to treat was 6 for the intervention group.ConclusionThe results compare favourably with trials of drugs for dementia. CST groups may have worthwhile benefits for many people with dementia.

Evaluation of the Relationship Between Nutritional Status and Quality of Life Among Nursing Home Residents With Alzheimer's Disease

2018 ◽  
pp. 68-92
Author(s):  
Alev Keser ◽  
Filiz Yildirim
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Nutritional Assessment ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Mini Nutritional Assessment ◽  
Dementia Patients

The purpose of this study was to determine nutritional status and its influence on their quality of life in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients with Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and anthropometric measurements. This study was conducted with 57 Alzheimer type dementia patients between the ages of 52 and 89 who live in nursing homes in Ankara/Turkey. In this study, it was found that the 57.9% of the AD patients were at risk of malnutrition, and that 19.3% were malnourished. Malnutrition risk rises as the length of stay increases (p< .05). A significant correlation between body weight and quality of life as well as one between calf circumference and quality of life was detected (p< .05). In this study, nutrient intake among aged individuals with AD was found unbalanced; a statistically significant correlation between energy / nutrient intake and quality of life also was not detected.

scholarly journals Intracranial pressure waveform changes in Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 172
Author(s):  
Estela Barbosa Ribeiro ◽  
Luiza D’Ottaviano Cobos ◽  
Nicollas Nunes Rabelo ◽  
Gustavo Frigeri ◽  
Francisco Assis Carvalho Vale
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Intracranial Pressure ◽  
Quantitative Character ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is known to cause an enormous impairment to the quality of life and impact in the health system; meanwhile, studies show that in the coming years, the number of affected individuals will continue to grow. It is also believed that amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) could represent an early symptomatic form of AD, which precedes dementia. Methods: The present study aimed to evaluate the intracranial pressure (ICP) through a noninvasive method in patients with AD and MCI, seeking for differences when compared to healthy elderlies. This is a cross-sectional, correlational, and observational study of a quantitative character, carried out in a Brazilian city, with patients from the ANEC of the UFSCar. Results: It was found a statistically significant difference between the ICP morphology when analyzing the results in patients with AD and MCI, compared to healthy volunteers. It is known that dementias means a progressive disorder that leads to the loss of independency and function of the patient, although, it is believed that it can be found early ICP alterations in these patients. Nevertheless, considering this is an unprecedent study, it was not possible to compare results with previous studies and literatures. However, the study has a limitation related to the sample size; an expansion of it could possibility lead to different findings. Conclusion: The findings through the ICP measurement could indicate an early diagnosis, which would lead to an early treatment and an improvement in the quality of life of patients with AD. Thus, further investigation and widening studies are encouraged.

scholarly journals Efficacy of cognitive stimulation therapy for older adults with vascular dementia

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 434-441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Piras ◽  
Elena Carbone ◽  
Silvia Faggian ◽  
Elisa Salvalaio ◽  
Simona Gardini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Vascular Dementia ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
The Other ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy

ABSTRACT. Background: Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) is an evidence-based psychosocial intervention for people with mild-to-moderate dementia due to various etiological factors. Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of the CST program, Italian adaptation -CST-IT-, in individuals who have vascular dementia (VaD). Methods: Older adults with mild-to-moderate VaD (N = 35) were assigned to one of two programs: one group (N = 21) attended the 14 sessions of the CST-IT program, while the other, active control group (N = 14) took part in alternative activities. The following domains were examined: cognitive functioning, quality of life, mood, behavior, functional activities of daily living. Results: Compared with the active controls, the CST-IT group showed a greater improvement in general cognitive functioning after the intervention (i.e. score increase on the Mini-Mental State Examination and decrease on the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale – Cognitive subscale). A trend towards improvement was also identified in short-term/working memory – the backward digit span task- and perceived quality of life (Quality of Life – Alzheimer's Disease scale). No significant differences emerged between the two groups for the other domains considered. Conclusion: The present results support the efficacy of CST in people with vascular dementia.

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