scholarly journals The use of saliva steroids (cortisol and DHEA-s) as biomarkers of changing stress levels in people with dementia and their caregivers: A pilot study

2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 003685042110198
Author(s):  
Tores Theorell ◽  
Gabriella Engström ◽  
Helena Hallinder ◽  
Anna-Karin Lennartsson ◽  
Jan Kowalski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Music Intervention ◽  
Energy Mobilization ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Group Reduction ◽  
Endocrine Change ◽  
Cortisol Levels

The rationale was to explore the efficacy/sensitivity of using morning and evening cortisol levels as biomarkers for stress reduction in persons with dementia (PWDs) and their family caregivers (FCGs) participating in a music intervention program. Thirty-two PWD and their FGC were recruited to an 8-week, home-based music intervention program. Daily home-based collection of saliva samples took place at bedtime and upon awakening. Cortisol was analyzed in the morning and evening saliva samples and DHEA-s in the morning samples. Trends over 40 workdays (15–40 observations per subject) were assessed using linear regression analysis. Twenty-three PWD (72% of invited, 16 men and 7 women, age 69–93) and 24 caregivers (75%, 8 men and 16 women, age 37–90) completed the intervention for at least 6 weeks and were included in the analysis. One-fourth of the PWD and FCG had decreasing evening cortisol, accompanied by decreasing morning cortisol levels. In one-fourth of the participants the ratio between cortisol and DHEA-S in the morning samples was improved, indicating improved balance between energy mobilization and regeneration. Several participants showed no significant endocrine change. There was a statistically significant (two-sided test) correlation within the PWD-caregiver dyads in evening cortisol trend and a statistically significant decrease (two-sided test) in the morning-evening cortisol slope for the FCG group. Reduction in stress, as measured by evening cortisol, was observed in a substantial number of the participants. Recording endocrine stress is helpful for the unbiased assessment of the intervention.

scholarly journals The Roth Project - Music and Memory: A Community Agency Initiated Individualized Music Intervention for People with Dementia

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 136-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmali Buller ◽  
Phillip K. Martin ◽  
Anthony Stabler ◽  
Breana Tucker ◽  
Jenna Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intervention Program ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Music Intervention ◽  
Community Agency ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Community Agencies ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Individualized Music ◽  
Ongoing Support ◽  
The Impact

Introduction “The Roth Project - Music and Memory” is a music based intervention program, implemented by the Alzheimer’s Association of Central and Western Kansas, which provides a nonpharmacologicalmeans for addressing neuropsychiatric symptoms in individuals with dementia. Methods Participants were individuals with dementia who were enrolled in The Roth Project - Music and Memory. Post-intervention surveys were distributed to caregivers of participants which assessed caregiver satisfaction with the program as well as caregiver perception of the impact of individualized music on mood and behavioralsymptoms. Results Of returned surveys (n = 79), 99% of caregivers indicated they were satisfied or very satisfied with the program and 94% of caregivers perceived participants to like or very much like listening to the music. While a substantial number of participants required assistance with iPod use (95%), the majority of participants were observed to listen to the music with stable or increased frequency over time. Personalized music was observed to improve mood in 78% of cases, with the most frequent benefits being improved overall happiness, decreased anxiety, increased positive emotional expression, and decreased depression. Conclusions The Roth Project - Music and Memory was well received by caregivers and was perceived to benefit mood of individuals with dementia. These results provided ongoing support for individualized music-based interventions and demonstrated that such interventions, when implemented by community agencies, can be well received by those who use them.

EVALUTING THE EFFECTS OF EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES IN COMMUNITY

2011 ◽  
pp. 70-76
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Social Cognition ◽  
Early Intervention ◽  
Developmental Delay ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Early Intervention Program ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
One Year

Objectives: To evualate the effects of early intervention program after one year for 33 disabled children in Hue city in 2010. Objects and Methods: Conduct with practical work and assessment on developing levels at different skills of the children with developmental delay under 6 years old who are the objects of the program. Results: With the Portage checklist used as a tool for implementing the intervention at the community and assessing developing skills on Social, Cognition, Motor, Self-help and Language skills for children with developmental delay, there still exists significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) at developing level of all areas in the first assessment (January, 2010) and the second assessment (December, 2010) after 12 months. In comparison among skills of different types of disabilities, there is significant difference of p ≤ 0.05 of social, cognition and language skills in the first assessment and of social, cognition, motor and language skills in the second assessment. Conclusion: Home-based Early Intervention Program for children with developmental delay has achieved lots of progress in improving development skills of the children and enhancing the parents’ abilities in supporting their children at home.

scholarly journals Developing a virtual reality for people with dementia in nursing homes based on their psychological needs: a feasibility study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jung-Hee Kim ◽  
Seonmin Park ◽  
Hyeongji Lim
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Likert Scale ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Behavioral And Psychological Symptoms

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.

scholarly journals Factors influencing general practitioners’ perception of and attitude towards dementia diagnostics and care—results of a survey among primary care physicians in Germany

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian Wangler ◽  
Michael Jansky
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Influencing Factors ◽  
General Practitioners ◽  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Interdisciplinary Cooperation ◽  
Practice Staff ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Dementia Diagnostics

SummaryStudies have shown that primary care is not always effective when it comes to caring for people with dementia. In addition, general practitioners do not always use diagnostic instruments consistently. The aim of the study was to identify relevant factors that influence general practitioners’ attitudes and willingness with respect to consistent diagnosis and care. For this purpose, resources, viewpoints, and behavioral patterns of general practitioners with regard to dementia diagnostics as well as common challenges in everyday practice were recorded. In the course of a survey, a total of 2266 general practitioners in Hesse and Baden-Württemberg were interviewed between January and March 2020. In addition to the descriptive analysis, a t-test was used to determine significant differences between two groups. A univariate linear regression analysis was carried out to identify possible influencing factors. 81% of the respondents do provide dementia diagnostics; 51% are involved in the treatment. Most of them see the diagnostic work-up (77%), communication and compliance problems (73%), as well as the therapeutic support (71%) as common challenges. In addition, there are interface problems regarding the interdisciplinary cooperation. Some of the respondents express doubts about the value of early detection (41%). The general practitioners’ attitude with respect to dementia diagnostics and care is determined by influencing factors that relate to geriatric competencies, expectations of self-efficacy, the integration of practice staff, as well as the knowledge of and cooperation with counseling and care services. It seems advisable to strengthen the geriatric competence of general practitioners. Moreover, it appears essential to educate general practitioners more about support structures in the field of dementia care and to integrate them accordingly. In addition, practice staff should be more systematically involved in the identification and care of dementia patients.

scholarly journals Perceived Benefits of Yoga among Urban School Students: A Qualitative Analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna Wang ◽  
Marshall Hagins
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Physical Conditioning ◽  
School Students ◽  
School Based ◽  
Barriers And Challenges

This study reports on the findings of a qualitative evaluation of a yoga intervention program for urban middle and high school youth in New York City public and charter schools. Six focus groups were conducted with students who participated in a year-long yoga program to determine their perceptions of mental and physical benefits as well as barriers and challenges. Results show that students perceived the benefits of yoga as increased self-regulation, mindfulness, self-esteem, physical conditioning, academic performance, and stress reduction. Barriers and challenges for a yoga practice include lack of time and space. The extent to which the benefits experienced are interrelated to one another is discussed. Suggestions for future research and school-based programming are also offered.

scholarly journals Seeing the collective: family arrangements for care at home for older people with dementia

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (06) ◽  
pp. 1200-1218 ◽  
Author(s):  
CHRISTINE CECI ◽  
HOLLY SYMONDS BROWN ◽  
MARY ELLEN PURKIS
Keyword(s):  
Family Care ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Family Carers ◽  
Care Giving ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Care At Home ◽  
At Home

ABSTRACTWith the predicted growth in the number of people with dementia living at home across the globe, the need for home-based care is expected to increase. As such, it will be primarily family carers who will provide this crucial support to family members. Designing appropriate support for family carers is thus essential to minimise risks to their health, to prevent premature institutionalisation or poor care for persons with dementia, as well as to sustain the effective functioning of health and social care systems. To date, the high volume of research related to care at home and acknowledged low impact of interventions suggests that a re-examination of the nature of care at home, and how we come to know about it, is necessary if we are to advance strategies that will contribute to better outcomes for families. This paper describes findings from an ethnographic study that was designed to support an analysis of the complexity and materiality of family care arrangements – that is, the significance of the actual physical, technological and institutional elements shaping care-giving situations. In this paper, we describe the arrangements made by one family to show the necessary collectivity of these arrangements, and the consequences of the formal care system's failure to respond to these.

scholarly journals The Effect of Long Term Care Resources on Burdens for Caregiving People Living with Dementia in Taiwan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang-Hao Ou ◽  
Ming-Che Chang ◽  
Wen-Fu Wang ◽  
Kai-Ming Jhang
Keyword(s):  
Caregiver Burden ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Dementia Care ◽  
Care Team ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Term Care ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Caregiver Group

Abstract Background: There is an increasing awareness of caregiver's burden, especially in those caring for people with dementia. The caregiver burden has been studied extensively in Western countries; however, the interpretation of the results and replication of the intervention may deem unfit in the Chinese culture. Therefore, this study identifies the change in caregiver burden by interventional methods under current Taiwan's long-term care Act 2.0.Method: A total of 2,598 newly diagnosed dementia outpatients was evaluated by the Changhua Christian Hospital dementia care team. Eighty patients utilize one of the three care resources, including community-based services (n = 33), home-based services (n = 19), or taking care by foreign caregivers (n = 28). Participants in the control group were selected by matching their global CDR score, gender, age, and caregivers' age with a 1:4 ratio. All caregivers completed the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) questionnaires before and six months after utilizing the care resources. Results: The home-based and the foreign caregiver groups have the highest baseline ZBI scores with 37.63±16.14 and 36.57±17.14, respectively. The second ZBI score was assessed about six months after the baseline showing that the home-based group remained the highest caregiver burden (ZBI = 31.74±12.23) and the foreign caregiver group showed the lowest burden (ZBI = 25.68±12.09). The mean difference in the ZBI score confirmed that the foreign caregiver group had the most improvement, averaging a decrease of 17.99±31.08 points (adjust observation time). A linear regression model showed that home-based care and foreign caregiver contributes the most reduction in caregiver burden (-11.83 and -19,07 ZBI scores, respectively).Conclusion: Caring for people with dementia includes caring for their caregivers. Dementia care team should provide proper social resources, which are crucial in the alleviation of caregiver burden.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document