scholarly journals Perceptions on the Quality of Life of Caregivers Caring for Older Adults With Alzheimer's Disease in Brazil: An Urgent Need for Social and Health Policies

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 26
Author(s):  
Marina Celly Martins Ribeiro de Souza ◽  
Diana Da Silva ◽  
Natália De Cássia Horta ◽  
Júnia Andressa Rodrigues Melgaço ◽  
Lorraine Baêta Viana Martins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
Familial Support ◽  
Social Support Services ◽  
Belo Horizonte

The aim of this research was to analyze the perceptions on the quality of life of caregivers who care for older adults with Alzheimer's disease. This study was conducted in the municipality of Betim, located in the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Thirty-two interviews were conducted with formal and informal caregivers. Data were organized into two empirical categories which affect the quality of life of caregivers: 1) older adult’s familial support, and 2) the burden of caregiver’s extensive workload. Results indicate that the quality of life of a caregiver can be elevated and improved through social support services provided by healthcare professionals, as well as health and social policies which allow a stronger support of caregivers through governmental programs.

scholarly journals Examining the benefits and harms of Alzheimer’s disease screening for family members of older adults: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Fowler ◽  
Katherine J. Head ◽  
Anthony J. Perkins ◽  
Sujuan Gao ◽  
Christopher M. Callahan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Diagnostic Evaluation ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background Multiple national expert panels have identified early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) as a national priority. However, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) does not currently support screening for ADRD in primary care given that the risks and benefits are unknown. The USPSTF stresses the need for research examining the impact of ADRD screening on family caregiver outcomes. Methods The Caregiver Outcomes of Alzheimer’s Disease Screening (COADS) is a randomized controlled trial that will examine the potential benefits or harms of ADRD screening on family caregivers. It will also compare the effectiveness of two strategies for diagnostic evaluation and management after ADRD screening. COADS will enroll 1,800 dyads, who will be randomized into three groups (n=600/group): Screening Only group will receive ADRD screening at baseline with disclosure of the screening results and a list of local resources for diagnostic follow-up; Screening Plus, ADRD screening at baseline coupled with disclosure of the screening results, with positive screen participants referred to a dementia collaborative care program for diagnostic evaluation and potential care; and Control, no screening. The COADS trial will measure the family member quality of life (primary outcome) and family member mood, anxiety, preparedness, and self-efficacy (secondary outcomes) at baseline, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Additionally, the trial will examine the congruence of depressive and anxiety symptoms between older adults and family members at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months and compare the effectiveness of two strategies for diagnostic evaluation and management after ADRD screening between the two groups randomized to screening (Screening Only versus Screening Plus). Discussion We hypothesize that caregivers in the screening arms will express higher levels of health-related quality of life, lower depressive and anxiety symptoms, and better preparation for caregiving with higher self-efficacy at 24 months. Results from this study will directly inform the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease, the USPSTF and other organizations regarding ADRD screening and early detection policies.

scholarly journals Examining the benefits and harms of Alzheimer’s disease screening for family members of older adults: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Fowler ◽  
Katherine J. Head ◽  
Anthony J. Perkins ◽  
Sujuan Gao ◽  
Christopher M. Callahan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Diagnostic Evaluation ◽  
Positive Screen ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background: Multiple national expert panels have identified early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) as a national priority. However, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) does not currently support screening for ADRD in primary care given that the risks and benefits are unknown. The USPSTF stresses the need for research examining the impact of ADRD screening on family caregiver outcomes. Methods: The Caregiver Outcomes of Alzheimer’s Disease Screening (COADS) is a randomized controlled trial that will examine the potential benefits or harms of ADRD screening on family caregivers. It will also compare the effectiveness of two strategies for diagnostic evaluation and management after ADRD screening. COADS will enroll 1,800 dyads, who will be randomized into three groups (n=600/group): Screening Only group will receive ADRD screening at baseline and disclosure of the screening results, with positive screen participants receiving a list of local resources for diagnostic follow-up; Screening Plus, ADRD screening at baseline coupled with disclosure of the screening results, with positive screen participants referred to a dementia collaborative care program for diagnostic evaluation and potential care; and Control, no screening. The COADS trial will measure the family member quality of life (primary outcome) and family member mood, anxiety, preparedness, and self-efficacy (secondary outcomes) at baseline, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Additionally, the trial will examine the congruence of depressive and anxiety symptoms between older adults and family members at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months and compare the effectiveness of two strategies for diagnostic evaluation and management after ADRD screening between the two groups randomized to screening (Screening Only versus Screening Plus). Discussion: We hypothesize that caregivers in the screening arms will express higher levels of health-related quality of life, lower depressive and anxiety symptoms, and better preparation for caregiving with higher self-efficacy at 24 months. Results from this study will directly inform the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease, the USPSTF and other organizations regarding ADRD screening and early detection policies.

Preventing Alzheimer’s Wandering

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 32-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Paiva ◽  
Rui Peleja ◽  
Jorge Cunha ◽  
Carlos Abreu
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Cognitive Impairments ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Strong Impact ◽  
Brain Disorder ◽  
Age Related

With increased life expectancy, the incidence of age-related cognitive impairments, faced by the elderly and older generations, is growing. Among the population with cognitive impairments, those that suffer from Alzheimer’s disease are the most common. The Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic degenerative brain disorder that is characterised by a failure of memory and, in some instances, by disorders in language, perception and planning. As a consequence of the progressive damages imposed by the illness, patients will increasingly seek and need assistance. This paper presents a tool to aid the development and managing of caregiving communities, comprising immediate family members, relatives, neighbours and healthcare professionals, to assist patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Such communities could have a strong impact on the quality of care provided to the patients. At the same time, it is hoped that involving communities will significantly improve the quality of life of Alzheimer's patients and their families while reducing the costs related to the care provided.

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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