scholarly journals Impact of Social Isolation on People with Dementia and Their Family Caregivers

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Lílian Viana dos Santos Azevedo ◽  
Ismael Luis Calandri ◽  
Andrea Slachevsky ◽  
Héctor Gastón Graviotto ◽  
Maria Carolina Santos Vieira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
South American ◽  
Severe Dementia ◽  
Dementia Caregivers ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Moderate Dementia ◽  
Severity Of Dementia

Background: People with dementia and their family caregivers may face a great burden through social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which can be manifested as various behavioral and clinical symptoms. Objective: To investigate the impacts of social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with dementia and their family caregivers. Methods: Two semi-structured questionnaires were applied via telephone to family caregivers of people diagnosed with dementia in three cities in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile, in order to assess clinical and behavioral changes in people with dementia and in their caregivers. Results: In general, 321 interviews were conducted. A significant decline in memory function has been reported among 53.0%of people with dementia. In addition, 31.2%of individuals with dementia felt sadder and 37.4%had increased anxiety symptoms. These symptoms of anxiety were greater in individuals with mild to moderate dementia, while symptoms of agitation were greater in individuals with severe dementia. Moreover, compulsive-obsessive behavior, hallucinations, increased forgetfulness, altered appetite, and increased difficulty in activities of daily living were reported more frequently among individuals with moderate to severe dementia. Caregivers reported feeling more tired and overwhelmed during this period and these symptoms were also influenced by the severity of dementia. Conclusion: Social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a series of negative behavioral repercussions, both for people with dementia and for their family caregivers in these three South American countries.

Group activity with Paro in nursing homes: systematic investigation of behaviors in participants

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (8) ◽  
pp. 1345-1354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Jøranson ◽  
Ingeborg Pedersen ◽  
Anne Marie Mork Rokstad ◽  
Geir Aamodt ◽  
Christine Olsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Systematic Investigation ◽  
Group Activity ◽  
Severe Dementia ◽  
Group Activities ◽  
Video Recordings ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Moderate Dementia ◽  
Total Session Time ◽  
Severity Of Dementia

ABSTRACTBackground:A variety of group activities is promoted for nursing home (NH) residents with dementia with the aim to reduce apathy and to increase engagement and social interaction. Investigating behaviors related to these outcomes could produce insights into how the activities work. The aim of this study was to systematically investigate behaviors seen in people with dementia during group activity with the seal robot Paro, differences in behaviors related to severity of dementia, and to explore changes in behaviors.Methods:Thirty participants from five NHs formed groups of five to six participants at each NH. Group sessions with Paro lasted for 30 minutes twice a week during 12 weeks of intervention. Video recordings were conducted in the second and tenth week. An ethogram, containing 18 accurately defined and described behaviors, mapped the participants’ behaviors. Duration of behaviors, such as “Observing Paro,” “Conversation with Paro on the lap,” “Smile/laughter toward other participants,” were converted to percentage of total session time and analyzed statistically.Results:“Observing Paro” was observed more often in participants with mild to moderate dementia (p = 0.019), while the variable “Observing other things” occurred more in the group of severe dementia (p = 0.042). “Smile/laughter toward other participants” showed an increase (p = 0.011), and “Conversations with Paro on the lap” showed a decrease (p = 0.014) during the intervention period.Conclusions:Participants with severe dementia seemed to have difficulty in maintaining attention toward Paro during the group session. In the group as a whole, Paro seemed to be a mediator for increased social interactions and created engagement.

scholarly journals Caregivers’ quality of life in mild and moderate dementia

2014 ◽  
Vol 72 (12) ◽  
pp. 931-937 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raquel Luiza Santos ◽  
Maria Fernanda Barroso de Sousa ◽  
José Pedro Simões-Neto ◽  
Marcela Lima Nogueira ◽  
Tatiana T. Belfort ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Motor Activity ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Dementia Caregivers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Moderate Dementia

Objective To investigate quality of life (QoL) of caregivers of mild and moderate dementia and the aspects related to QoL. Method Cross-sectional assessment of dyads of people with dementia (PwD) and family caregivers (n=88). Results Burden (p<0.05) and depressive symptoms (p<0.001) were related to caregivers’ QoL in both stages of dementia. In mild dementia, caregivers’ depressive symptoms (p<0.001) and PwD neuropsychiatric symptoms (p<0.001) were related to burden. PwD aberrant motor activity (p<0.001) and anxiety (p<0.001), and caregiver-reported QoL domains of friends (p<0.001) and mood (p<0.05) were related to depressive symptoms. In moderate dementia, self-reported QoL (p<0.01) and anxiety (p<0.01), and PwD anxiety (p<0.01) were related to burden. Caregivers’ anxiety (p<0.001) and self-reported QoL (p<0.001) were related to depressive symptoms. Conclusion Burden and depressive symptoms were related to QoL of caregivers of mild and moderate dementia. However, they are driven by different factors according to dementia severity.

Mentalizing Imagery Therapy mobile application for family dementia caregivers: feasibility and effects on mood and caregiving

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abu Sikder ◽  
Francis Yang ◽  
Rhiana Schafer ◽  
Glenna A. Dowling ◽  
Lara Traeger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Depression Symptom ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physical Strain ◽  
Dementia Caregivers ◽  
Loved One ◽  
People With Dementia

Objectives: Due to psychological and physical strain, family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are at high risk for depression and stress related disorders. We investigated the feasibility of a mobile application (App) intervention delivering Mentalizing Imagery Therapy (MIT), which incorporates guided imagery and mindfulness, to facilitate self-regulation and increase perspective on the mental life of self and others. Method: A 4-week pilot trial of an MIT App for family caregivers of people with dementia was conducted to assess feasibility of use, mood and depression symptom benefit, and relationship changes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at the study’s conclusion to characterize participants’ perceived benefits. Results: 80% of 21 consented participants downloaded the App, utilized it at least once, and were further analyzed. Of these participants, average usage of audio recordings was 14 ± 10 (SD) days out of 28 possible, and 29 ± 28 individual sessions. Acute improvement in mood from before to after completion of exercises was uniformly observed (p &lt; .001), and after four weeks there was a significant increase in positive affect and a reduction in negative affect. Participants with severe levels of depression (n=3) at baseline exhibited an improvement in symptoms at 4 weeks averaging 30% (p &lt; .05). Semi-structured interviews revealed an increase in the ability to remain “centered" despite caregiving challenges, take the perspective of the loved one, and positively reframe the caregiver experience.Conclusion: App delivery of MIT is feasible for family dementia caregivers. Results showed moderate to high usage of the app for a majority of the users, and promising improvements in mood and depression. These data provide justification for larger, controlled trials.

scholarly journals DEMENTIA CAREGIVER EMBRACE OF HOME VIDEO TELEHEALTH VISITS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S243-S243
Author(s):  
Lauren Moo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Dementia Caregivers ◽  
Home Video ◽  
Inclement Weather ◽  
Medical Visits ◽  
Dementia Caregiver ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Technical Issues

Abstract Bringing people with dementia to in-person medical visits can be logistically challenging for family caregivers, especially when they themselves are older adults with their own health or mobility challenges, when they live far from the clinic, or when they have to combat inclement weather. Our dementia management clinic has successfully trialed video visits into the home. Video sessions have been welcomed by many dementia caregivers citing reduced travel and less disruption of daily routine as the primary benefits of participating. Caregivers report equivalent visit satisfaction compared to in-person visits. While technical issues have been common, most were just brief audio or video lags. Expansion of HIPAA compliant telemedicine software options across devices is increasing the population of caregivers who are able to participate in home video visits. (127 words)

scholarly journals Common behavioral problems among patients with dementia attending in tertiary care hospitals in Dhaka city

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 50-52
Author(s):  
Sadya Tarannum ◽  
Bushra Sultana ◽  
Sultana Algin ◽  
Atiqul Haq Majumder
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Behavioral Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Severe Dementia ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Developed Country ◽  
Moderate Dementia ◽  
New Treatment ◽  
Severity Of Dementia

Elderly people are increasing day by day both in developing and developed country due to development of new treatment, increased awareness of people and improved health facilities. This present study was conducted with the aim to identify behavioral problems according to severity of dementia. This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Psychiatry and Department of Neuro-medicine of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh and in National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Sher-E-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, Bangladesh from September 2013 to March 2015. A total 150 patients were selected purposefully; severity of dementia was graded according to Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and another questionnaire was applied to detect behavioral problems of patients. In this study mild dementia was found as the most frequent (38%), followed by severe dementia (35.3%) and moderate dementia (26.7%). The results indicated that behavioral problem was more common in severe dementia. Behavioral problem was more common in severe dementia than in mild and moderate dementia. Among behavioral problems sleep disturbance and sexual disturbance were statistically significant This study provides information about pattern of behavioral problems among patients with dementia. Liaison approach with other discipline may improve quality of life of these patients treatable.Bang J Psychiatry Dec 2014; 28(2): 50-52

scholarly journals Impact of iN2L Tablets on Loneliness and Well-Being: Findings of an Innovative Industry-AAA Program

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 949-950
Author(s):  
Lydia Nguyen ◽  
Karen O'Hern ◽  
Adam Siak ◽  
Kristi Stoglin ◽  
Charlotte Mather-Tayor
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Case Managers ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Innovative Program ◽  
Adult Day Centers

Abstract Area Agency on Aging (AAA) senior and adult day centers closed due to COVID-19, causing many older adults to lose an important source of connection and engagement, leading to social isolation. To combat negative consequences, iN2L and a Florida AAA partnered on an innovative program providing iN2L tablets to AAA-supported older adults to use at home. The tablets have a simple interface, content specifically designed for older adults (e.g., games; music; movies), and video call capability. Participants included 51 independent older adults (mean age 77) and 39 family caregivers (mean age 59) of people with dementia. Participants completed phone surveys with AAA case managers at baseline and 3 months, including UCLA Loneliness Scale (3 item) and questions about their tablet experiences. Findings show positive trends for loneliness and well-being in both groups. At 3 months, lonely participants decreased from baseline by 25% for independent older adults and 18% for family caregivers. Over 80% of independent older adults agreed the tablet engages them in meaningful activities, provides daily enjoyment, and helps with relaxation. For family caregivers, 79% agreed the tablet is another tool in their caregiver toolkit and about 70% agreed the tablet adds daily enjoyment, helps with relaxation, and provides engagement in meaningful activities for their family member. Approximately 50% of caregivers felt happier, less stressed, and less irritable since using the tablets. This work has implications for the utility of technology in promoting engagement and connection, alleviating negative effects of social isolation, and the effectiveness of industry-AAA partnerships.

scholarly journals Alzheimer's Association Project VITAL: A Florida Statewide Initiative Using Technology to Impact Social Isolation and Well-Being

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorna E. Prophater ◽  
Sam Fazio ◽  
Lydia T. Nguyen ◽  
Gizem Hueluer ◽  
Lindsay J. Peterson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Education ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Project Echo ◽  
Learning Platform ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
The Impact

Lack of social engagement and the resulting social isolation can have negative impacts on health and well-being, especially in senior care communities and for those living with dementia. Project VITAL leverages technology and community resources to create a network for connection, engagement, education, and support of individuals with dementia and their caregivers, and explores the impact of these interventions in reducing feelings of social isolation and increasing mood among residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through two phases, 600 personalized Wi-Fi-enabled iN2L tablets were distributed to 300 senior care communities (55% assisted living communities, 37% skilled nursing communities, 6% memory care communities, and 2% adult family-care homes) to connect and engage residents and their families. Different phases also included Project ECHO, a video-based learning platform, Alzheimer's Association virtual and online education and support for family caregivers, evidence-based online professional dementia care staff training and certification, and Virtual Forums designed to explore ways to build sustainable, scalable models to ensure access to support and decrease social isolation in the future. Tablet usage was collected over an 11-month period and an interim survey was designed to assess the effectiveness of the tablets, in preventing social isolation and increasing mood among residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 105 care community staff (whose community used the tablets) completed the survey and overall, these staff showed a high level of agreement to statements indicating that residents struggled with loneliness and mood, and that the tablet was useful in improving loneliness and mood in residents and allowing them to stay in touch with family and friends. Additional positive results were seen through a variety of other responses around the tablets and Project ECHO. Overall, the tablets were shown to be an effective way to engage residents and connect them with friends and family, as well as being a useful tool for staff members. A third phase is currently underway in the homes of people with dementia and their family caregivers, which includes tablets and direct access to Alzheimer's Association virtual and online education and support programs.

scholarly journals Value of Personalized Dementia-Specific Quality of Life Scales: An Explorative Study in 3 European Countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 ◽  
pp. 153331752110337
Author(s):  
Iris Hendriks ◽  
Raquel Demetrio ◽  
Franka J. M. Meiland ◽  
Rabih Chattat ◽  
Dorota Szcześniak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Support Programme ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Individual Character ◽  
Moderate Dementia ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Severity Of Dementia ◽  
The Relationship

Measuring Quality of Life (QOL) can be difficult due to its individual character. To explore the value of personalized QOL measurement for people with dementia, personalized versions of two dementia-specific QOL scales (Dementia quality of Life (DQoL) and Quaility of Life in Alzheimer's Disease (QoL-AD)) were constructed. This study investigated whether the personalized measures are more valid to detect variations in QOL than their standard versions for people with mild to moderate dementia, with sufficient internal consistency. Moreover, the relationship between the personalized QOL measures and severity of dementia was investigated. Finally, the study explored the differences between countries regarding the personalized overall QOL and differences in the importance of QOL domains. This explorative one-group design study used baseline data from the MEETINGDEM study into the implementation of the Meeting Centres Support Programme in Italy, Poland and the UK. The personalized versions of the DQoL and QoL-AD were reliable, but not more valid than their standard versions. No relationship between severity of dementia and personalized QOL was found. While no differences were found between countries for the overall QOL score, some QOL domains were valued differently: people with dementia from the UK rated self-esteem, mood, physical health, energy level and the ability to do chores around the house significantly less important than people from Italy and Poland. The personalized versions of the DQoL and QoL-AD may offer dementia care practice important insights into what domains contribute most to an individual’s QOL.

scholarly journals Family Caregiver Needs and Preferences for Virtual Training to Manage Behavioral Symptoms of Dementia

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 2-3
Author(s):  
Magaly Ramirez ◽  
Miriana Duran ◽  
Chester Pabiniak ◽  
Kelly Hansen ◽  
James Ralston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Hybrid Approach ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Dementia Caregivers ◽  
Virtual Training ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Traditional Service

Abstract STAR-Caregivers Virtual Training and Follow-up (STAR-VTF) is adapted from an evidence-based, in-person program that teaches family caregivers to manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). The study objective was to understand the needs of family caregivers for improving BPSD management and the extent to which caregivers perceived that STAR-VTF could address those needs. We conducted 15 semi-structured interviews with family caregivers of people with dementia. We showed caregivers prototypes of STAR-VTF online self-directed materials. We obtained caregiver feedback, focusing on needs and preferences and perceived barriers to using STAR-VTF. We used a hybrid approach of inductive and deductive coding and aggregated codes to develop themes. The idea of a virtual training program for learning to manage BPSD appealed to caregivers. They said healthcare providers did not provide adequate education in the early disease stages about the personality and behavior symptoms that can affect people with dementia. Caregivers found it unexpected and frustrating when the person with dementia began experiencing BPSD, symptoms they felt unprepared to manage. Accordingly, caregivers expressed a strong desire for the healthcare organization to offer programs such as STAR-VTF much sooner. Many were interested in the virtual aspect of the training due to the convenience of receiving help from home and the perception that help from a virtual program would be timelier than traditional service modalities. Given caregivers’ limited time, they suggested dividing the STAR-VTF content into chunks to review as time permitted. Caregivers reported a preference for having the same coach for the program duration.

scholarly journals Maintaining Social Connections in Dementia: A Qualitative Synthesis

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Birt ◽  
Rebecca Griffiths ◽  
Georgina Charlesworth ◽  
Paul Higgs ◽  
Martin Orrell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Impression Management ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Social Self ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Moderate Dementia ◽  
Person With Dementia

The clinical symptoms of dementia include difficulty with speech, poor short-term memory, and changes in behavior. These symptoms can affect how the person with dementia understands and performs in social interactions. This qualitative review investigated how people with mild to moderate dementia managed social connections. A systematic search of social science databases retrieved 13 articles; data were synthesized using thematic analysis. Results established the work undertaken by people with dementia to maintain and present a social persona seen as socially acceptable. Interpretations are contextualized within Goffman and Sabat’s theories on “self.” People with dementia were agentic in impression management: undertaking work to maintain recognized social roles, while being aware of when their illness led to others discrediting them. Wider recognition of strategies used to maintain a social self could inform interventions designed to increase capability and confidence in co-managing social connections following dementia diagnosis.

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