Cognitive Stimulation for Apathy in Probable Early-Stage Alzheimer's

We studied changes in apathy among 77 community-dwelling older persons with mild memory loss in a randomized clinical trial comparing two nonpharmacological interventions over four weeks. The study used a pre-post design with randomization by site to avoid contamination and diffusion of effect. Interventions were offered twice weekly after baseline evaluations were completed. The treatment group received classroom style mentally stimulating activities (MSAs) while the control group received a structured early-stage social support (SS) group. The results showed that the MSA group had significantly lower levels of apathy (P<.001) and significantly lower symptoms of depression (P<.001). While both groups improved on quality of life, the MSA group was significantly better (P=.02) than the SS group. Executive function was not significantly different for the two groups at four weeks, but general cognition improved for the MSA group and declined slightly for the SS group which produced a significant posttest difference (P<.001). Recruitment and retention of SS group members was difficult in this project, especially in senior center locations, while this was not the case for the MSA group. The examination of the data at this four-week time point shows promising results that the MSA intervention may provide a much needed method of reducing apathy and depressive symptoms, while motivating participation and increasing quality of life.

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Effect of Baduanjin exercise intervention on cognitive function and quality of life in women with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽

10.1186/s13063-021-05355-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Xiao-Lin Wei ◽

Ru-Zhen Yuan ◽

Yong-Mei Jin ◽

Shu Li ◽

Ming-Yue Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Quality Of Life ◽

Clinical Trial ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Exercise Intervention ◽

Early Stage ◽

Early Stage Breast Cancer ◽

Pharmacological Intervention ◽

Control Group

Abstract Background More than 50% cognitive impairment was reported by cancer patients before and after medical treatment. However, there are no effective interventions to manage the cognitive problem in women with breast cancer. This pilot study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of Baduanjin exercise on cognitive function and cancer-related symptoms in women with early-stage breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Method A single-blinded, randomized control trial was designed. The trial will recruit 70 patients with early-stage breast cancer scheduled to receive chemotherapy from Shanghai in China. All participants will be randomly assigned to (1:1) the supervised Baduanjin group (5 times/week, 30 min each time) or the wait-list control group for 3 months. The effect of Baduanjin exercise intervention will be evaluated by outcome measures including subjective and objective cognitive function, symptoms (fatigue, depression, and anxiety), and health-related quality of life at pre-intervention (T0), 8 weeks (T1), and 12 weeks (T2). The PCI score in the FACT-Cog as the primary cognitive outcome will be reported descriptively, while effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) will be calculated. The collected data will be analyzed by using an intention-to-treat principle and linear mixed-effects modeling. Discussion This is the first randomized clinical trial to investigate whether Baduanjin exercise will have a positive role in improving cognitive function in women with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy. If possible, Baduanjin exercise will be a potential non-pharmacological intervention to manage cognitive dysfunction and promote survivorship care among breast cancer survivors. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) ChiCTR2000033152. Registered on 22 May 2020

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QUALITY OF LIFE AND DEPRESSION IN WAR-RELATED THE ENDURING PERSONALITY CHANGE AFTER CATASTROPHIC EXPERIENCE (F62.0)

Psymedica ◽

10.7251/psy1002016s ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 1 (1-2) ◽

Author(s):

Milan Stojaković ◽

S. Medenlica ◽

Bogdan Stojakovic

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Personality Change ◽

Control Group ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Adult Men ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Icd 10 ◽

And Control

GOALS: The authors' objective is to analyze Quality of Life (QoL) and depression in the Enduring personality change after catastrophic expirience (F62.0)SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In study we include 120 adult men, 60 subjects with diagnosis F62.0. according to ICD-10 (experimental group) and 60 adult men veterans without the diagnosis of F62.0 (control group). The subjects were assessed with the standardized psychometric instruments.RESULTS: In subjects with Enduring personality change (F62.0) assessment of QoL shows differences in some segments that are important for further monitoring and analysis. The results of the depression in experimental and control group show statistically significance on level (p< 0.05) for baseline visit and follow-up visit.CONCLUSIONS: The statistical relationship between level of combat exposure and war-related F62.0. depression symptoms and QoL, suggests that it may take time for the consequences of traumatic exposure to become apparent. Moreover, degree of exposure may be important in predicting the eventual development of symptoms and precipitation of F62.0. Continued follow-up will address the evolution of PTSD symptoms in war related PTSD. The results indicate the importance of further monitoring and analysis symptoms of depression in F62.0 and QoL.

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Drug utilization pattern and analysis of quality of life in Indian patients of Parkinson’s disease

International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology ◽

10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20194121 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (9) ◽

pp. 2092

Author(s):

Jugal Shah ◽

Pranav Joshi ◽

Shikha V. Sood ◽

Devang Rana ◽

Supriya D. Malhotra

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Drug Utilization ◽

Memory Loss ◽

Control Group ◽

Anticholinergic Drugs ◽

Psychological Consequences ◽

Utilization Pattern

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a highly debilitating disease characterized by tremors, bradykinesia and rigidity. It leads to lowered self-esteem and psychological consequences which affect quality of life. The aim of this study is to study the drug utilization pattern and assess the quality of life in patients of Parkinson’s Disease.Methods: 40 patients of PD at least 1 month duration and 20 age-based controls were analyzed for quality of life using Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39). Drug prescriptions were analyzed.Results: Mean number of anti-Parkinson drugs prescribed is 2.65±1.21. Of 106 anti-Parkinson drugs prescribed, 45% were levodopa and carbidopa combinations, followed by dopamine agonists (18%), anticholinergic drugs (15%), amantadine (12%), MAO inhibitors (5%) and COMT inhibitors (5%). There were significant problems in speech, performance of daily chores and daytime somnolence (p<0.0001). Depression, isolation, cognitive decline and memory loss were noteworthy in the patients as compared to controls (p<0.05). 25% patients felt embarrassed due to their disease; 59% felt affected by others’ opinion, 60% felt difficulty in communicating with others (p<0.05). Almost 2/3rd patients needed help in personal care as compared to the control group (p<0.0001).Conclusions: Quality of life of parkinsonian patients is severely affected in spite of them receiving a large number of drugs. This may be both due to disease progression as well as medication. Levodopa-carbidopa combination is the most prescribed medication. Use of levodopa and carbidopa combination must be evaluated properly. Newer guidelines and interventions are the need of the hour which may provide a better outcome on the quality of life of parkinsonian patients.

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

The British Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1192/bjp.183.3.248 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 183 (3) ◽

pp. 248-254 ◽

Cited By ~ 403

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.

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Mobile App for Symptom Management and Associated Quality of Life During Systemic Treatment in Early Stage Breast Cancer: Nonrandomized Controlled Prospective Cohort Study

JMIR mhealth and uhealth ◽

10.2196/17408 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (8) ◽

pp. e17408

Author(s):

Cvetka Grašič Kuhar ◽

Tjaša Gortnar Cepeda ◽

Timotej Kovač ◽

Matjaž Kukar ◽

Nina Ružić Gorenjec

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Quality Of Life ◽

Systemic Therapy ◽

Early Stage ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Health Resources ◽

Control Group ◽

Global Quality ◽

Global Quality Of Life

Background Providing patients with cancer who are undergoing systemic therapy with useful information about symptom management is essential to prevent unnecessary deterioration of quality of life. Objective The aim was to evaluate whether use of an app for symptom management was associated with any change in patient quality of life or use of health resources. Methods Outpatients with early stage breast cancer receiving systemic therapy were recruited at the Institute of Oncology in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Patients who received systemic therapy between December 2017 and March 2018 (control group) and between April 2018 and September 2018 (intervention group) were eligible. All patients received standard care, but only those in the intervention group were asked to use mPRO Mamma, an Android-based smartphone app, in addition. The app supported daily tracking of 50 symptoms, allowed users to grade their symptom severity (as mild, moderate, or severe), and also provided in-depth descriptions and recommendations based on reported symptom level. Patient-reported outcomes in both groups were assessed through the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) core (C-30) and breast cancer (BR-23) questionnaires, as well as a questionnaire about health resources use. The primary outcomes were the difference in the global quality of life between groups and the difference in summary score of the EORTC C-30 questionnaire between groups after 3 time periods (the first week of treatment, the first treatment cycle, and the entire treatment). The secondary outcome was the use of health resources (doctor visits and hospitalizations) in each time period. Other scales were used for exploratory analysis. Results The mean difference between the intervention group (n=46) and the control group (n=45) in global quality of life (adjusted for baseline and type of surgery) after the first week was 10.1 (95% CI 1.8 to 18.5, P=.02). The intervention group summary scores were significantly higher than those of the control group after the first week (adjusted mean difference: 8.9, 95% CI 3.1 to 14.7, P=.003) and at the end of treatment (adjusted mean difference: 10.6, 95% CI 3.9 to 17.3, P=.002). Use of health resources was not statistically significant between the groups in either the first week (P=.12) or the first treatment cycle (P=.13). Exploratory analysis findings demonstrated clinically important improvements (indicated by EORTC C-30 or BR-23 scale scores)—social, physical, role, and cognitive function were improved while pain, appetite loss, and systemic therapy side effects were reduced. Conclusions Use of the app enabled patients undergoing systemic therapy for early stage breast cancer to better cope with symptoms which was demonstrated by a better global quality of life and summary score after the first week and by a better summary score at the end of treatment in the intervention group compared to those of the control group, but no change in the use of health resources was demonstrated.

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Effects of a physical therapy program on quality of life among community-dwelling elderly women: randomized-controlled trial

Fisioterapia em Movimento ◽

10.1590/s0103-51502013000300004 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 26 (3) ◽

pp. 503-513 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mariana Chaves Aveiro ◽

Patricia Driusso ◽

Julia Gianjoppe dos Santos ◽

Viviane Dassi Kiyoto ◽

Jorge Oishi

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Therapy ◽

Elderly Women ◽

Exercise Group ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Control Group ◽

Reliable Change ◽

Therapy Program ◽

Physical Therapy Program

INTRODUCTION: Health promotion policies for encouraging elderly to remain active, independent and, effectively have a positive effect on their quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To verify the effects of a low-intensity group-based physical therapy program on quality of life among community-dwelling elderly women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was carried out a randomized controlled trial. Seventeen women (67.8 ± 4.9 years old) that completed 12-week training program and 10 women (68.9 ± 5.7 years old) that were included in control group answered the abbreviated version for World Health Organization Quality of life Questionnaire - WHOQOL-bref at baseline and after 12 weeks. Exercise group performed stretching, resistance and balance training. Intragroup and intergroup analysis was made using Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U tests, respectively. The level of significance used for all comparisons was 5%. Furthermore, it was determined the Reliable Change Index (RCI) as part of JT Method. RESULTS: Exercise group presented a significant improvement for Psychological domain (p = 0.047) after 12-week physical therapy program. Otherwise, control group presented a significant worsening for overall (p = 0.01), physical (p = 0.01) and psychological (p = 0.008) domains. Exercise group presented two participants with positive reliable change (PRC) for social domain, two participants with PRC for Environment domain. Overall and Physical domain presented three participants with PRC. Psychological domain presented four participants with PRC and one with negative reliable change. CONCLUSION: A low-intensity group-based physical therapy program may contribute in order to maintain quality of life and improve some psychological aspects among community-dwelling elderly women.

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Effects of endurance and strength exercises associated with whey protein supplementation on quality of life (SF36) in community-dwelling seniors

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa040 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

H Loureiro ◽

M Pocinho ◽

A Faria ◽

J Azenha ◽

M Silva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Exercise ◽

Whey Protein ◽

Protein Supplementation ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Protein Supplement ◽

Post Intervention

Abstract Introduction Ageing is a natural, physiological and markedly heterogeneous process; however, it is possible to modify the functional decline and to promote healthy ageing. The practise of physical exercise and nutrition have shown benefits in the promotion of a better quality of life (QoL). Objectives To verify whether protein supplementation associated with physical exercise contributes to the QoL of seniors living in the community. Methodology A clinical prospective, blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study with a control group was conducted. The sample was probabilistic and randomly assigned. They were distributed through the 4 arms of the study with 19 participants each:1-physical exercise (strength and endurance) + whey protein supplement (20g); 2-physical exercise (strength and endurance) + placebo; 3-only whey protein supplement (20g); 4-control (without intervention). Each group was assessed at baseline and past 12 weeks. QoL was evaluated through SF36, before and after the intervention. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Results The sample consisted of 79 individuals, 55 women and 25 men, with a mean age of 68.54±5.72, mean height 1.57±0.09m, mean weight 72.7±14.3kg, being homogeneous with respect to age by sex and the anthropometric characteristics (body mass index, arm and leg circumferences). The comparison between the pre and post-intervention results showed that groups 1 and 2 significantly improved their QoL (p < 0.05); patients in groups 1 and 3 improved substantially more than in groups 2 and 4 (p < 0.05). Subjects in group 4 worsened their outcomes in all domains of QoL assessed. Conclusion Protein supplementation showed a positive influence on the quality of life, primarily when associated with physical exercise. In fact, seniors who were not submitted to supplementation or a prescribed exercise showed a worsening of their quality of life throughout the study.

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Music Therapy Reduces Radiotherapy-Induced Fatigue in Patients With Breast or Gynecological Cancer: A Randomized Trial

Integrative Cancer Therapies ◽

10.1177/1534735418757349 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 17 (3) ◽

pp. 628-635 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Tereza Raquel Alcântara-Silva ◽

Ruffo de Freitas-Junior ◽

Nilceana Maya Aires Freitas ◽

Wanderley de Paula Junior ◽

Delson José da Silva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Cancer Therapy ◽

Music Therapy ◽

Functional Assessment ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Gynecological Cancer ◽

Control Group ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Therapy Sessions

Purpose: To investigate the influence of music therapy on the reduction of fatigue in women with breast or gynecological malignant neoplasia during radiotherapy, since it is one of the most frequent side effects of this type of treatment, and may interfere with self-esteem, social activities, and quality of life. Experimental Design: Randomized controlled trial (control group [CG] and music therapy group [MTG]) to assess fatigue, quality of life, and symptoms of depression in women undergoing radiotherapy using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy: Fatigue (FACT-F) version 4, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General (FACT-G) version 4, and Beck Depression Inventory in 3 separate times, namely, during the first week of radiotherapy, on the week of the intermediary phase, and during the last week of radiotherapy. Individual 30- to 40-minute sessions of music therapy with the presence of a trained music therapist were offered to participants. Results: In this study, 164 women were randomized and 116 (63 CG and 53 MTG) were included in the analyses, with mean age of 52.90 years (CG) and 51.85 years (MTG). Participants in the MTG had an average of 10 music therapy sessions, totaling 509 sessions throughout the study. FACT-F results were significant regarding Trial Outcome Index ( P = .011), FACT-G ( P = .005), and FACT-F ( P = .001) for the MTG compared with the CG. Conclusions: Individual music therapy sessions may be effective to reduce fatigue related to cancer and symptoms of depression, as well as to improve quality of life for women with breast or gynecological cancer undergoing radiotherapy. Further well-designed research studies are needed to adequately determine the effects of music therapy on fatigue.

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The effect of individualized, theory-based counselling intervention on active aging and quality of life among older people (the AGNES intervention study)

Aging Clinical and Experimental Research ◽

10.1007/s40520-020-01535-x ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 32 (10) ◽

pp. 2081-2090 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Taina Rantanen ◽

Mary Hassandra ◽

Katja Pynnönen ◽

Sini Siltanen ◽

Katja Kokko ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Autonomous Motivation ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Control Group ◽

Active Aging ◽

Active Life ◽

Post Trial ◽

Counselling Intervention

Abstract Background We define active aging as a striving for activities as per one’s goals, capacities and opportunities. Aim To test the 1-year counselling intervention effects on active aging. Methods In this two-arm single-blinded randomized controlled trial, the intervention group received individually tailored counselling supporting autonomous motivation for active life (one face-to-face session, four phone calls and supportive written material, n = 101) and the control group written health information (n = 103). Participants were community-dwelling men and women aged 75 or 80 years with intermediate mobility function and without cognitive impairment. The primary outcome was active aging total score measured with the University of Jyväskylä Active Aging Scale (UJACAS, range 0–272, higher values indicate more activity) and secondary outcomes were its subscores for goals, ability, opportunity and activity (range 0–68) and a quality of life (QoL) score. Measures took place at pre-trial, mid-trial (6 months) and post-trial (12 months), except for QoL only pre and post-trial. Data were analyzed with intention-to-treat principles using GEE-models. Results The UJACAS total score increased in the intervention group slightly more than in the control group (group by time p-value = 0.050, effect size 0.011, net benefit 2%), but the group effect was not statistically significant. A small effect was observed for the activity subscore (p = 0.007). Discussion The individualized counselling supporting autonomous motivation for active life increased the UJACAS score slightly. Conclusions It may be possible to promote active aging with individualized counselling, but the effect is small and it is unclear whether the change is meaningful.

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“Where-There-Is-No-Psychiatrist Integrated Personal Therapy” among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Pilot Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18189514 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (18) ◽

pp. 9514

Author(s):

Shefaly Shorey ◽

Ee Heok Kua ◽

Wilson Tam ◽

Valerie Chan ◽

Yong Shian Goh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Well Being ◽

Small Sample ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Control Group ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

In Singapore, many older adults suffer from subsyndromal depression and/or subsyndromal anxiety, which can negatively impact their physical and mental well-being if left untreated. Due to the general public’s reluctance to seek psychological help and the low psychiatrist-to-population ratio in Singapore, this study aims to examine the preliminary efficacy, perceptions, and acceptability of a trained volunteer-led community-based intervention on community-dwelling older adults. Twenty-one participants (control: n = 11; intervention: n = 10) completed the randomized pilot study. A mixed-methods approach (questionnaires, semistructured interviews, examining blood samples, intervention fidelity) was adopted. No significant differences were found between the intervention and the control groups in depression, anxiety, life satisfaction, friendship, and quality of life. However, there was a positive change in quality-of-life scores from baseline to 6 months in the intervention group. The control group had significantly higher cortisol levels and lower annexin-A1 levels at 6 months, while the intervention group did not. Three themes emerged from the interviews: (1) impact of the intervention on older adults’ well-being, (2) attitudes toward intervention, and (3) a way forward. However, intervention efficacy could not be established due to small sample size caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Future randomized controlled trials should evaluate volunteer-led, technology-based psychosocial interventions to support these older adults.

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