scholarly journals Emotional Repercussion and Changes Experienced by Family Caregivers of Individuals with Alzheimer's: A Study in the Southern Region of Tocantins, Brazil

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Camila Rocha de Oliveira ◽  
Ellen Fernanda Klinger ◽  
Daniely de Sousa Prado ◽  
Larisse Aires Moreira

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common dementia among the elderly, but unfortunately, the early symptoms are mistaken for natural aspects of age. Thus, knowledge is an excellent tool to get a diagnosis still in the early stage. Aims: Therefore, this article addresses the psychological reactions of family caregivers of individuals with that disorder and coping conditions experienced by them. Methods: To this end, an exploratory descriptive study of qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews with primary caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer took place, and some of the participants were appointed by indicated Regional Tocantinense Association Brasilian Alzheimer’s - ABRAZ, not exceeding the expected number, the researchers received help in the indication of caregivers who were already part of this research. Results: Regarding the coping conditions, there was family resilience, some resorted even psychological aid, since the change in routine was essential for the welfare of the elderly. Five respondents knew little about the disease before diagnosis, however, they began to delve into the matter with a view to aid in the treatment. Thus the knowledge acquired over time only came to add, thereby contributing to an improvement in the quality of life in both parties. Conclusion: The look of psychology facing the coping experienced by caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s is of paramount importance, as well as knowledge of caregivers about the disease, although acquired over time, contributed to an improvement in the quality of life of both parties.

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 539-555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krista Tammsaar ◽  
Virve-Ines Laidmäe ◽  
Taimi Tulva ◽  
Koidu Saia

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii175-ii175
Author(s):  
Deborah Forst ◽  
Michelle Mesa ◽  
Emilia Kaslow-Zieve ◽  
Areej El-Jawahri ◽  
Joseph Greer ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND Caregivers of patients with malignant gliomas experience substantial anxiety symptoms while caring for someone with progressive neurological decline. Yet, interventions to reduce psychological distress and improve quality of life (QoL) in this caregiver population are lacking. METHODS We conducted an open pilot study evaluating feasibility and acceptability of a cognitive behavioral therapy-based intervention for caregivers of patients with malignant gliomas with clinically significant anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder [GAD-7] score ≥ 5). Caregivers participated in six videoconference sessions with a mental health provider. We defined the intervention as feasible if ≥ 70% of eligible caregivers enrolled and ≥ 70% of those enrolled completed ≥ 50% of sessions. We evaluated intervention acceptability in semi-structured interviews. Caregivers completed baseline and post-intervention surveys assessing anxiety and depression symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), QoL (Caregiver Oncology Quality of Life Questionnaire), caregiving burden (Caregiver Reaction Assessment), self-efficacy (Lewis Cancer Self-Efficacy Scale), and perceived coping skills (Measure of Current Status-Part A). We explored post-intervention changes using paired t-tests. RESULTS We obtained consent from 70.0% (21/30) of caregivers approached, of which 66.7% (14/21) had clinically significant anxiety and thus were eligible to participate (mean age=55.7 years, 64.3% female). Among enrolled caregivers, 71.4% (10/14) completed ≥ 50% of sessions. In semi-structured interviews, all participants found the intervention helpful and valued the ability to participate remotely via videoconference. Among caregivers who completed at least one session, 80.0% (8/10) completed all assessments and were included in analyses. Post-intervention, caregivers reported reduced anxiety symptoms (P=.02) and improved QoL (P=.03) and coping skills (P=.001). We found no significant change in depression, caregiving burden, or self-efficacy. CONCLUSION Our videoconference-based intervention is feasible and acceptable to caregivers. Participants reported significant improvements in anxiety symptoms, quality of life, and coping skills post-intervention, supporting further investigation of the intervention in a randomized controlled trial.


Author(s):  
Daphne H. M. Jacobs ◽  
Ramona K. Charaghvandi ◽  
Nanda Horeweg ◽  
John H. Maduro ◽  
Gabrielle Speijer ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose To evaluate and compare health-related quality of life (HRQL) of women with early-stage breast cancer (BC) treated with different radiotherapy (RT) regimens. Methods Data were collected from five prospective cohorts of BC patients treated with breast-conserving surgery and different RT regimens: intraoperative RT (IORT, 1 × 23.3 Gy; n = 267), external beam accelerated partial breast irradiation (EB-APBI, 10 × 3.85 Gy; n = 206), hypofractionated whole breast irradiation(hypo-WBI, 16 × 2.67 Gy; n = 375), hypo-WBI + boost(hypo-WBI-B, 21–26 × 2.67 Gy; n = 189), and simultaneous WBI + boost(WBI-B, 28 × 2.3 Gy; n = 475). Women ≥ 60 years with invasive/in situ carcinoma ≤ 30 mm, cN0 and pN0-1a were included. Validated EORTC QLQ-C30/BR23 questionnaires were used to asses HRQL. Multivariable linear regression models adjusted for confounding (age, comorbidity, pT, locoregional treatment, systemic therapy) were used to compare the impact of the RT regimens on HRQL at 12 and 24 months. Differences in HRQL over time (3–24 months) were evaluated using linear mixed models. Results There were no significant differences in HRQL at 12 months between groups except for breast symptoms which were better after IORT and EB-APBI compared to hypo-WBI at 12 months (p < 0.001). Over time, breast symptoms, fatigue, global health status and role functioning were significantly better after IORT and EB-APBI than hypo-WBI. At 24 months, HRQL was comparable in all groups. Conclusion In women with early-stage breast cancer, the radiotherapy regimen did not substantially influence long-term HRQL with the exception of breast symptoms. Breast symptoms are more common after WBI than after IORT or EB-APBI and improve slowly until no significant difference remains at 2 years posttreatment.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 35-44
Author(s):  
I. Martens ◽  
H. Verbeek ◽  
J. Aarts ◽  
W.P.H. Bosems ◽  
E. Felix ◽  
...  

Purpose Over 8 per cent of the Dutch nursing home population is bedfast, and this number is slowly increasing. The quality of life (QoL) of this population is lower than that of residents who are still mobile. Little research has been conducted on how to improve the QoL of this bedfast population, particularly through making technological adjustments to the bed and the direct surroundings. The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into the QoL of bedfast residents and how to improve this through technology. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-method multi-case study with thematic analysis was conducted in two nursing homes with seven participants based on semi-structured interviews and Short Form-12 questionnaire. Findings The major causes of the experienced low QoL were the limited opportunities for engaging in social contacts with others, and coping with the dependency on other people and having limited control. Participants suggested improvements of QoL through the application of modern communication technologies to engage in social contacts and to control the bed itself and environment around the bed. Practical implications The results may help improve the design of the bed and the direct environment in order to improve the QoL of bedfast nursing home residents. Originality/value The QoL of bedfast nursing home residents has not been studied before in relation to the bed itself and technological solutions that may help improve the QoL and level of control.


2005 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 197-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
TOWAKO KATSUNO

The purposes of this study were to explore the self-rated and objectively measured quality of life of people with early-stage dementia and to describe their personal experiences and reactions to the negative public view of dementia. Information was collected from 23 participants who lived in a mid-western United States metropolitan area. Self-ratings were collected by semi-structured and structured interviews, and the objective measures were the Quality of Life Index (QLI) and the Single Item Quality of Life Scale (SIQLS). It was found that 21 of the participants perceived their current QOL as ‘good’ or better, and that the mean scores for the QLI and the SIQLS were 22.8 and 7.3 respectively. Triangulation of the subjective and objective data established their congruence. The QLI scores suggested that people with early-stage dementia often perceived their current life as good and that the participants were as satisfied with their life as the general population. Their accounts also revealed that many had experienced stigma and that this appreciably affected their psychosocial wellbeing. The findings of this study provide new insights into the ways in which health-care professionals and the general public can and should view and treat people with dementia.


Dementia ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 204-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kay Chai Peter Tay ◽  
Chuen Chai Dennis Seow ◽  
Chunxiang Xiao ◽  
Hui Min Julian Lee ◽  
Helen FK Chiu ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mansi Sharma

The first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic hit India in January 2020 when the first confirmed case was reported at a general hospital of Kerala. Since then, the number of reported cases kept on increasing at a steady pace, we saw deaths, rise, fall and stagnancy in the number of cases in India while the figures of deaths reported remained worrisome. While India is currently battling with the deadly double mutant variant of the virus, the present critical review is an attempt to study, analyse and understand the need of catering to the needs of geriatric population, especially in a collectivistic culture like India, where elderly issues, psychological difficulties, and coping mechanism takes a back seat while there is constant fear of leading a healthy life especially in the testing times of a national pandemic, COVID-19. This critical review is an attempt to highlight the various issues dealt by the average Indian elderly, their lifestyle after retirement, sustaining means of livelihood in times of uncertainty and keeping a positive mindset for a better quality of life. This paper also attempts to enumerate few strategies required to inculcate a sense of life satisfaction and improved quality of life among the elderly.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 48-54
Author(s):  
Laddawan Daengthern ◽  
Somsak Thojampa ◽  
Kittisak Kumpeera ◽  
Chommanard Wannapornsiri ◽  
Roongtiva Boonpracom

The purpose of this descriptive research was to study the factors that influence the quality of life (QOL) and longevity of the elderly in Thailand. The sample was made up of 280 elderly people in Phrae province, Thailand. The research found that (1) the QOL of the elderly in Phrae province was overall at a good level of 66.30%, (2) the factors that have significant influence on the QOL of the elderly at the p value = .01 are healing and exercise factors which are able to jointly predict the QOL of the elderly in Phrae Province by 12.2% (R2 = .122), and (3) from the structured interviews of 10 elderly people aged 80 years and older, it was found that diet, exercise, stress reduction, and healing are factors that allow the elderly to live for an average of 80 years which is above the average age of Thai people (the average age for men is 71.8 years old and for women is 78.6 years old).


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