Regular Research ArticlesTailored Activities to Manage Neuropsychiatric Behaviors in Persons With Dementia and Reduce Caregiver Burden: A Randomized Pilot Study
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Study Sample and Procedures
Participants were recruited between 2005 and 2006 through media announcements and social service mailings. Interested caregivers contacted the research office, were explained study procedures, and administered a telephone eligibility screening test. Dementia patients were English-speaking, had a physician diagnosis or Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score <24,22 and were able to feed self and participate in at least two self-care activities (e.g., bathing, dressing). Patients were excluded
RESULTS
Dementia patients were primarily male (57%) and white (77%), with a mean age of 79 years. On average they had a MMSE score of 11.6, were dependent in eight instrumental and five basic activities of living. Caregivers were primarily female (88%), white (77%), high school graduates (56%), and spouses (62%) with a mean age of 65 (Table 1).
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this controlled pilot study suggest positive benefits and large symptom reductions as evidenced by effect sizes for patient and caregiver outcomes. For behaviors, the main outcome, treatment gains were found overall and for frequently occurring behaviors (shadowing, repetitive questioning). Fewer caregivers in intervention reported occurrences of agitation and argumentation, behaviors known to trigger nursing home placement. Additionally, life quality improvements were found with
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Research reported in this article was supported in part by funds from the National Institute of Mental Health (grant no. R21 MH069425).
The authors acknowledge the significant contributions of consultants, Dr. Cameron Camp and Ms. Adel Herge, MS, OTR/L, the interventionists Geri Shaw, OTR/L, Tracey Vause-Earland, MS, OTR/L; Michele Rifkin, MS, OTR/L; Catherine Piersol, MS, OTR/L; and Lauren Young Lapin, MS, OTR/L and the interviewing staff. Clinical Trials ID# NCT00259467.