Search results for ‘Subject term:"alzheimers disease"’ Sort:
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Ambulatory actigraphy correlates with apathy in mild Alzheimer’s disease
- Authors:
- DAVID Renaud, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Dementia: the International Journal of Social Research and Practice, 9(4), November 2010, pp.509-516.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Research has revealed apathy as one of the most common behavioural symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study examined the relationship between apathy and locomotor activity in mild AD. Thirty AD subjects and fifteen healthy controls were recruited from the Nice Memory Center, France. Apathy was assessed with the Apathy Inventory (AI). Patients with a score greater than three on the AI caregiver version are considered in this report as having apathy. Locomotor activity was assessed using a wrist-worn actigraph for 75 minutes, during which a neuropsychological and behavioural examination were performed followed by 15 minutes of free activity. Findings revealed that AD patients shown lower motor activity than healthy subjects. AD patients with apathy had lower motor activity than AD patients without apathy. Apathy total score correlated negatively with mean motor activity. Most of the total score correlation was accounted for by correlations between the apathy dimensions lack of initiative and lack of interest, with mean motor activity. It is suggested that ambulatory actigraphy could be a simple technique to assess apathy objectively as part of routine assessment of Alzheimer’s disease patients.
Repetitive behaviour in Alzheimer's disease: description, correlates and functions
- Authors:
- CULLEN Breda, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 20(7), July 2005, pp.686-693.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This research aims to investigate cognitive and affective differences between patients with and without repetitive behaviours, and to identify themes and carer attributions for the function of such behaviours. Fifty-four participants aged 65 attending a geriatric out-patient clinic and an Alzheimer's Clinic in Dublin, meeting NINCDS-ADRDA criteria for probable AD, were assessed using the MMSE, WMS-III word list, Trailmaking test, Stroop, Modified WCST, Cornell Scale for Depression, DEX and a repetitive behaviour questionnaire. Regression analyses were used to identify significant predictors of repetitive behaviour. Repetitive behaviours were manifest in 87% of the sample, with questions (68.5%) and statements/stories (61.1%) the most common types. Repetitive questions were predicted by high MMSE score, low immediate list recall score and female gender. Repetitive statements/stories were predicted by dysexecutiveness and younger age. Repetitive actions were predicted by longer illness duration, depressive symptoms and dysexecutiveness. Themes and patterns were evident in repetitive behaviour. The study results concluded that repetitive behaviours were common in a sample of patients with AD referred to hospital clinics. Vocal and motor repetitive behaviours were predicted by different cognitive, demographic and mood variables.
The course of neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia. Part II: relationships among behavioural sub-syndromes and the influence of clinical variables
- Author:
- AALTEN Pauline
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 20(6), June 2005, pp.531-536.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Although several studies have mentioned associations between neuropsychiatric symptoms, there have been no prospective studies determining interrelations among behavioural sub-syndromes. In this study one hundred and ninety-nine patients with dementia from the Netherlands were assessed every six months for two-years, using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) to evaluate neuropsychiatric symptoms. The results found that age, sex, and socioeconomic status were not associated with a specific neuropsychiatric symptom. Greater cognitive impairment was related to more severe psychosis, and dementia stage influenced the course of total NPI problems. There were strong interrelations among most behavioural sub-syndromes. The sub-syndrome hyperactivity was of influence on the development of psychosis, but not vice versa. Neither was the sub-syndrome mood/apathy of influence on the course of psychosis. Concludes that while different neuropsychiatric symptoms have their own specific correlates, there is a strong interrelationship between behavioural sub-syndromes. The data have implications for clinicians and the nosology of neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia.
Behavioral and psychological symptoms, neurocognitive performance, and functional independence in mild dementia
- Authors:
- GALLO Jennifer, SCHMIDT Kara S., LIBON Davi J.
- Journal article citation:
- Dementia: the International Journal of Social Research and Practice, 7(3), August 2008, pp.397-413.
- Publisher:
- Sage
This research investigated the interrelationships between behavioural and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD; i.e. disturbance of perception, thought content, mood, or behaviour), cognition, and functional independence among mildly demented outpatients (MMSE = 23). A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation was administered to 48 outpatients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (n = 32) and vascular dementia (n = 16) in order to assess cognitive function. A neuropsychiatric symptom inventory assessed BPSD and an instrumental activities of daily living questionnaire assessed functional independence. Pearson correlational analyses found that BPSD were associated with dementia severity, but not with performance on tests of specific neurocognitive domains. In addition, functional independence was associated with BPSD, dementia severity, and executive control, but not with language or memory. Multiple regression analyses revealed that dementia severity alone best predicted BPSD, and that BPSD more so than dementia severity best predicted functional independence. None of the specific neurocognitive domains predicted either BPSD or functional independence.
Evidence-based protocols for managing wandering behaviors
- Editors:
- NELSON Audrey L., ALGASE Donna L., (eds.)
- Publisher:
- Springer Publishing
- Publication year:
- 2007
- Pagination:
- 452p.
- Place of publication:
- New York
Wandering behaviours are among the most frequent, problematic, and dangerous conditions associated with dementia and a continual challenge in health care and the community. Strongly research-based, this book presents and analyzes the latest research on wandering from the clinical, health care management, and policy literature and offers practical assessment and management tools. Nurses, physicians, gerontologists and others address the range of wandering behaviours of patients with Alzheimer's and other dementias, including prevention of elopement, getting lost, falls, fractures, and the subsequent need for extended nursing home or other supervised care that may result. The book places special emphasis on the difficult and stressful problems of daily patient care, improving safety for those with cognitive impairments, and enabling those with dementia to remain independent longer.
Alzheimer's disease and the psychosocial burden for caregivers
- Authors:
- GRUFFYDD Emma, RANDLE Jacqueline
- Journal article citation:
- Community Practitioner, 79(1), January 2006, pp.15-18.
- Publisher:
- Community Practitioners' and Health Visitors' Association
This study explored the level of understanding carers have of the illness and the psychosocial impacts carers experience. Qualitative interviews were conducted with eight carers who had been looking after their relatives in community settings. Findings suggest that the carers in this study had a distinct lack of knowledge regarding Alzheimer's disease and its management. A number of psychosocial consequences of caring were identified, including: isolation; feelings of guilt; uncertainty regarding lack of knowledge; and loneliness. Carers failed to utilise available services appropriately, and thus gained little benefit from their presence. Carers perceived their experiences as 'problematic' and the suffered negative psychosocial effects due to their caring experiences. The findings suggest that carers require more information and explanation of their experiences.
The impact of behavioural impairment of functional ability in Alzheimer's Disease
- Authors:
- GREEN Cynthia R., et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 14(4), April 1999, pp.307-316.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This study sought to determine the relationship between behavioural disturbance and functional status in a longitudinally studied sample of patients with Alzheimer's Disease. The results suggest that behavioural disturbance, while troubling to caregivers and patients, does not substantially worsen functional ability beyond the contributions of cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's Disease. The present data suggest that interventions for non-cognitive disturbances in Alzheimer's should be viewed as ways to increase patient comfort, safety and ease of care and not as ways to improve functional autonomy.
Live music promotes positive behaviours in people with alzheimer's disease
- Authors:
- COX Elissa, NOWAK Madeleine, BUETTNER Petra
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77(11), 2014, pp.556-564.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Introduction: Behavioural symptoms of Alzheimer's disease present barriers to providing a holistic standard of care. Limited attention has been given to the potential effects of live music, rather than background music or music therapy, on mood, function, and participation in and performance of daily activities. This exploratory study investigated whether live music could facilitate the expression of positive behaviour in people with Alzheimer's disease. Method: A live musical violin intervention, provided on a one-to-one basis in a residential care facility, was employed to assess positive behaviour in people with moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease using a one-group repeated measures design. Seven participants were video-recorded before, during, and after the intervention, which was provided individually in three separate sessions. The investigator and a blinded assessor used an investigator-modified version of the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory to assess 16 positive behaviours. Quotations from study participants are presented. Data were analysed using the Friedman test. Results: The total number of positive behaviours increased significantly from a median number of 4.3 (range 1.3–13) before the intervention to 30 (range 13–47.7) during, and 24.3 (range 4–27.7) after the intervention (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Live individualised music may provide occupational therapists with a useful strategy to enrich the lives of people with Alzheimer's disease. (Edited publisher abstract)
Behavioural characteristics associated with dementia assessment referrals in adults with Down syndrome
- Authors:
- ADAMS D., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 52(4), April 2008, pp.358-368.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Behavioural changes associated with dementia in Down syndrome are well documented, yet little is known about the effect of such behaviours on carers and referral. By comparing the behavioural and cognitive profiles of individuals referred for a dementia assessment with those of individuals not referred, some insight can be gained into behavioural characteristics that initiate referral for specialist support or interventions. Forty-six adults with Down syndrome were divided into two groups dependent upon method of entry into the study; post-referral to a specialist service for older adults with intellectual disabilities and Down syndrome for a dementia assessment (n = 17) or after receiving information sent out to day centres and residential homes (n = 29). These groups were compared on established measures of dementia alongside two informant measures of behaviour. Those referred for a dementia assessment evidenced scores indicative of cognitive decline on both informant and direct Neuropsychological Assessments and showed more behavioural excesses, but not deficits, and lower socialisation and coping skills than those in the comparison group. Carers of those referred for a dementia assessment reported a greater impact of behavioural excesses on staff than on the individual showing the behaviour in contrast to the comparison group. The behavioural differences between those referred and the comparison group suggest that two factors are involved in the instigation of a referral for a dementia assessment: the nature of the behavioural presentation (excesses rather than deficits) and the effect of that behavioural change upon the care staff.
Favorite music and hand massage: two interventions to decrease agitation in residents with dementia
- Authors:
- HICKS-MOORE Sandee L., ROBINSON Bryn A.
- Journal article citation:
- Dementia: the International Journal of Social Research and Practice, 7(1), February 2008, pp.95-108.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Agitation in individuals with dementia living in the nursing home environment affects care and quality of life. Relaxation techniques such as music and massage are showing promise to decrease agitation and improve quality of life in individuals with dementia. Using an experimental 3 x 3 repeated measures design, 41 residents with mild to moderate dementia participated in a study to test the effectiveness of favourite music (FM) and hand massage (HM) in reducing agitated behaviours. Agitated residents were randomly assigned to either the treatment or control groups. Residents in the treatment group received each of three treatments, HM, FM, and HMFM, with each treatment lasting 10 minutes. Residents in the control group received no treatment. Agitation was measured using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) at three different intervals. The results suggest that FM and HM individually and combined are effective in significantly decreasing agitation immediately following the intervention and also one hour post intervention.