Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 2 of 2
Do caregiver management strategies influence patient behaviour in dementia?
- Authors:
- DE VUGT Marjolein, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 19(1), January 2004, pp.85-92.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Little is known about the effectiveness of caregiver management strategies on the functioning of the demented patient. However, identification of specific caregiver strategies may provide useful information on the management and manifestation of behavioural problems in dementia. Ninety-nine patients with dementia and their informal caregivers were followed up for one year. Interviews were used to assess differences in caregiver management strategies. Behavioural disturbances in the patient were measured with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Repeated measures analysis were carried out to investigate the relationship between caregiver management strategies and patient behaviour. Three caregiver management strategies were identified, based on whether caregivers accepted, or not, the caregiving situation and dementia related problems. Caregivers characterized by non-acceptance were typified as Non-adapters; caregivers characterized by acceptance were further subdivided into two groups typified as Nurturers and Supporters. Caregiver characteristics such as sex, education and personality were important determinants of management strategies. MANOVA showed that non-adapters reported significantly more hyperactivity symptoms in patients and felt less competent than did supporters. Caregiver management strategies would appear to be associated with behavioural problems in dementia, and are important in predicting patient behaviour and caregiver burden. Intervention programmes should aim at teaching caregivers adequate management strategies.
Behavioural disturbances in dementia patients and quality of the marital relationship
- Authors:
- DE VUGT Marjolein, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 18(2), February 2003, pp.149-154.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The objective of this research was to investigate the relationship between behavioural problems in patients with dementia and changes in the marital relationship. Caregivers experienced a deterioration of their relationship, yet at the same time most felt closer to their spouse now than in the past. Patient apathy rather than depressive mood was associated with this deterioration. Apathy diminished the amount and reciprocity of interactions between partners. These results show that passive behaviour rather than excessive behaviour has most impact on the deterioration of the marital relationship. Intervention programmes should target relationship problems when problem behaviour, especially apathy, is present in patients with dementia.