Author: wythenshawe

Senses make sense: An individualized multisensory stimulation for dementia (Medical Hypotheses, 2017, vol. 98, p. 11–14)

Multisensory stimulation environment has been used as a non-pharmacological treatment to dementia patients in the last decade. Reminiscence integrating individual experiences into therapeutic schemes has shown potential in the field of improving cognitive functions and depressive symptoms for dementia patients, and interactive music also demonstrated a positive outcome by using individualized music for the hearing aspect.

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Taking a positive spin: Preserved initiative and performance of everyday activities across mild Alzheimer’s, vascular and mixed dementia (International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 2016. Epub)

The literature commonly evaluates those daily activities which are impaired in dementia. However, in the mild stages, people with dementia (PwD) are still able to initiate and perform many of those tasks. With a lack of research exploring variations between different dementia diagnoses, this study sought to investigate those daily activities with modest impairments in the mild stages and how these compare between Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD) and mixed dementia.

Overall, PwD showed greater preservation of performance than initiative, with tasks such as preparing a hot drink and dressing being best maintained. Findings can help classify dementia better into subtypes in order to receive bespoke support.

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Comparing the Effects of Cognitive Stimulation, Reminiscence, and Aroma-Massage on Agitation and Depressive Mood in People With Dementia (Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 2016, 17(8) p.719-724)

Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST), reminiscence therapy (RT), and aroma-massage therapy (AT) are believed to be beneficial for people with dementia (PwD). However, the comparing effects of these interventions have not been reported in previous studies. The purpose of this research was thus to compare the effects of these 3 interventions on alleviating agitation and depressive mood in PwD.
The findings indicate that among the 3 alternative remedies, AT can be a more effective intervention than CST and RT with regard to alleviating the agitated behavior and depressive symptoms of PwD. Given that agitated behavior and depressive mood are common among institutionalized PwD, and staff working in long-term care facilities often lack knowledge and time to manage such behaviors, the findings of this study can contribute to future clinical practice in long-term care facilities. In addition, aroma-massage has the advantage of being an easy-to-learn intervention for staff working with PwD.

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Survival in older adults with dementia and eating problems: To PEG or not to PEG?. (Clinical Nutrition, 2016, 35(6) p. 1512-1516)

Background & aims Despite guidelines, long-term enteral nutrition (EN) through percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is often prescribed to older individuals with dementia and eating problems (refusal to eat or dysphagia). The aim of this prospective observational non-randomized un-blinded study was to assess the role of this procedure on risk of mortality. Conclusions: In elderly individuals with dementia and eating problems, long-term PEG feeding increases the risk of mortality and should be discouraged.

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Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an in-home respite care program in supporting informal caregivers of people with dementia: design of a comparative study. (BMC Geriatr, 2016, 16 (1) p.207)

Frequent hospitalization and permanent nursing home placement not only affect the well-being of persons with dementia, but also place great financial strain on society. Therefore, it is important to create effective strategies to support informal caregivers so that they can continue to perform their demanding role. Preliminary qualitative evidence suggests that community-based respite services can actually be important for caregivers, and that the level of evidence should be further established in terms of effectiveness.

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Factors influencing the person–carer relationship in people with anxiety and dementia ( Aging & Mental Health, 2016, 20(10) p.1055-1062)

The relationship between people with dementia and their carers is complex and has a significant impact on the dementia experience. The aim of this current study was to determine (1) which factors are associated with the quality of the patient–carer relationship and (2) whether these differ between the two perspectives.
This study is novel in that it provides a valuable insight into the impact of mental health on relationship quality for both members of the dyad. The findings emphasise the importance of providing interventions which target mood for both parties, and behavioural problems for people with dementia.

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The faith of primary carers of persons with dementia. (Journal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging, 2016, 28(4) p.313-337)

This small-scale study investigates the experience of 53 Christian churchgoers in the UK who are or have recently been the primary carers of a relative or friend suffering from dementia. Responses to a short questionnaire reveal how almost all these carers claim to have been supported by their faith, and how far it has been challenged and maybe deepened. Respondents also comment on the role of their local churches. Issues are identified where further research might be beneficial, and where lessons can be learned by the churches.

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Homicidal ideation in family carers of people with dementia ( Aging & Mental Health, 2016, 20(11) p. 1174-1181)

Family carers of people with dementia have higher than average rates of suicidal ideation, but there has been no research on homicidal ideation in this population. The aim of this study was to explore thoughts of homicide in family carers of people with dementia. The conclusion was that homicidal ideation is a real and significant phenomenon among family carers of people with dementia. Service providers and health professionals are encouraged to identify and support carers contemplating homicide, but to do so in a way that recognises the broader social context of carer.

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Does physical exercise improve ADL capacities in people over 65 years with moderate or severe dementia hospitalized in an acute psychiatric setting? A multisite randomized clinical trial. (Int Psychogeriatr, 2016 Nov. Epub)

Several studies on the effect of physical exercise on activities of daily living (ADL) for people with dementia exist; yet, data concerning the specific context of acute psychiatric hospitals remain scant. This study measured the effect of a physical exercise program on ADL scores in patients with moderate to severe dementia hospitalized in an acute psychiatric ward. This multicenter clinical trial was conducted in five Swiss and Belgian psychiatric hospitals concluded that ADL scores in elderly with moderate to severe dementia deteriorate during acute psychiatric hospitalization. An exercise program delays the loss of mobility but does not have a significant impact on overall ADL scores.

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Exploring the relationship between community-based physical activity and wellbeing in people with dementia: a qualitative study. (Ageing and Society, 2016, p. 1-21)

This study sought to identify factors which influenced how a group of people with dementia living in their own homes participated in community-based physical activity and explored the effect that exercise groups, dance and walking had on their wellbeing. Eleven people with dementia were interviewed. Findings suggest that when certain factors co-exist, physical activity can provide a context within which people with dementia are able to use embodied skills in order to support fragile identities, connect with others and express themselves.

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