Practical Approaches for Dementia Caregivers: Ideas From the Trenches

Objectives: Due to psychological and physical strain, family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are at high risk for depression and stress related disorders. We investigated the feasibility of a mobile application (App) intervention delivering Mentalizing Imagery Therapy (MIT), which incorporates guided imagery and mindfulness, to facilitate self-regulation and increase perspective on the mental life of self and others. Method: A 4-week pilot trial of an MIT App for family caregivers of people with dementia was conducted to assess feasibility of use, mood and depression symptom benefit, and relationship changes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at the study’s conclusion to characterize participants’ perceived benefits. Results: 80% of 21 consented participants downloaded the App, utilized it at least once, and were further analyzed. Of these participants, average usage of audio recordings was 14 ± 10 (SD) days out of 28 possible, and 29 ± 28 individual sessions. Acute improvement in mood from before to after completion of exercises was uniformly observed (p < .001), and after four weeks there was a significant increase in positive affect and a reduction in negative affect. Participants with severe levels of depression (n=3) at baseline exhibited an improvement in symptoms at 4 weeks averaging 30% (p < .05). Semi-structured interviews revealed an increase in the ability to remain “centered" despite caregiving challenges, take the perspective of the loved one, and positively reframe the caregiver experience.Conclusion: App delivery of MIT is feasible for family dementia caregivers. Results showed moderate to high usage of the app for a majority of the users, and promising improvements in mood and depression. These data provide justification for larger, controlled trials.

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Online Support Program for Dementia Caregivers

Case Medical Research ◽

10.31525/ct1-nct04026919 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Keyword(s):

Support Program ◽

Online Support ◽

Dementia Caregivers

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The Evolution of the Healthy Brain Initiative

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2542 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 720-720

Author(s):

Lisa McGuire

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Population Based ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Dementia Caregivers ◽

Local Public Health ◽

Success Stories ◽

Road Map ◽

Indian Country ◽

State And Local ◽

Map Series

Abstract The Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) seeks to advance public health awareness of and action on ADRD as a public health issue. The HBI Road Map Series, State and Local Public Health Partnerships to Address Dementia: The 2018–2023 Road Map (S&L RM) and Road Map for Indian Country (RMIC), provide the public health with concrete steps to respond to the growing burden of ADRD in communities, consistent with the aim of the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act (P.L. 115-406). This series of RMs for state, local, and tribal public health provide flexible menus of actions to address cognitive health, including ADRD, and support for dementia caregivers with population-based approaches. This session will describe how the initiative evolved over the past 15 years including policy and implementation success stories.

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Adult Day Service Use Decreases Likelihood of Depressive Symptoms Among Black Dementia Caregivers

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2102 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 618-618

Author(s):

Lauren Parker ◽

Laura Gitlin

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Service Use ◽

Demographic Variables ◽

Caregiver Training ◽

Dementia Caregivers ◽

Adult Day Services ◽

Black Caregivers ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Day Services ◽

Intervention Trials

Abstract Black Americans are more likely than others to age with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in the community and rely on family members for support. Despite reported positive aspects of caregiving, Black caregivers report greater need for daytime respite and caregiving support. Little is known regarding the health-promoting benefits of daytime respite, like adult day services (ADS), among Black caregivers. Using a sample of 190 Philadelphia-area Black caregivers for community-living persons with dementia, pooled from two behavioral intervention trials: Advancing Caregiver Training and Care of Persons with Dementia in their Environments, the study examined the association between ADS use and depressive symptoms. About 36% of the caregivers used adult day services for their family member with AD. Controlling for demographic variables, social support, self-rated health, religious coping, caregiver burden, and number of years caregiving Black caregivers who utilized ADS had lower depressive symptoms (β= -1.60, p<.05) relative not using ADS.

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