Prevalence and Severity of Dementia in Nursing Home Residents

2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 166-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne-Sofie Helvik ◽  
Knut Engedal ◽  
Jūratė Šaltytė Benth ◽  
Geir Selbæk

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the presence and severity of dementia in two large cross-sectional samples of nursing home residents from 2004/2005 and 2010/2011. Methods: Demographic information as well as data on the type of nursing home unit, length of stay before assessment, physical health, regularly used prescribed drugs and Clinical Dementia Rating scale scores were used in the analyses. Logistic and linear regression models for hierarchical data were estimated. Results: The odds of the occurrence and of a greater severity of dementia were higher in 2010/2011 than in 2004/2005. Independent of the time of study, married men had more severe dementia than single men, and single women had more severe dementia than single men. Conclusion: The findings may reflect the increase in the need for more nursing home beds designed for people with dementia between 2004/2005 and 2010/2011.

2013 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geir Selbæk ◽  
Knut Engedal ◽  
Jūratė Šaltytė Benth ◽  
Sverre Bergh

ABSTRACTBackground:Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are prevalent in nursing-home (NH) patients with dementia, but little is known about the long-term course of these symptoms.Methods:In this study, 931 NH patients with dementia took part in a prospective cohort study with four assessments over a 53-month follow-up period. NPS and level of dementia were assessed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory scale and the Clinical Dementia Rating scale, respectively.Results:Mild, moderate, and severe dementia was present in 25%, 33%, and 42%, respectively. There was an increase in the severity of the dementia from the first to the fourth assessment. Agitation, irritability, disinhibition, and apathy were the most prevalent and persistent symptoms during the study period. The affective subsyndrome (depression and anxiety) became less severe, whereas the agitation subsyndrome (agitation/aggression, disinhibition, and irritability) and apathy increased in severity during the follow-up period. More severe dementia was associated with more severe agitation, psychosis, and apathy, but not more severe affective symptoms. Mild dementia was associated with an increase in the severity of psychosis, whereas moderate or severe dementia was associated with decreasing severity of psychosis over the follow-up period.Conclusion:Nearly all the patients experienced clinically significant NPS, but individual symptoms fluctuated. Affective symptoms became less severe, while agitation and apathy increased in severity. An increase in dementia severity was associated with an increase in the severity of agitation, psychosis, and apathy, but not affective symptoms. The results may have implications when planning evaluation, treatment, and the prevention of NPS in NH patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 153331752097078
Author(s):  
Yun Fah Chang ◽  
Woan Yee Loi ◽  
Pai-Yi Chiu ◽  
Huang-Nan Huang

Background/Aims: This study used HAICDDS screening questionnaire to classify the severity of dementia in Taiwan based on the clinical dementia rating scale. Methods: LDA was applied to 6,328 Taiwanese clinical patients for classification purposes. Clustering method was used to identify the associated influential symptoms for each severity level. Result: LDA shows only 36 HAICDDS questions are significant to distinguish the 5 severity levels with 80% overall accuracy and it increased to 85.83% when combining normal and MCI groups. Severe dementia patients have the most serious declination in most cognitive and functionality domains, follows by moderate dementia, mild dementia, MCI and normal patients. Conclusion: HAICDDS is a reliable and time-saved diagnosis tool in classifying the severity of dementia before undergoing a more in-depth clinical examination. The modified CDR may be indicated for epidemiological study and provide a solid foundation to develop a machine-learning derived screening instrument to detect dementia symptoms.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 190-190
Author(s):  
Lihui Pu ◽  
Wendy Moyle ◽  
Cindy Jones ◽  
Michael Todorovic

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the effect of interaction with a robotic seal (PARO) for pain management in nursing home residents living with dementia.Methods: Registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN 12618000082202), a pilot randomized controlled trial followed by semi-structured interviews were conducted between January 2018 and January 2019. Forty-three residents aged ?65 years living with dementia and chronic pain were recruited from three nursing homes in Australia. Participants were randomized to either a PARO group (individual, non-facilitated, 30-minute sessions, five days per week for six weeks) or a usual care group using a computer-generated random number. Observational pain behaviors were rated by researchers using the Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia (PAINAD) scale and staff-rated pain levels were measured by the numeric rating scale. Medications regularly prescribed and as needed were quantified by the Medication Quantification Scale-III (MQS-III). Generalized estimating equation model and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data.Results: Participants in the PARO group had significantly lowered level of observed pain (-0.514, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.774 to -0.254, p<0.001) and used fewer PRN medications (-1.175, 95% CI - 2.205 to -0.145, p=0.025) than those in usual care after controlling for age, gender, cognitive function and medications at baseline. There were no significant differences in staff-rated pain levels and regularly scheduled medications between the two groups. Interviews also indicated that the PARO intervention may reduce the pain experience through distraction and reminiscence of previous positive memories. Limitations of weight, voice and characteristics of PARO were identified.Conclusions and Implications: PARO shows promise in reducing pain and medications for nursing home residents living with dementia and chronic pain. This intervention might be incorporated into daily practice as an alternative to manage pain in people with dementia. Care staff need to balance the benefits and limitations of incorporating social robots into their clinical practice and residents’ individualized preferences need to be considered. Larger randomized controlled trials with longer time frames are warranted to further test the use of PARO in long-term care settings.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Reidun Haarr Johansen ◽  
Karoline Olsen ◽  
Sverre Bergh ◽  
Jūratė Šaltytė Benth ◽  
Geir Selbæk ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Dementia is affecting both the person with the disease and the family members. It is associated with nursing home admission, and a reduced ability to perform personal activities of daily living (P-ADL). The aim of this study was to examine the association between the severity of dementia and P-ADL function, and to study if additional factors such as neuropsychiatric symptoms, type of nursing home unit, and use of medication were associated with P-ADL function. Methods A total of 582 nursing home residents with dementia, included at admission to the nursing home, were followed with biannual assessments for 36 months. P-ADL was assessed using the Physical Self-Maintenance scale, and severity of dementia was measured with the Clinical Dementia Rating scale. In addition, neuropsychiatric symptoms, general physical health, and use of medications were assessed at the same time points. Demographic information was collected at baseline. Linear mixed models were estimated. Results There was a significant (p < 0.05) non-linear decline in P-ADL function over time in analysis not adjusting for any characteristics. More severe dementia at baseline and at the follow-up assessments was associated with lower P-ADL function (p < 0.001), with the association being stable over time. A higher level of neuropsychiatric symptoms, not using anti-dementia medication, being in a regular care unit as compared to a special care unit and having poor/fair general physical health as compared to good/excellent, were associated with a lower P-ADL function. Conclusion The association between more severe dementia and lower P-ADL function was stable over a 36-month follow-up period of nursing home residents with dementia. Health care planners and clinicians should be aware of this when planning for and treating nursing home residents.


2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 347-358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lingani Mbakile-Mahlanza ◽  
Eva S. van der Ploeg ◽  
Lucy Busija ◽  
Cameron Camp ◽  
Helen Walker ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTObjectives:One-on-one structured Montessori-based activities conducted with people with dementia can improve agitation and enhance engagement. These activities may however not always be implemented by nursing home staff. Family members may present an untapped resource for enabling these activities. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the Montessori activities implemented by family members on visitation experiences with people who have dementia.Design:Cluster-randomized crossover design.Setting:General and psychogeriatric nursing homes in the state of Victoria, Australia.Participants:Forty participants (20 residents and 20 carers) were recruited.Intervention:During visits, family members interacted with their relative either through engaging in Montessori-based activities or reading a newspaper (the control condition) for four 30-minute sessions over 2 weeks.Measurements:Residents’ predominant affect and engagement were rated for each 30-second interval using the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Affect Rating Scale and the Menorah Park Engagement Scale. The Pearlin Mastery Scale was used to rate carers satisfaction with visits. The 15-item Mutuality Scale measured the carers quality of their relationship with the resident. Carers’ mood and overall quality of life were measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale and Carer-QoL questionnaires, respectively.Results:Linear regressions within the generalized estimating equations approach assessed residents’ and carers’ outcomes. Relative to the control condition, the Montessori condition resulted in more positive engagement (b = 13.0, 95%CI 6.3–19.7, p < 0.001) and affect (b = 0.4, 95%CI 0.2–0.6, p < 0.001) for the residents and higher satisfaction with visits for carers (b = 1.7, 95%CI 0.45–3.00, p = 0.008). No correction was applied to p-values for multiple comparisons.Conclusion:This study strengthens the evidence base for the use of the Montessori programs in increasing well-being in nursing home residents. The findings also provide evidence that family members are an additional valuable resource in implementing structured activities such as the Montessori program with residents.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Lílian Viana dos Santos Azevedo ◽  
Ismael Luis Calandri ◽  
Andrea Slachevsky ◽  
Héctor Gastón Graviotto ◽  
Maria Carolina Santos Vieira ◽  
...  

Background: People with dementia and their family caregivers may face a great burden through social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which can be manifested as various behavioral and clinical symptoms. Objective: To investigate the impacts of social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with dementia and their family caregivers. Methods: Two semi-structured questionnaires were applied via telephone to family caregivers of people diagnosed with dementia in three cities in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile, in order to assess clinical and behavioral changes in people with dementia and in their caregivers. Results: In general, 321 interviews were conducted. A significant decline in memory function has been reported among 53.0%of people with dementia. In addition, 31.2%of individuals with dementia felt sadder and 37.4%had increased anxiety symptoms. These symptoms of anxiety were greater in individuals with mild to moderate dementia, while symptoms of agitation were greater in individuals with severe dementia. Moreover, compulsive-obsessive behavior, hallucinations, increased forgetfulness, altered appetite, and increased difficulty in activities of daily living were reported more frequently among individuals with moderate to severe dementia. Caregivers reported feeling more tired and overwhelmed during this period and these symptoms were also influenced by the severity of dementia. Conclusion: Social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a series of negative behavioral repercussions, both for people with dementia and for their family caregivers in these three South American countries.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 915-915
Author(s):  
Wen Liu ◽  
Kristine Williams ◽  
Yong Chen

Abstract Nursing home (NH) residents with dementia commonly experience low food intake leading to negative consequences. While multilevel factors influence intake, evidence is lacking on how intake is sequentially associated. This study examined the temporal association between previous and current solid and fluid intake in NH residents with dementia. We analyzed 160 mealtime videos involving 27 residents and 36 staff (53 dyads) in 9 NHs. The dependent variable was the current intake state (fluid, solid, no-intake). Independent variables included the prior intake state, technique of current intake state (resident-initiated, staff-facilitated), duration between previous and current intakes. Covariates included resident and staff characteristics. Two-way interactions of duration and technique with the prior intake state, and resident comorbidity and dementia severity were examined using Multinomial Logit Models. Interactions were significant for technique by comorbidity, technique by dementia severity, technique by prior fluid and solid intake, and duration by prior fluid intake. Successful previous intake increased odds of current solid and fluid intake. Staff-facilitation (vs. resident-initiation) reduced odds of solid and fluid intake for residents with moderately severe (vs. severe) dementia. Higher morbidity decreased odds of solid intake (vs. no-intake) for staff-facilitated intake. Resident with severe dementia had smaller odds of solid and fluid intake for resident-initiated intake. Longer duration increased odds of transition from liquid to solid intake. Findings supported strong sequential dependencies in intake, indicating the promise of intervening behaviorally to modify transitions to successful intake during mealtime. Findings inform the development and implementation of innovative mealtime assistance programs to promote intake.


1995 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 535-545 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynda C. Burton ◽  
Barry W. Rovner ◽  
Pearl S. German ◽  
Larry J. Brant ◽  
Rebecca D. Clark

This article discusses a longitudinal study of change in disruptive behaviors among nursing home residents treated with neuroleptics compared with those not treated with neuroleptics. Observations were made of 201 participants on admission to and after 1 year in eight skilled nursing facilities. Nine disruptive behaviors were measured using the Psychogeriatric Dependency Rating Scale with nursing assistants. Neuroleptic use was documented from medication records. Odds ratios are reported for the association of behavior at baseline and use of neuroleptics on nine problem behaviors. For those who received neuroleptics during the year, there was greater change in both developing and resolving disruptive behaviors than for those not receiving neuroleptics. For both groups, restless or pacing behavior and belligerent behavior manifested by refusing instructions changed the most, both in developing and in apparently resolving. Our results show that change in disruptive behaviors occurs among nursing home residents regardless of neuroleptic use, but it occurs more frequently among those who receive neuroleptic medication. Knowledge of which disruptive behaviors are most likely to resolve or develop is important in training nursing home staff to cope with the behaviors as well as in planning interventions that may modify such behaviors.


2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (8) ◽  
pp. 1345-1354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Jøranson ◽  
Ingeborg Pedersen ◽  
Anne Marie Mork Rokstad ◽  
Geir Aamodt ◽  
Christine Olsen ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTBackground:A variety of group activities is promoted for nursing home (NH) residents with dementia with the aim to reduce apathy and to increase engagement and social interaction. Investigating behaviors related to these outcomes could produce insights into how the activities work. The aim of this study was to systematically investigate behaviors seen in people with dementia during group activity with the seal robot Paro, differences in behaviors related to severity of dementia, and to explore changes in behaviors.Methods:Thirty participants from five NHs formed groups of five to six participants at each NH. Group sessions with Paro lasted for 30 minutes twice a week during 12 weeks of intervention. Video recordings were conducted in the second and tenth week. An ethogram, containing 18 accurately defined and described behaviors, mapped the participants’ behaviors. Duration of behaviors, such as “Observing Paro,” “Conversation with Paro on the lap,” “Smile/laughter toward other participants,” were converted to percentage of total session time and analyzed statistically.Results:“Observing Paro” was observed more often in participants with mild to moderate dementia (p = 0.019), while the variable “Observing other things” occurred more in the group of severe dementia (p = 0.042). “Smile/laughter toward other participants” showed an increase (p = 0.011), and “Conversations with Paro on the lap” showed a decrease (p = 0.014) during the intervention period.Conclusions:Participants with severe dementia seemed to have difficulty in maintaining attention toward Paro during the group session. In the group as a whole, Paro seemed to be a mediator for increased social interactions and created engagement.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S709-S709
Author(s):  
Hemalkumar B Mehta ◽  
Yong-Fang Kuo ◽  
Jordan Westra ◽  
Mukaila Raji ◽  
James S Goodwin

Abstract We examined opioid use in long-term care nursing home residents with dementia. This retrospective cohort study used Minimum Data Set linked Medicare data, 2011-2016, and included long-term care episodes for residents 65+ years who survived 100+ days each year (592,211 episodes for 256,207 residents). Cognitive status at first annual assessment was classified as none/mild, moderate and severe impairment. Overall opioid use, prolonged opioid use (prescription supply 90+ days) and long-acting opioid use were identified from Medicare part D. Descriptive statistics were used to describe opioid use by cognitive impairment. Cochrane Armitage trends test was used to determine trends in opioid use. 114,622 (19%) patients had severe and 129,257 (22%) had moderate dementia. Overall opioid (none/mild=15.4%, moderate=13.9%, severe=9%), prolonged opioid (none/mild=5.2%, moderate=4.5%, severe=3.2%) and long-acting opioid use (none/mild=1.1%, moderate=0.9%, severe=0.3% ) were lower in patients with advanced dementia. Opioid use was significantly higher in females and Whites and varied by states. Substantial increase was found in overall opioid and prolonged opioid use from 2011 to 2016, with greater increase in none/mild and moderate dementia patients. For example, prolonged opioid use increased by 69% in none/mild and 71% in moderate dementia patients compared to 52% in severe dementia patients (p&lt;0.0001). Long-acting opioid use decreased, with a greater decline in none/mild (69%) and moderate (71%) dementia patients compared to severe dementia patients (58%) (p&lt;0.0001). Contrary to decreasing opioid use in community setting, overall and prolonged opioid use increased in nursing home residents. Future studies should identify the reasons behind increased use.


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