The Effect of Receiving a Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias on Social Relationships of Older Adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Takashi Amano ◽  
Addam Reynolds ◽  
Clara Scher ◽  
Yuane Jia
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Dementia Diagnosis ◽  
New Diagnosis ◽  
The Impact

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Although early diagnosis has been recognized as a key strategy to improve outcomes of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), the effect of receiving a diagnosis on patients’ well-being is not well understood. This study addresses this gap by examining if receiving a dementia diagnosis influences social relationships. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Data from the 3 waves (2012, 2014, and 2016) of the Health and Retirement Study were utilized as part of this study. This study examined whether receiving a new diagnosis of ADRD changed subsequent social relationships (social networks, social engagement, and social support). Regression analyses with inverse probability weighting were performed to estimate the impact of receiving a dementia diagnosis on changes in social relationships. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Receiving a new diagnosis of ADRD reduced both informal and formal social engagement. We found no statistically significant impacts of receiving a diagnosis of ADRD on social networks and social support. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Results suggest that receiving a new diagnosis of ADRD may have unintended impacts on social relationships. Practitioners and policymakers should be aware of these consequences and should identify strategies to alleviate the negative impact of receiving a diagnosis of ADRD and methods to mobilize support networks after receiving a diagnosis.

Cognitive Decline and the Changing Self in Relationship

2015 ◽  
pp. 61-75
Author(s):  
Darby Morhardt ◽  
Marcia Spira
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Family Roles ◽  
The Family ◽  
Person With Dementia ◽  
The Impact

When a member of a family is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, the impact of the disease reverberates throughout the relationships within the family. This paper explores the challenges and strengths within one family as members manage and cope with Alzheimer's disease. The person with dementia and his family members are individually interviewed and each person explores the consequences of the disease on personal well-being as well as the relationships within the family. The family demonstrates how dementia in one family member demands flexibility in family roles as they navigate life through the challenges of living with dementia.

3. Learning Modules in a Support Group Context for Caregivers of Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wafa Nurdin ◽  
Aicha Wane
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Caregiver Support ◽  
Learning Modules ◽  
The Impact

The majority of community dwelling individuals with dementia have informal caregivers. With the risk of developing care related stress, it is important for community agencies, like the Alzheimer Society of Kingston (ASK), to provide support, resources, and information. The goal of this intervention was that caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) would improve physical, social, and mental well-being. A search of the literature, as well as surveys of support group facilitators, forty caregivers, and consultation with ASK helped determine information relevant to the caregivers. The purpose of this project was to develop learning modules on: a) using a problem-based strategy to assist with daily activities of the person they are caring for; b) self-care strategies; c) positive coping strategies; d) assertive communication skills, and e) home environment safety to be delivered during caregiver support groups. The module on a problem-based strategy to assist with daily activities was pilot tested, utilizing five caregivers. It was found that the learning module was approximately 30 minutes over the stated timeframe and the case study component of the module was ineffective. Recommendations include implementing the module as two parts. Furthermore, additional research is needed on the impact of the modules on caregiver stress and burden.

scholarly journals The Impact of Sheltering in Place During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Older Adults’ Social and Mental Well-Being

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne C Krendl ◽  
Brea L Perry
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Relationship Strength ◽  
Personal Social Networks ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being

Abstract Objectives We examined whether social isolation due to the COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders was associated with greater loneliness and depression for older adults, and, if so, whether declines in social engagement or relationship strength moderated that relationship. Methods Between April 21 and May 21, 2020, 93 older adults in the United States who had completed measures characterizing their personal social networks, subjective loneliness, and depression 6–9 months prior to the pandemic completed the same measures via phone interview, as well as questions about the impact of the pandemic on their social relationships. Results Older adults reported higher depression and greater loneliness following the onset of the pandemic. Loneliness positively predicted depression. Perceived relationship strength, but not social engagement, moderated this relationship such that loneliness only predicted depression for individuals who became closer to their networks during the pandemic. For those who felt less close, depression was higher irrespective of loneliness. Discussion The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected older adults’ mental health and social well-being in the short term. Potential long-term impacts are considered.

The Differential Impact of Social Participation and Social Support on Psychological Well-Being: Evidence From the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neika Sharifian ◽  
Daniel Grühn
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Wisconsin Longitudinal Study ◽  
The Impact

Being socially engaged is theorized to diminish age-related declines in emotional functioning. However, unique facets of social engagement may differentially impact functioning in older adulthood. In particular, social participation (SP) might be more beneficial than social support (SS) in buffering declines. The goal of this study was to examine whether interindividual differences in SP and SS influenced intraindividual change in Psychological Well-Being (PWB). The impact of SS and SP on change in PWB was investigated in two samples from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study spanning 19 years (1992–2011): graduate respondents and their siblings. Using latent growth curve models, small declines in PWB were found. Individuals high in SP demonstrated a less steep decline in PWB across the three time points than individuals low in SP. SS, however, did not buffer declines in PWB. Developmental implications of the age-related trajectory of PWB and the relationship with social engagement are discussed.

scholarly journals Challenges of Caregivers of Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 149-149
Author(s):  
Zara Sajwani
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Control And Prevention

Abstract The purpose of this presentation is to identify burden and problems experienced by caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). AD results in gradual deterioration of cognition, language, and memory that can impact an individual’s ability to independently perform daily functional activities (CDC, 2019). The role of caregivers is significant in providing assistance to the patients with chronic AD which can be a source of strain for caregiver population. About 16.3 million informal AD caregivers have spent 18.5 billion hours, which is equal to value of $234 billion, to assist patients with other dementia types and AD in 2018 (Alzheimer’s Association, 2019). In-depth literature synthesis was carried out using multiple databases. Recent and relevant articles were selected to be added in the review. Due to responsibility of constant vigilance of AD patients, the caregivers may overlook their self-care needs and detach themselves from social life. Literature analysis revealed common challenges and needs of AD care partners including limited social engagement, concerns of sexuality, and sleep problems. Understanding caregiver problems will help nurses and other health care professionals to support families by planning preventive measures. Resources can be invested to improve physical and mental well-being of caregivers. Researches can be planned to bridge the knowledge gap identified through literature review on this topic. References Alzheimer’s Association. (2019). Alzheimer’s disease caregivers. http://act.alz.org/site/DocServer/caregivers_fact_sheet.pdf?docID=3022 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Alzheimer’s disease and healthy aging. https://www.cdc.gov/aging/aginginfo/alzheimers.htm

scholarly journals THE IMPACT OF MANDATED COGNITIVE ASSESSMENTS ON ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS RATES

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S829-S829
Author(s):  
Johanna Thunell ◽  
Julie Zissimopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
Dementia Diagnosis ◽  
Cognitive Assessments ◽  
Medicare Part B ◽  
Cognitive Screen ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Although no cure for Alzheimer’s disease exists, early diagnosis allows clinicians to detect reversible causes of memory loss, inform pharmacologic treatment options that may delay cognitive decline, and inform patients about clinical trial opportunities. It allows patients to communicate medical, legal, financial, living, and end-of-life desires. Barriers to diagnosis include low public awareness of early symptoms, stigma and misconceptions about the disease that delay seeking medical assistance. Provider-related barriers include low recognition of cognitive impairment and/or insufficient training in dementia diagnosis, and reimbursement issues. The new annual wellness visit (AWV) benefit available to Medicare Part B beneficiaries may reduce some of these barriers. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 mandated an AWV that, along with routine preventive services, included for the first time, a cognitive screen at each visit. In this study, we analyze the effect of the introduction of the AWV benefit on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) diagnoses rates, average age at diagnosis and geographic dispersion of diagnoses. We use the 100% sample of Medicare claims and regression discontinuity to estimate the impact of the legislation enactment. Preliminary analyses show immediate and increasing take-up in AWV visits after the policy went into effect. The total number of preventative exams claims went from about 2,500 to 27,000 immediately after the policy and continued to grow in subsequent months. We also observe an increase in ADRD incidence in the months immediately following ACA, from about 14,000 claims in December 2010 to about 16,000 in January 2011.

Appraisal, coping, and social support as mediators of well-being in Black and White family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease.

1996 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
William E. Haley ◽  
David L. Roth ◽  
Marci I. Coleton ◽  
Greg R. Ford ◽  
Constance A. C. West ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
White Family ◽  
Black And White
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