Article
Clinical Neurology
Dorien L. Oostra, Minke S. Nieuwboer, Rene J. F. Melis, Toine E. P. Remers, Marcel G. M. Olde Rikkert, Marieke Perry
Summary: Care integration is important for sustainable health-care systems. The DementiaNet program successfully improved collaboration and quality of care in primary dementia care networks. These improvements persisted even after the program ended, indicating a sustainable transition.
ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Vimal Sriram, Crispin Jenkinson, Michele Peters
Summary: The study found that carers generally perceived assistive technology as beneficial, often using multiple devices and recommending them to others. Establishing centrally funded information sources and a loan store for assistive technology to support carers is recommended. Further research on the incremental addition of assistive technology and its impact on formal/paid care is needed.
Article
Nursing
Alba-Elena Martinez-Santos, Noelia Vicho de la Fuente, David Facal, Lucia Vilanova-Trillo, Manuel Gandoy-Crego, Raquel Rodriguez-Gonzalez
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the care provided by family caregivers of persons with dementia and its impact on their health. Data collected from a sample of 423 primary family caregivers in Spain revealed that the most commonly provided care was related to nutrition and movement needs. The greatest repercussions on caregivers' health included lack of free time, modifications on leisure activities, reduced sleep or rest, and disruption of family life.
APPLIED NURSING RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Sonia Lech, Julie L. O'Sullivan, Johanna Drewelies, Wolfram Herrmann, Robert P. Spang, Jan-Niklas Voigt-Antons, Johanna Nordheim, Paul Gellert
Summary: The study found that adherence to the German Dementia Guideline in primary care was generally high, but there were significant differences in specific recommendations. The findings highlight the importance of guidelines for care provision and the need for better tailoring and development of dementia guidelines for GPs in primary care setting.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Jessica L. Colburn, Daniel L. Scerpella, Margo Chapin, Kathryn A. Walker, Sydney M. Dy, Martha Abshire Saylor, Neha Sharma, Sri Rebala, Ryan E. Anderson, Maura McGuire, Naaz Hussain, Christine Rawlinson, Valerie Cotter, Kimberly Cockey, David L. Roth, Karyn Lee Carlson Nicholson, Erin Rand Giovannetti, Marcella B. Sancho, Diane Echavarria, Cynthia M. Boyd, Jennifer L. Wolff, Kelly M. Smith
Summary: This article describes the implementation and outcomes of ACP in primary care, emphasizing the importance of organizational and clinic-level partnerships, adaptation to different health systems, and lessons learned.
JOURNAL OF PAIN AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Alessandro Pappada, Rabih Chattat, Ilaria Chirico, Marco Valente, Giovanni Ottoboni
Summary: The study found that technology can help both dementia patients and caregivers overcome physical and environmental issues, bringing benefits to mental health, skills learning, and social aspects. However, it also revealed the lack of a common methodological background, highlighting the need for further standardized research to improve the implementation of technology while maintaining personalization.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Siti Khadijah Binti Mohamad Asfia, Jessica Bucholc, Nikki McCaffrey, Cathrine Mihalopoulos, Anne Muldowney, Lidia Engel
Summary: This study explores the impacts on the quality of life of informal carers who provide care to people with dementia, identifying themes such as coping, relationships, support, interference with life, and health.
JOURNAL OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Jenni S. Reiff, John Cagle, Talan Zhang, David L. Roth, Jennifer L. Wolff
Summary: This article presents a study on the quality of communication in primary care patients with cognitive impairment and their caregivers using the End-of-Life (EOL) Communication Quality questionnaire. The results show confusion and uncertainty in rating EOL communication, and suggest improvements to enhance measurement accuracy.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Kieran L. L. Quinn, Therese A. A. Stukel, Erin Campos, Cassandra Graham, Dio Kavalieratos, Susanna Mak, Leah Steinberg, Peter Tanuseputro, Meltem Tuna, Sarina R. R. Isenberg
Summary: Regionally organized, collaborative, home-based palliative care is associated with a greater likelihood of patients with heart failure dying at home rather than in hospital. This approach also offers additional benefits such as higher rates of clinician home visits, longer time to first hospital admission, shorter hospital stays, and more time spent at home.
CANADIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Donny H. Y. Li, Marie-Lee Yous, Paulette V. Hunter, Esther Coker, Danielle Just, Vanina Dal Bello-Haas, Carrie Mcainey, Abigail Wickson-Griffiths, Sharon Kaasalainen
Summary: This study explored the perspectives of LTC staff on the implementation of the Namaste Care program to support the social inclusion of residents living with advanced dementia. LTC staff emphasized the program's ability to meet the unique needs of these residents and foster connections between families and residents, as well as between staff and families. However, staffing constraints remained a significant barrier to effective implementation.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Laura J. Hughes, Stephanie Daley, Nicolas Farina, Naji Tabet, Sube Banerjee
Summary: The study found that care home staff have a positive attitude towards the routine measurement of quality of life. They believe that measuring quality of life as a part of care practice can lead to improvements in resident quality of life, staff knowledge and understanding, and care practices. The findings also suggest that routinely measuring quality of life as a part of normal care could have more far-reaching effects on the provision of person-centred care provided by care staff.
HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY
(2022)
Article
Nursing
Cathryn Smith, Paul Gill, Jessica Baillie
Summary: This article presents a study protocol to investigate the factors that inform healthcare professionals' clinical decision-making in end of life care for people with dementia in primary care. The study will use a qualitative design and ethnographic approach to gather rich data through observation, interviews, and document review. The findings of this study are expected to inform the development of an intervention to support healthcare professionals in providing quality end of life care for people with dementia in primary care.
JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING
(2023)
Article
Gerontology
Kei Ouchi, Christopher Joshi, Jenson Kaithamattam, Seth A. Gale, Gad A. Marshall, Alison Pietras, Wei Wang, Edward W. Boyer, James A. Tulsky, Susan D. Block, Dorene Rentz, Mara A. Schonberg
Summary: This study aimed to refine and test an ED-based strategy to stimulate advance care planning (ACP) conversations for patients with cognitive impairment and their caregivers. The findings suggest that this approach is acceptable and respectful for patients with cognitive impairment and their caregivers.
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
C. Speckemeier, A. Niemann, M. Weitzel, C. Abels, K. Hoefer, A. Walendzik, J. Wasem, S. Neusser
Summary: Alternative forms of housing have been developed to provide care for individuals with dementia. This systematic review analyzes these innovative housing concepts and their effects on residents' quality of life, behavior, cognition, and emotions. While some studies suggest positive effects, others show increased behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in residents living in these settings.
Review
Clinical Neurology
Neal Weisbrod
Summary: Primary palliative care is essential for patients with serious illnesses like dementia. It involves effective communication, counseling, and referral when appropriate. The COVID-19 pandemic adds extra challenges, and clinicians must prioritize patient autonomy while ensuring informed decision making. Pain management and caregiver support are also important aspects of comprehensive care. Palliative care specialists can provide additional assistance in complex cases or when initial management strategies are insufficient.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Fred B. Ketchum, Jessica Monsees, Alice J. Kim, Tim Schmachtenberg, Amy Kind, Manish Shah, Wolfgang Hoffmann, Jochen Rene Thyrian, Andrea Gilmore-Bykovskyi
Summary: The objective of this study is to identify barriers and facilitators to the use of formal dementia services among underserved and minority groups in the United States and Germany. Through qualitative interviews with caregivers, it was found that limited knowledge, challenges in interacting with healthcare systems, and the alignment of formal services with cultural or ethnic/racial identity were important factors influencing the utilization of dementia care services.
AGING & MENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Franka Muehlichen, Bernhard Michalowsky, Anika Raedke, Moritz Platen, Wiebke Mohr, Jochen Rene Thyrian, Wolfgang Hoffmann
Summary: The study described tasks of a collaborative model of dementia care, analyzed the association between task subgroups and patients' and caregivers' characteristics, and the impact of tasks on health-related quality of life. Results showed that patients' characteristics and HRQoL significantly determine the intensity of collaborative care interventions.
JOURNAL OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE
(2022)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Clarissa Giebel, Katarzyna M. Lion, Klara Lorenz-Dant, Aida Suarez-Gonzalez, Catherine Talbot, Emily Wharton, Jacqueline Cannon, Hilary Tetlow, Jochen Rene Thyrian
Summary: This systematic review examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with dementia living in the community or in residential care. The findings indicate that the pandemic has had negative effects on the cognition, physical functioning, and behavior of people with dementia, as well as limited access to care and poorer mental and social health.
AGING & MENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Clarissa Giebel, Catherine V. Talbot, Emily Wharton, Klara Lorenz-Dant, Aida Suarez-Gonzalez, Jacqueline Cannon, Hilary Tetlow, Katarzyna M. Lion, Jochen Rene Thyrian
Summary: This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the early impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on unpaid dementia carers worldwide. The findings indicated that the pandemic had negative effects on the caregiving tasks, burden, and well-being of unpaid dementia carers. Policy initiatives should focus on providing better mental health support and formal care services for unpaid carers and their relatives with dementia, and further research is needed to explore the long-term implications of carer needs in light of care home restrictions and care delivery.
AGING & MENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Roaa Zayed Atef, Bernhard Michalowsky, Anika Raedke, Moritz Platen, Wiebke Mohr, Franka Muehlichen, Jochen Rene Thyrian, Wolfgang Hoffmann
Summary: Hearing loss is common in people with dementia and can lead to social isolation and depression. This study suggests that the use of hearing aids may be associated with improvements in cognitive function, depression, and health-related quality of life in dementia patients.
JOURNAL OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Emrah Duezel, Jochen Rene Thyrian
Summary: It is important to combine treatment and preventive measures for Alzheimer's disease to maintain cognitive functions as long as possible. However, there are challenges in developing and researching treatment concepts. The use of mobile everyday-life digital technologies can help address these challenges by coordinating prevention efforts and focusing on cognitive health and safety. Relevant digital technologies include mobile apps for recording cognitive functions, coaching lifestyle changes, reducing treatment risks, and improving health competence. These medical products are at different stages of development.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jochen Rene Thyrian
Summary: Background: Aging healthily and prevention of diseases are national health targets, and there is compelling evidence on modifiable risk factors suitable for preventive measures. Objective: This article defines terms, presents the roots of prevention in laws, strategies, and guidelines, and outlines the risk factors for dementia and effective preventive measures. Material and methods: The available evidence on risk factors, health behavior, and preventive measures is analyzed, and a multimodal intervention and the impact of motivation on behavior change are discussed.
Review
Robotics
Simone Anna Felding, Wei Qi Koh, Sonja Teupen, Kuebra Beliz Budak, Franziska Laporte Uribe, Martina Roes
Summary: Social robots are increasingly used in the care of older adults, including people living with dementia. An important prerequisite for effective use is knowledge about which factors facilitate and hinder the acceptance of social robots. We conducted a scoping review to understand these factors and identify research gaps.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL ROBOTICS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Felix G. Wittmann, Andrea Zuelke, Alexander Pabst, Melanie Luppa, Jochen Rene Thyrian, Anika Kaestner, Wolfgang Hoffmann, Hanna Kaduszkiewicz, Juliane Doehring, Catharina Escales, Jochen Gensichen, Isabel Zoellinger, Robert Philipp Kosilek, Birgitt Wiese, Anke Oey, Hans-Helmut Koenig, Christian Brettschneider, Thomas Frese, Steffi G. G. Riedel-Heller
Summary: This study analyzed the impact of perceived restriction due to government measures on depressive symptoms in older adults at increased risk for dementia in Germany. The results showed that feeling restricted due to COVID-19 measures was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, and this association was mediated by perceived stress.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Kubra Beliz, Franziska Laporte Uribe, Franka Meiland, Simone Anna Felding, Sonja Teupen, Johannes Michael Bergmann, Rene Mueller-Widmer, Martina Roes
Summary: Loneliness is a significant issue for people with dementia, and active assisted living (AAL) technology has been recognized as a potential solution. This study investigated the familiarity with AAL technology and factors influencing its implementation in European long-term care (LTC) facilities. The findings showed that the familiarity with AAL technology varied among countries, with those investing less in LTC facilities being less familiar with AAL technology. However, the investment in LTC facilities did not seem to affect other aspects of implementation such as costs, planning, and infrastructure.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maria Isabel Cardona, Jessica Monsees, Tim Schmachtenberg, Anna Gruenewald, Jochen Rene Thyrian
Summary: Despite the health benefits of physical activity for people with dementia, their engagement remains low. Previous research has not used implementation science frameworks to explore the barriers and facilitators of physical activity initiatives in this population. Therefore, a more comprehensive understanding of these mediating factors is needed.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Isabel Zoellinger, Alexander Bauer, Iris Blotenberg, Christian Brettschneider, Maresa Buchholz, David Czock, Juliane Doehring, Catharina Escales, Thomas Fankhaenel, Thomas Frese, Wolfgang Hoffmann, Hanna Kaduszkiewicz, Hans-Helmut Koenig, Melanie Luppa, Anke Oey, Alexander Pabst, Linda Sanftenberg, Jochen Rene Thyrian, Julian Weiss, Flora Wendel, Birgitt Wiese, Steffi G. Riedel-Heller, Jochen Gensichen, Piotr Galecki
Summary: In order to develop effective dementia prevention strategies, it is important to understand the risk factors, associated factors, and early signs of dementia. This study found that depressive symptoms, sleeping problems, and higher education levels are significantly associated with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), which is an early form of dementia.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Jens Bohlken, Steffi G. Riedel-Heller, Karel Kostev, Bernhard Michalowsky
Summary: This study compares the prevalence of diagnosed dementia patients in general practitioner practices with the estimated general population. The results show that dementia diagnoses are less frequently documented in GP practices, especially in the age group of 80 years and older.
PSYCHIATRISCHE PRAXIS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Maresa Buchholz, Niklas Weber, Anika Raedke, Jennifer Faber, Tanja Schmitz-Huebsch, Heike Jacobi, Feng Xie, Thomas Klockgether, Bernhard Michalowsky
Summary: The study confirmed an acceptable, reliable, valid, and responsive EQ-5D-3L in SCA patients, measuring HRQoL adequately, besides well-established clinical instruments.
Article
Neurosciences
Jens Bohlken, Kerstin Weber, Steffi Riedel Heller, Bernhard Michalowsky, Karel Kostev
Summary: This retrospective cohort study investigates the association between COVID-19 diagnosis and subsequent mild cognitive disorder (MCD) compared to acute upper respiratory infections (AURI) using data from German general practices. The study finds that the incidence of MCD is higher in COVID-19 patients, especially among younger individuals. Referral to a specialist is recommended when cognitive disorder is suspected.
JOURNAL OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE REPORTS
(2022)