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Do caregiver management strategies influence patient behaviour in dementia?
Author(s) -
de Vugt Marjolein E.,
Stevens Fred,
Aalten Pauline,
Lousberg Richel,
Jaspers Niek,
Winkens Ieke,
Jolles Jellemer,
Verhey Frans R. J.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
international journal of geriatric psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.28
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1166
pISSN - 0885-6230
DOI - 10.1002/gps.1044
Subject(s) - dementia , multivariate analysis of variance , psychology , intervention (counseling) , behavior management , family caregivers , personality , caregiver burden , clinical psychology , psychiatry , gerontology , medicine , developmental psychology , disease , social psychology , pathology , machine learning , computer science
Objectives Little is known about the effectiveness of caregiver management strategies on the functioning of the demented patient. However, identification of specific caregiver strategies may provide useful information on the management and manifestation of behavioural problems in dementia. Methods Ninety‐nine patients with dementia and their informal caregivers were followed up for one year. Interviews were used to assess differences in caregiver management strategies. Behavioural disturbances in the patient were measured with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Repeated measures analysis were carried out to investigate the relationship between caregiver management strategies and patient behaviour. Results Three caregiver management strategies were identified, based on whether caregivers accepted, or not, the caregiving situation and dementia related problems. Caregivers characterized by non‐acceptance were typified as ‘Non‐adapters’; caregivers characterized by acceptance were further subdivided into two groups typified as ‘Nurturers’ and ‘Supporters’. Caregiver characteristics such as sex, education and personality were important determinants of management strategies. MANOVA showed that non‐adapters reported significantly more hyperactivity symptoms in patients and felt less competent than did supporters. Conclusions Caregiver management strategies would appear to be associated with behavioural problems in dementia, and are important in predicting patient behaviour and caregiver burden. Intervention programmes should aim at teaching caregivers adequate management strategies. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.