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Effectiveness of an individualized functional training program on affective disturbances and functional skills in mild and moderate dementia—a randomized control trial
Author(s) -
Lam Linda CW,
Lui Victor WC,
Luk Daisy NY,
Chau Rachel,
So Clifton,
Poon Vickie,
Tam Peter,
Ching Raymond,
Lo Henry,
Chiu Julian,
Fung Ada,
Ko Flora SL
Publication year - 2010
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.2309
Subject(s) - apathy , dementia , randomized controlled trial , mood , activities of daily living , psychology , physical therapy , occupational therapy , cognition , clinical psychology , medicine , psychiatry , disease
Objectives We reported the findings of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to examine the effects of an individualized functional enhancement program (FEP) on functional skills and mood symptoms in mild and moderate dementia. Subjects & Methods 74 Chinese older persons with dementia were recruited into a skills training program by occupational therapists (OT). Thirty seven subjects were trained with an individualized selection of daily activities (FEP Intervention, I); 37 were trained with general occupational therapy (Control, C). The FEP comprised of twice weekly group sessions of skills training and problem solving using cognitive behavioral approach. Results At 1 month after completion of program, both I and C subjects showed an improvement in process skills of the assessment of motor and process skills (AMPS)(paired t ‐tests, p < 0.05). At 4 months post‐program, the I group showed a further reduction of cornell scale for depression in dementia (CSDD) scores (paired t ‐test, p = 0.02); Apathy improved at 1 month post‐training ( p = 0.04), but deteriorated at 4 months ( p = 0.01). Group differences in changes of mood and functional scores were not significant (ANVOCA, p > 0.05). Conclusions The findings suggested a potential benefit for individualized occupational therapy. It should be tailor made with individual needs and continued for sustained effectiveness. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.