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[P1–537]: PREVENTING LOSS OF INDEPENDENCE THROUGH EXERCISE IN PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA IN THE VA (PLIÉ‐VA)
Author(s) -
Barnes Deborah E.,
Chesney Margaret A.,
Yaffe Kristine,
Abrams Gary,
Mehling Wolf
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1016/j.jalz.2017.06.553
Subject(s) - dementia , mood , psychological intervention , sitting , quality of life (healthcare) , physical therapy , cognition , randomized controlled trial , psychology , activities of daily living , severe dementia , medicine , physical medicine and rehabilitation , gerontology , clinical psychology , psychiatry , nursing , disease , surgery , pathology
specific needs for this population. Methods: In this descriptive study there were 14 participants, 11 females and three males with mean age of 62.9(SD6.6) years. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview guide and structured questionnaires that incorporate the Life’s Ups & Downs Scale(LUDS), the Single Item Quality of life Scale (katsuno, 2005), the Zarit Burden Interview (Zarit et al., 1980), and Zung SelfRating Depression Scale (Zung, 1965). The LUDS measured the subjective evaluation of the caregiver’s life quality over time. Vertical axis represents the life quality and horizontal axis represents the time, ‘+10(10cm)’ means best possible time in one’s life and ‘-10(10cm)’ means worst possible time. The participants were asked to draw the line from the left to the right. Four points were indicated to help to evaluate their life quality; before Dx(T1), Dx(T2), Present(T3), Future(T4). All interviews were tape recorded and transcribed. Data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Results:The LUDS revealed that the participants experienced ups and downs in their life living with spouses. The mean LUDS score at T1 was 3.21(SD5.1; Range -7w10) and it decreased to -4.5(SD3.6; range 0w-10 at T2(p1⁄40.001). Five participants continued to rate their life quality negatively over time. Three showed mild depression and seven showed moderate to severe burden at T3. Qualitative data analysis revealed six categories to enhance the participant’s life quality; stability of symptoms, economic & social stability, confidence in caregiving, having support, one’s own health, and connectedness of family. Conclusions: Health care professionals need to foresee the impacts of dementia on family caregiver’s life over time, to monitor their risks, and to provide the integrated care for this population, especially at the time of dementia diagnosis.