Premium
P2‐519: A MISSING DISCIPLINE IN DEMENTIA CARE: THE CASE FOR MEDICAL FAMILY THERAPY
Author(s) -
Podgorski Carol A.
Publication year - 2018
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.2018.06.1213
Subject(s) - dementia , family therapy , biopsychosocial model , dysfunctional family , grief , disease , psychological intervention , psychiatry , psychology , population , medicine , gerontology , clinical psychology , environmental health , pathology
review revealed 424 patients that met age and mild dementia criteria. 209/422 (49.3%) had had a previous fall, 26.9% had no falls and in 23.8% no information on falls were available. Of patients with a previous fall, 48/209 (23.0%) fell in the past year, 34/48 were contacted by phone, 14/34 (41.2%) of patients contacted agreed to be screened and 12/14 attended the screen. 8/12 (75% prevalence) of screened patients had a vestibular impairment. All patients could complete the screening tests/questionnaires in their entirety. 7/8 were recruited (87.5% recruitment) and 5 patients were randomized to VR and 2 to a control group. Only 1/7 (85.7% attrition) patient attended follow-up at the 3-month mark (control arm, therefore compliance unknown). Conclusion: Vestibular impairment is prevalent in patients with cognitive impairment experiencing falls. Vestibular rehabilitation may reduce falls but is difficult to implement in patients with cognitive impairment. With the increasing prevalence of cognitive impairment, falls and vestibular impairment with age, further research is warranted to design vestibular rehabilitation for those with cognitive impairment.