An intervention to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms and caregiver burden in dementia: Preliminary results from a randomized trial of the tailored activity program–outpatient version. (23rd July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: de Oliveira, Alexandra Martini; Radanovic, Marcia; Homem de Mello, Patricia Cotting; Buchain, Patricia Cardoso; Dias Vizzotto, Adriana; Harder, Janaína; Stella, Florindo; Piersol, Catherine Verrier; Gitlin, Laura N.; Forlenza, Orestes Vicente
• Other Names: D'Onofrio Grazia guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of geriatric psychiatry. Volume 34:Number 9(2019)
• Page Start: 1301
• Page End: 1307
• Publication Date: 2018-07-23
• Subjects: caregiver burden -- dementia -- family caregiving -- neuropsychiatric behaviors -- nonpharmacologic intervention -- occupational therapy; Geriatric psychiatry -- Periodicals; Geriatric Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 618.97689
• DOI: 10.1002/gps.4958
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0885-6230

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of the tailored activity program–outpatient version (TAP‐O) and to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in patients with dementia and caregiver burden compared with a control group (psychoeducation intervention). Methods: Twenty‐one persons with dementia and their caregivers were recruited and randomized. The intervention group received TAP‐O, designed for outpatients with dementia and their caregivers. TAP‐O consisted of eight sessions in which an occupational therapist assessed the patient's abilities and interests; prescribed tailored activities; and educated caregivers about dementia, NPS, and how to implement meaningful activities in the daily routine. The control group received eight sessions of a psychoeducation intervention about dementia and NPS. Results: Compared with controls, patients receiving TAP‐O had a significant decrease in hallucination ( P = 0.04), agitation ( P = 0.03), anxiety ( P = 0.02), aggression ( P = 0.01), sleep disorder ( P = 0.02), aberrant motor behavior ( P = 0.02), and in caregiver burden ( P = 0.003). Conclusions: Findings suggest that TAP‐O may be an effective nonpharmacological strategy to reduce NPS of outpatients with dementia and to minimize caregiver burden.