A Path Analysis of Agitation in Persons with Alzheimer Disease. (17th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kero, Katherine; Yarandi, Hossein; Schutte, Debra
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 5(2021)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 745
• Page End: 745
• Publication Date: 2021-12-17
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igab046.2767
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: This study tested a theory-driven path model of predictors and outcomes of agitated behavioral symptoms in persons with Alzheimer Disease (AD) guided by the Nursing Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms. This secondary analysis included data from 48 persons with AD from institutional residences in Midwestern United States. Data included measures of physical, psychological, and situational antecedents of agitation, the symptom of agitation, and functional outcomes of agitation with 15 instruments and subscales. The data were a good fit for the empirical path model (χ2 = 1.049, df = 2, p = .592). Statistically significant paths were found from measures of physical, psychological, and situational antecedents to agitation (B = 0.58, 0.446, and 0.51; p ≤ .001) which explained 63% of the variance in agitation. Functional performance was influenced only by physical antecedents, which explained 66% of the variance in functional performance. While physical and psychological states may be comorbid to the AD disease process and therefore less modifiable, the situational measure was primarily defined by measures related to caregiver burden. Therefore, future agitation interventions should target strategies to improve caregiver burden.