Longitudinal Predictors of Informant-Rated Involvement of People with Dementia in Everyday Decision-Making: Findings from the IDEAL Program. (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sabatini, Serena; Martyr, Anthony; Gamble, Laura D.; Collins, Rachel; Matthews, Fiona E.; Morris, Robin G.; Rusted, Jennifer M.; Pentecost, Claire; Quinn, Catherine; Clare, Linda
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied gerontology. Volume 42:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 290
• Page End: 301
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: Alzheimer's disease -- caregiving -- functional ability -- cognitive capacity -- neuropsychiatric symptoms -- caregiver stress -- relationship quality; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 362.6
• DOI: 10.1177/07334648221128558
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0733-4648

Abstract

The extent to which people with dementia are involved in everyday decision-making is unclear. We explored informant-rated involvement of people with dementia in everyday decision-making over 2 years and whether functional, behavioral, and psychological factors related to the person with dementia and the caregiver explain variability in involvement of people with dementia in everyday decision-making. We used IDEAL data for 1182 people with dementia and their caregivers. Baseline mean score on the decision-making involvement scale was 31/45; it minimally declined over time. People with dementia who were female, single, and/or whose caregiver was younger had greater involvement in everyday decision-making than those without these characteristics. Better cognition, fewer functional difficulties, fewer neuropsychiatric symptoms, less caregiver stress, and better informant-rated relationship quality were associated with higher involvement in everyday decision-making. Cognitive and functional rehabilitation, and educational resources for caregivers, could prolong involvement of people with dementia in everyday decision-making.