Does physical activity reduce burden in carers of people with dementia? A literature review

Engagement in Physical Activity and Quality of Life Among Informal Caregivers of Older Adults

OBJECTIVES

This study examined (1) the association of caregiver engagement in physical activity (PA) with their quality of life (QoL) and (2) the moderating effect of caregiver engagement in PA on the relationship between several caregiving stressors and their QoL, among informal caregivers of older adults.

METHODS

Multivariable regression was applied to data from 278 adult caregivers, aged 23-90 years, in Singapore.

RESULTS

Engagement in PA by caregivers was positively associated with psychological, social relationships, and environment domains of their QoL. Caregiver engagement in PA also mitigated the negative association between care-recipient mood impairment and QoL of caregivers in the physical health and social relationships domains.

DISCUSSION

QoL of caregivers may be improved or protected by their regular engagement in PA, especially when their care-recipients have mood impairment. Policymakers and practitioners should encourage caregivers to engage in PA and provide them with the necessary support to do so.

Non-pharmacological interventions to improve mental health outcomes among female carers of people living with a neurological condition: a systematic review

PURPOSE

This systematic review aims to examine the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for improving mental health outcomes among female carers of people living with a neurological condition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A narrative synthesis of English-language randomized controlled trials was undertaken.

RESULTS

18 unique studies were included. Intervention components that were found to have improved mental health outcomes were: delivered in person, to groups, on an intermittent schedule with ≥10 sessions; had a duration between 3-6 months; and were facilitated by research staff or allied health professionals. As the review had few robust studies, results of mental health outcomes reported in studies assessed as low risk of bias were highlighted in the review. Psychoeducation interventions, cognitive behavioural interventions, and support group interventions were found to improve depression. Psychoeducation interventions were also found to improve burden.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a clear need for adequately powered, high-quality randomised controlled trials to determine the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for female carers of people living with a neurological condition.

Physical activity and its relationship to burden and health concerns in family caregivers of people with dementia

BACKGROUND

Caring for people with dementia (PwD) usually triggers stress and leads to mental and somatic health complaints (SHCs). Physical activity (PA) can provide burden relief in PwD caregivers, but it is not clear whether PA habits would contribute to reducing SHCs. This study aims to analyze the effect of PA on the relationship between burden and SHCs in a sample of family caregivers of PwD.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty-seven caregivers of PwD reported their PA habits, and completed the Giessen's Subjective Health Complaints Questionnaire (GBB-8) and the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). The relationship between PA habits, burden of care (ZBI), and SHCs (B-GBB-8 scale) was examined. Subsequently, the moderating effect of PA habits on the relationship between burden and SHCs was tested.

RESULTS

PA habit was inversely associated with ZBI (rbp  = -0.242) and GBB-8 scores (rbp (Gastrointestinal) = -0.174; rbp (Musculoskeletal) = -0.195; rbp (Exhaustion) = -0.247; rbp (Cardiovascular) = -0.250; and rbp (Overall) = -0.257, respectively), whereas moderate positive correlations were found between ZBI and GBB-8 scores (r (Gastrointestinal) = 0.483; r (Musculoskeletal) = 0.536; r (Exhaustion) = 0.542; r (Cardiovascular) = 0.438; and r (Overall) = 0.598, respectively). The interaction effect of PA habit and burden was significant for the overall SHCs (b = -0.11; P < 0.05) and cardiovascular complaints (b = -0.06; P < 0.05). However, the association between burden and SHCs was significant (P < 0.001) only for sedentary caregivers.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that maintaining an active lifestyle through regular PA could potentially help alleviate the adverse effects of caregiver burden on somatic health among caregivers of PwD. Encouraging and endorsing PA interventions for informal caregivers might yield substantial advantages for their health and general well-being.

Who cares for the carer? Codesigning a carer health and wellbeing clinic for older care partners of older people in Australia

INTRODUCTION

Older carers or 'care partners' of older people experiencing care needs often provide essential support, at times while neglecting their own health and well-being. This is an increasingly frequent scenario due to both demographic changes and policy shifts towards ageing in place. Multiple community stakeholders within the care and support ecosystem hold valuable expertise about the needs of older care partners, and the programme and policy responses that may better support their health and well-being. The aim of this study was to identify the perspectives of stakeholders obtained through the codesign phase of a multicomponent research project investigating new models of care and support for older care partners suitable for the Australian context.

METHODS

Principles of codesign were used to engage a purposeful sample of older care partners, health professionals, researchers, policy makers and health service administrators. Participants took part in a series of three codesign workshops conducted remotely via video conferencing. The workshops were supported with briefing material and generated consensus-based summaries, arriving at a preferred service model.

FINDINGS

This paper reports the research design and structure of the codesign panels, the range of findings identified as important to support the health and well-being of older carers of older people, and the resulting service model principles. The codesigned and preferred model of care is currently being prepared for implementation and evaluation in Australia.

PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

This study was conducted using codesign methodology, whereby stakeholders including older care partners and others involved in supporting older carers, were integrally involved with design, development, results and conclusions.

Should Caregivers Also Be Included in Multicomponent Physical-Exercise-Based Interventions for People with a Neurocognitive Disorder? The Caregivers' Perspective

Informal caregivers of people with neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) may play a decisive role in guaranteeing partners' participation in community-based physical exercise interventions. However, little is still known about their perspective on being involved in such programs that are specifically designed for their partners. This study aimed to explore the views of caregivers of people with NCDs about taking part in a multicomponent physical exercise intervention with their partners and to explore the perceived impact of this program on those caregivers who enrolled in it. An exploratory qualitative study was conducted with 20 caregivers (67.5 ± 13.94 years; seven female) from the "Body & Brain" project. Ten took part in the physical exercise sessions (active-participating caregivers), and the others did not (social-participating caregivers). Data retrieved from semi-structured interviews were analyzed following a thematic analysis approach. Regardless of their participation level, all caregivers reported their inclusion to be important in enhancing their partners' initiation and engagement in the sessions; also, they all identified personal gains. Active-participating caregivers reported exercise-related benefits on general health, enjoyment, and social connectedness. Social-participating caregivers considered this intervention an opportunity for respite and appreciated being involved only occasionally (i.e., occasional gatherings or telephone contacts). The findings support the inclusion of caregivers in physical exercise interventions designed for partners with NCDs, considering their decisive role in the partners' adherence and engagement and due to the perceived gains. Future community-based interventions designed for people with NCDs should consider giving caregivers the opportunity to choose whether they want or not to be actively involved in the exercise sessions. Further studies with larger samples are needed to verify these results, comparing caregivers' point of view at baseline and post-intervention.

Effectiveness of exercise programmes in improving physical function and reducing behavioural symptoms of community living older adults with dementia living in Asia, and impact on their informal carers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

There is a growing evidence on the benefits of exercise for older people living with dementia in developed countries. However, cultural, health-care systems and environmental differences may impact on the uptake of exercise and outcomes in different regions of the world.

Objective

This study synthesised the available evidence examining the effectiveness of exercise interventions on improving physical function and reducing behavioural symptoms in community-dwelling older people living with dementia in Asia, and the impact on their informal carers.

Methods

Six databases were searched to November 2021. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-experimental studies evaluating exercise interventions for community-dwelling older people with dementia living in Asia were included. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials and Downs and Black checklist had been used to assess methodological quality of the studies. Meta-analyses using a fixed effects model assessed the effects of exercise interventions where sufficient data were available. Mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to pool results.

Results

Nine studies (five RCTs) were included (Hong Kong-4, China-1, South Korea-2, Taiwan-1, Indonesia-1). Exercise improved dynamic balance [Functional Reach (2 studies, n = 111 people with dementia), MD = 2 . 61 , 95% CI (1.55, 3.67)], but not for the Berg Balance Scale (MD = 1 . 10 , 95% CI [-2.88, 5.07]), Timed Up and Go (MD =- 3 . 47 , 95% CI [-7.27, 0.33]) and 5 times sit to stand tests (MD =- 1 . 86 , 95% CI [-5.27, 1.54]). Single studies where data could not be pooled showed no effect of exercise on behavioural symptoms or impact on informal carers.

Conclusion

Exercise appeared to have a beneficial effect on improving balance performance among older people with dementia living in Asia, however, this evidence is limited and inconsistent, and should be interpreted with caution. Further high-quality large RCTs are necessary for advancing the evidence base of exercise interventions for this population.

A Telehealth Home-Based Exercise Program for Community-Dwelling Older People with Dementia in Indonesia: A Feasibility Study

(1) Background: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a telehealth home-based exercise program for older people with dementia living in Indonesia with support from their informal carers. (2) Methods: Pre-post intervention single group study with three assessment time-points (baseline, 12 and 18 weeks). Participants with dementia underwent a 12-week physiotherapist-delivered telehealth exercise program, with informal carer supervision between supervised online sessions, and continued the exercises for a further six weeks without physiotherapist online supervision. (3) Results: Thirty dyads of older people with dementia and their informal carers were recruited; four (13.3%) withdrew across the 12-week intervention and one (3.3%) in the 6-week self-maintenance period. Median adherence was 84.1% (IQR [25, 75] = 17.1) during the 12-week intervention, and 66.7% (IQR [25, 75] = 16.7) in the self-maintenance period. No falls/adverse events were reported. Physical activity level, some aspects of function and disability, health-related benefits of exercise, exercise enjoyment and quality of life of older people with dementia improved significantly at 12 and 18 weeks. (4) Conclusions: The telehealth exercise program is feasible and safe and may have benefits for the health outcomes of community-living older people with dementia in Indonesia. Additional strategies are necessary to enhance longer-term adherence to the program.

Effects of a Home-Based Exercise Program on Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Fitness in Dementia Caregivers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Regular exercise can be an effective health-promotion strategy to improve the physical and mental health of informal caregivers. A randomized controlled trial study was designed to evaluate the effects of a 9-month home-based exercise intervention on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and physical fitness in female family caregivers of persons with dementia. Fifty-four female caregivers were randomly assigned to two groups for the 9-month study period. Participants of the intervention group (n = 25) performed two 60-min exercise sessions per week at home, under the direct supervision of a personal trainer. Participants in the control group (n = 23) continued their habitual leisure-time activities. HRQoL was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire, and physical fitness was measured using a battery of appropriate fitness tests. After 9 months, significant improvements were observed in general health, social function, vitality, hand and leg strength, trunk flexor and extensor endurance, and aerobic endurance in the intervention group. The present intervention was highly adherent and safe for the participants, with no dropout related to the intervention. As a home-based exercise program conducted by a personal trainer face to face, it can be considered as a feasible and appropriate method to improve the most deficient HRQoL dimensions and contribute to preserving the functional capacity of female family caregivers of persons with dementia.

A Cross-Sectional Study about the Associations between Physical Activity Level, Self-Perceived Health Perception and Mental Health in Informal Caregivers of Elderly or People with Chronic Conditions in Spain

Providing informal care for older people, or people with chronic conditions, is associated with poorer physical and mental health and reduced quality of life. This task, in many cases, often relies on the women in the immediate family. Physical activity (PA) is a tool to enhance caregivers' physical and mental health and their quality of life. Thus, this study aimed to analyse the associations between the physical activity level (PAL), self-perceived health (SPH) and mental health (SM) and its factors (positive coping, self-esteem, and stress) by conducting a cross-sectional study by using data from in the National Health Survey 2017 (ENSE 2017), the last one before the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample included 2225 caregivers (866 men and 1361 women). Descriptive analysis and non-parametric statistical tests, including chi-square, the Kruskal-Wallis test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and the Spearman's rho correlation coefficient, were used. Dependence relationships were found between PAL and SPH and MH and their factors. The population groups that performed moderate or vigorous PA showed better results in both SPH and MH. Women scored worse than men in all the variables analysed. Hence, intense, or moderate PA practice may improve SPH and MH in Spanish informal caregivers, requiring the implementation of policies and programs considering the differences found between men and women in PAL, SPH, and MH.

The Support Person's Preferences and Perspectives of Physical Activity Programs for Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment

Objectives: Physical activity (PA) is beneficial for older adults' cognition. There is limited research investigating perspectives of support persons (SPs) of next-of-kins (NOKs) with cognitive impairment. This exploratory study aimed to investigate perspectives of SPs of older adults with Alzheimer's Dementia (AD) or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

Methods: A telephone survey of 213 SPs of NOKs from the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle Flagship Study of Ageing (AIBL) was undertaken to quantitatively assess SPs' beliefs and knowledge about PA benefits, current PA level of their NOK, and PA program preferences. The contribution of age, gender, diagnosis and mental health symptoms was assessed using multiple logistic regression analyses.

Results: Many SPs were aware of PA benefits for memory (64%) and believed it would help their NOK (72%). Older SP age was associated with less awareness of benefits (p = 0.016). SPs caring for male NOKs were more likely to believe that PA would be helpful than those caring for female NOKs (p = 0.049). NOK AD diagnosis (rather than MCI) (p = 0.014), older age (p = 0.005) and female gender (p = 0.043) were associated with lower PA levels. SPs were mixed regarding preference for their NOKs to participate in individual (45%) or group (54%) PA. Many SPs wanted to participate in PA with their NOK (63%).

Conclusions: The results highlight that SPs have high levels of awareness of the cognitive benefits of PA, and describe their preferences regarding PA programs. The findings provide new information to inform targeted public health messaging, PA prescribers and providers, and future research directions.

Systematic Review of Exercise for Caregiver-Care Recipient Dyads: What Is Best for Spousal Caregivers-Exercising Together or Not at All?

Background and Objectives

Though exercise for care recipients receives considerable emphasis, few dyadic studies focus on caregivers. This systematic review identified dyadic exercise interventions, which measured outcomes for older adult caregivers. Studies that met inclusion criteria were examined to better understand whether caregivers derived greater benefit from exercising with care recipients, or not exercising at all.

Research Design and Methods

PRISMA guidelines were followed to identify quantitative studies of dyadic exercise interventions in which caregivers enrolled with care recipients, and either coparticipated in exercise; or while their care recipients exercised independently, caregivers received a separate, nonexercise intervention or usual care (UC). To be included, studies had to measure physical or psychosocial outcomes for caregivers. Study quality was assessed via the Downs and Black checklist.

Results

Eleven studies met inclusion criteria. In six, the dyad exercised; in five, care recipients exercised while caregivers received a separate program, or UC. Results suggest that caregivers may improve both psychosocial and physical health when exercising together with care recipients. Caregivers who did not exercise but received a separate, nonexercise intervention, such as support, education, or respite, showed psychosocial benefits. Those who received UC were less likely to derive physical or psychosocial benefits. Included studies were fair to good quality with moderate to high risk of bias.

Discussion and Implications

Often examined secondarily, caregivers are overlooked for participation in interventions with care recipients. This analysis suggests that caregivers may benefit from dyadic interventions in which they either exercise together with their care recipients or receive a separate nonexercise intervention or respite.

A systematic review of physical activity and quality of life and well-being

Maintaining or improving quality of life (QoL) and well-being is a universal goal across the lifespan. Being physically active has been suggested as one way to enhance QoL and well-being. In this systematic review, conducted in part for the 2018 U.S. Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Scientific Advisory Committee Report, we examined the relationship between physical activity (PA) and QoL and well-being experienced by the general population across the lifespan and by persons with psychiatric and neurologic conditions. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and pooled analyses from 2006 to 2018 were used for the evidence base. Strong evidence (predominantly from randomized controlled trials [RCTs]) demonstrated that, for adults aged 18-65 years and older adults (primarily 65 years and older), PA improves QoL and well-being when compared with minimal or no-treatment controls. Moderate evidence indicated that PA improves QoL and well-being in individuals with schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease, and limited evidence indicated that PA improves QoL and well-being for youth and for adults with major clinical depression or bipolar disorder. Insufficient evidence existed for individuals with dementia because of a small number of studies with mixed results. Future high-quality research designs should include RCTs involving longer interventions testing different modes and intensities of PA in diverse populations of healthy people and individuals with cognitive (e.g., dementia) and mental health conditions (e.g., schizophrenia) to precisely characterize the effects of different forms of PA on aspects of QoL and well-being.

Effects of Physical Activity Programs on Health Outcomes of Family Caregivers of Older Adults with Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review

This systematic review was conducted to analyze and capture the most recent trends in physical activity interventions for family caregivers of older adults with chronic disease as found in randomized clinical trials over the last 10 years (2010-2020). We used PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycInfo, and the Cochrane Library. We synthesized participants' demographics, physical activity interventions and family caregivers' health outcomes. The Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool was used to assess risk of bias of the included studies. Sixteen studies were included and most studies (n = 11) had a moderate risk of bias. Physical activity programs with mixed modes (e.g., aerobic and resistance exercise), mixed delivery methods (e.g., in-person and telephone) and mixed settings (e.g., supervised gym-based sessions and unsupervised home-based sessions) were used most frequently. Physical activity interventions significantly improved psychological health but had inconsistent effects on physical health. This review provides current trends and research findings that suggest types of physical activity interventions and components that improve family caregivers' health and wellness.

Adapting a whole health model to home-based primary care: Bridging person-driven priorities with veteran and family-centered geriatric care

Through the integration of Whole Health for Life into the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system, the VA aims to transform health care delivery from a disease management approach to one that embraces person-centered care. The home-based primary care (HBPC) program is a care model that, within the VA, provides holistic primary care services to homebound veterans with multiple chronic medical conditions, mental health issues, and functional declines. These veterans may have limited access to VA programs delivered in a traditional outpatient format. This article describes adaptations to the whole health model of care that could improve its accessibility and applicability to HBPC veterans, caregivers, and the interdisciplinary teams that serve this population. These modifications are informed by whole-person geriatric and gerontological and family-systems theories and address population-based differences in the focus and approach to care. The focus on care is expanded to (a) reflect the importance of attending to caregiver needs and well-being and (b) shift from a preventative model to one that prioritizes resilience and maintenance. The approach to care emphasizes alternative modes of delivery, adaptations to interventions, and integration of geriatric-specific medical considerations into the self-care domains and more directly centers the collaboration between family, the VA, and community partners. This adapted model also addresses the unique needs of health care teams providing in-home services to medically complex veterans and offers suggestions for enhancing self-care and preventing burnout. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Barriers, motivators and facilitators of physical activity in people with dementia and their family carers in England: dyadic interviews

INTRODUCTION

Physical activity may have a number of physical and mental health benefits for people with dementia and their carers. However, there is limited evidence about factors that influence physical activity participation in these groups. This study therefore looks at the barriers, facilitators and motivators of physical activity in people with dementia, from both the perspective of the person with dementia and their carer.

METHOD

Thirty participants (15 sets of community-dwelling people with dementia and their family carers) were recruited from the South East of England. The participants took part in semi-structured dyadic interviews about their views of physical activity. Interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis at an individual level and comparisons were made between the groups.

RESULTS

Common motivator themes across persons with dementia and family carers were emotional and physical wellbeing, and social connectedness. Physical health was seen as a common barrier in both groups. Physical activity in the person with dementia was encouraged and supported by the family carer. For the carer, their caring role, and limited time acted as barriers to their participation.

CONCLUSION

Themes such as social connectedness, positive emotion and health were seen as key motivators to physical activity, which indicate that people with dementia and carers use physical activity as a means to maintain and improve their quality of life. Supporting family members to better facilitate such activities could encourage physical activity in people with dementia.

Effects of a home-based exercise program on mental health for caregivers of relatives with dementia: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

This study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a home-based physical exercise program on participants' mental health: psychological symptoms, depression, and burden of female informal caregivers.

DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS

In a randomized controlled trial, a sample of 48 female informal primary caregivers completed the entire study, 25 were randomly allocated to the intervention group (IG), and 23 participants to the control group (CG).

INTERVENTION

Participants in the IG performed two 60-minute-long physical exercise sessions per week (36 weeks) that were supervised by a personal trainer at caregivers' home during 9 months. The CG continued their habitual leisure-time activities.

MEASUREMENTS

Subjective burden was assessed by the Zarit Burden Interview. The risk of depression was measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form 15-item version, and psychological symptoms were evaluated by the Symptom Check List-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). All participants were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the intervention.

RESULTS

A promising positive impact of the intervention on caregivers' subjective burden and risk of depression was found in the IG. In addition, no significant between-group differences were found in any of nine subscales scores of the SCL-90-R. Finally, care recipients' level of functional independence and area of residence were found to be predictors of the promising positive impact on caregivers' subjective burden and risk of depression.

CONCLUSIONS

The present home-based physical exercise intervention that was individually implemented has shown promising results to reduce subjective burden and risk of depression in female caregivers of relatives with dementia. However, future research efforts should elucidate both the particular dose of physical exercise and the particular duration of the intervention that are required to obtain the expected significant positive impact. Finally, future inclusion of psychological approaches, besides physical exercise, might help reduce female caregivers' psychological symptoms.

Feasibility of a Nurse Coached Walking Intervention for Informal Dementia Caregivers

This study's purpose was to determine the feasibility of a nurse coached walking intervention for informal caregivers of persons with dementia. Participants were randomly assigned to a nurse coached intervention or a control group. Five male and 27 female caregivers (n = 32) participated. Measures included steps, walked well-being, and perceived stress. For steps walked, each group experienced a statistical difference (p = .01 control; p = .02 intervention) and large effect size (0.90). Neither group had a statistical difference in well-being (p = .38 control; p = .08 intervention) or perceived stress (p = .56 control; p = .18 intervention). The intervention group achieved a large effect size in well-being (1.38) and moderate effect size in perceived stress (0.51). A 0.94 pedometer adherence, self-reported user ease with technology and 100% retention rate support feasibility. Many participants described feelings of loneliness and grief, but reported the pedometer motivated them to walk.

Psychosocial interventions to support the mental health of informal caregivers of persons living with dementia - a systematic literature review

Background

Informal caregivers of persons living with dementia have an increased risk of adverse mental health effects. It is therefore important to systematically summarize published literature in order to find out which mental health interventions generate effective support for informal caregivers of persons living with dementia. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review of intervention content, effectiveness and subgroup differentiation of mental health interventions for informal caregivers of persons with dementia living at home.

Method

We searched four electronic databases (PubMed, PsychINFO, Scopus and CINAHL) and included only methodically high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs), published in English or German language between 2009 and 2018. The intervention programmes focused on mental health of family caregivers. A narrative synthesis of the included studies is given.

Results

Forty-eight publications relating to 46 intervention programmes met the inclusion criteria. Burden, depression and quality of life (QoL) are the predominant parameters that were investigated. Twenty-five of forty-six interventions (54.3%) show positive effects on at least one of the outcomes examined. Most often, positive effects are reported for the outcome subjective burden (46.2%). Only six studies explicitly target on a certain subgroup of informal dementia caregivers (13%), whereas all other interventions (87%) target the group as a whole without differentiation.

Conclusion

The most beneficial results were found for cognitive behavioural approaches, especially concerning the reduction of depressive symptoms. Besides this, leisure and physical activity interventions show some good results in reducing subjective caregiver burden. In order to improve effectiveness, research and practice may focus on developing more targeted interventions for special dementia informal caregiver subgroups.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-021-02020-4.

Double-task exercise programmes to strengthen cognitive and vascular health in older adults at risk of cognitive decline: protocol for a randomised clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Cognitive and physical declines are frequent causes of disability among older adults (OAs) in Mexico that imposes significant burden on the health system and OAs' families. Programmes to prevent or delay OAs' cognitive and physical decline are scarce.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A double-blind randomised clinical trial will be conducted. The study will aim to evaluate two 24-week double-task (aerobic and cognitive) square-stepping exercise programmes for OAs at risk of cognitive decline-one programme with and another without caregiver participation-and to compare these with an aerobic-balance-stretching exercise programme (control group). 300 OAs (100 per group) affiliated with the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) between 60 and 65 years of age with self-reported cognitive concerns will participate. They will be stratified by education level and randomly allocated to the groups. The intervention will last 24 weeks, and the effect of each programme will be evaluated 12, 24 and 52 weeks after the intervention. Participants' demographic and clinical characteristics will be collected at baseline. The outcomes will include: (1) general cognitive function; (2) specific cognitive functions; (3) dual-task gait; (4) blood pressure; (5) carotid intima-media thickness; (6) OAs' health-related quality of life; and (7) caregiver burden. The effects of the interventions on each outcome variable will be examined using a repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), with study groups as the between-subjects variable and time as the within-subject variable.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study was approved by the IMSS Ethics and Research Committees (registration number: 2018-785-095). All participants will sign a consent form prior to their participation. The study results will be disseminated to the IMSS authorities, healthcare providers and the research community.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04068376).

Nonpharmacological Forms of Therapy to Reduce the Burden on Caregivers of Patients with Dementia-A Pilot Intervention Study

The aim of this pilot intervention study was to assess the effectiveness of selected forms of therapy (massage and relaxation) in reducing the perceived burden and improving the emotional status of caregivers of people with dementia and to determine which form of physical intervention is most effective. The study group was made up of 45 informal caregivers, who were divided into three subgroups (the massage group, relaxation group and control group). The Caregiver Burden Scale (CBS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Berlin Social Support Scale (BSSS) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were used. In the study group of caregivers, an average level of perceived burden, satisfactory life satisfaction and moderate severity of depressive symptoms were found. Massage led to a reduction in perceived burden and an improvement in mood and well-being of the examined group of caregivers. Group relaxation activities had no effect on the level of burden experienced by the caregivers, but significantly improved their mood. Both massage and relaxation were equally effective in improving the well-being of caregivers. Due to the lower cost of group activities, relaxation activities seem to be more effective and easier to organize, but further studies are necessary.

Family Caregiving for Older Adults

Family members are the primary source of support for older adults with chronic illness and disability. Thousands of published empirical studies and dozens of reviews have documented the psychological and physical health effects of caregiving, identified caregivers at risk for adverse outcomes, and evaluated a wide range of intervention strategies to support caregivers. Caregiving as chronic stress exposure is the conceptual driver for much of this research. We review and synthesize the literature on the impact of caregiving and intervention strategies for supporting caregivers. The impact of caregiving is highly variable, driven largely by the intensity of care provided and the suffering of the care recipient. The intervention literature is littered with many failures and some successes. Successful interventions address both the pragmatics of care and the emotional toll of caregiving. We conclude with both research and policy recommendations that address a national agenda for caregiving.

Effectiveness of a Physical Therapeutic Exercise Programme for Caregivers of Dependent Patients: A Pragmatic Randomised Controlled Trial from Spanish Primary Care

Female family caregivers (FFCs) constitute one of the basic supports of socio-health care for dependence in developed countries. The care provided by FFCs may impact their physical and mental health, negatively affecting their quality of life. In order to alleviate the consequences of providing care on FFCs, the Spanish Public Health System has developed the family caregiver care programme (FCCP) to be applied in primary care (PC) centres. The effectiveness of this programme is limited. To date, the addition of a physical therapeutic exercise (PTE) programme to FCCP has not been evaluated. A randomised multicentre clinical trial was carried out in two PC centres of the Spanish Public Health System. In total, 68 FFCs were recruited. The experimental group (EG) performed the usual FCCP (4 sessions, 6 h) added to a PTE programme (36 sessions in 12 weeks) whereas the control group performed the usual FCCP performed in PC. The experimental treatment improved quality of life (d = 1.17 in physical component summary), subjective burden (d = 2.38), anxiety (d = 1.52), depression (d = 1.37) and health-related physical condition (d = 2.44 in endurance). Differences between the groups (p < 0.05) were clinically relevant in favour of the EG. The experimental treatment generates high levels of satisfaction.

The Effect of the "Great Village" on Psychological Outcomes, Burden, and Mastery in African American Caregivers of Persons Living With Dementia

The "Great Village," a cultural adaptation of a psychoeducation intervention the "Savvy Caregiver" for African American caregivers of persons living with dementia (PLwD), aims to develop caregivers' skills and improve the quality of the lives of both the PLwD and their caregivers. The goal of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the Great Village on depressive symptoms, anxiety, burden, and mastery in African American caregivers (N = 142). A three-arm randomized control trial (Great Village, Great Village + exercise, and attention control) was conducted over a period of 6 months. Caregivers who received either Great Village or Great Village + exercise reported significant reduction in depressive symptoms and improvement in mastery. Caregivers who received only Great Village reported a reduction in anxiety. Receiving no intervention worsened caregiver burden. African American caregivers should receive culturally tailored interventions to support their health and well-being and improve their competence in caregiving.

Caregiver influences on 'living well' for people with dementia: Findings from the IDEAL study

Objectives: The capability to 'live well' in people with dementia can be influenced by many factors, including those related to the experiences of their informal caregiver. How caregivers experience their own role can affect not only their well-being but also the way they provide care and hence the experience of the person with dementia. The aim of this study is to identify the potential impact of the caregiver's perception of the caregiving experience on how people with mild to moderate dementia self-rate their QoL, well-being and satisfaction with life.Method: This study utilised time-point 1 data from 1283 informal caregiver and the 1283 people with dementia whom they provide care from the IDEAL cohort study. Multivariate modelling was used to investigate the associations between measures related to the caregiver's perception of the caregiving experience (caregiving stress, perceived social restrictions, caregiving competence, positive aspects of caregiving, and coping) and the self-ratings of QoL, satisfaction with life, and well-being by the person with dementia.Results: Lower QoL ratings by the person with dementia were associated with high caregiver stress (-1.98; 95% CI: -2.89, -1.07), high perceived social restrictions (-2.04; 95% CI: -2.94, -1.14) and low caregiving competence (-2.01; 95% CI: -2.95, -1.06). Similar associations were found for satisfaction with life and wellbeing. Positive aspects of caregiving and coping were not associated with outcomes for the person with dementia.Conclusion: The findings indicate that how the caregiver experiences caregiving can affect the person with dementia. This finding reinforces the importance of providing support to caregivers.

Care2Caregivers: A Retrospective Examination of Needs Addressed and Services Provided by a Peer Support Helpline

Family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (CADRD) provide significant support to their family members but often experience challenges and stress that impact their quality of life. Peer supporters can be an important resource to help alleviate stress associated with caregiving, yet few published studies have examined peer supporters for CADRD. This retrospective cohort study examined data collected from a peer support helpline for CADRD in a middle Atlantic state. Four years of data were reviewed to examine trends across time. Data analysis indicated that the most often reported issues by CADRD callers were related to their own emotional well-being. Results demonstrated that peer supporters have potential to address practical, physical, social, and emotional needs of caregivers who reach out. Nurses are well-positioned to partner with peer support specialists to best address the practical and emotional support needs and self-care challenges faced by CADRD. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 58(10), 13-16.].

Sources of Caregiving Burden in Middle-Aged and Older Latino Caregivers

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to identify sources of caregiver burden in middle-aged and older Latino caregivers of people with Alzheimer disease and related dementia (ADRD).

METHODS

Participants were recruited through an agreement with the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center Clinic Data Repository. We conducted semistructured interviews with 16 middle-aged and older Latinos who were the primary caregiver for a family member diagnosed with ADRD. The interview guide consisted of questions and probes to capture participants' perceptions of family caregiving. Direct content analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Participants were aged 50 to 75 years (n = 16) and a majority female (n = 12). The sources of burden identified were (1) caregiver responsibilities, (2) caregiving-related health decline, (3) lack of support, (4) financial status, (5) vigilance, and (6) concerns about the future.

CONCLUSIONS

The influence of gender roles seemed to play a role in caregivers' perceptions of sources of burden, especially on caregiver responsibilities and perceptions of lack of support. Latinos cultural values such as familismo and marianismo likely reinforced gender disparities in family caregiving.

A comprehensive meta-review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on nonpharmacological interventions for informal dementia caregivers

Background

Many reviews with conflicting findings on dementia caregiver interventions have been published. A meta-review was conducted to synthesize the findings of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Methods

MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane Library were searched to identify reviews published during 2006–2018.

Results

Sixty reviews covering > 500 intervention studies were selected and appraised with Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) II. The great majority of studies were of low quality according to AMSTAR II, but quality factors appeared unrelated to the conclusions obtained. Depression was most modifiable, with effects found across a spectrum of interventions (psychoeducation, counseling/psychotherapy, occupational therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, multicomponent interventions, etc.). Evidence of intervention effect was also found for quality of life (psychoeducation), mastery (psychoeducation, occupational therapy and multicomponent interventions) and communication skills (communication training). Null or weak results were found for anxiety, social support and burden. Support groups and respite were generally ineffective. There was no evidence that dyadic programs were better than caregiver-only programs, or that programs delivered individually or in groups would differ in their impacts. The evidence also does not support multicomponent interventions to have broader impacts than single-component programs. Methodological issues in the existing reviews (e.g., selective use of studies to serve different research purposes and inconsistent classification of interventions) were noted and taken into account when interpreting findings.

Conclusions

This meta-review clarified variations in review methodology and identified a few potent groups of intervention (most notably psychoeducation, psychotherapy, occupational therapy, and multicomponent interventions), although no intervention type had broad effects on caregiver outcomes. We note that improvements are needed in the reporting of intervention studies and in making the classification of interventions more transparent and consistent. We further recommend fewer and larger-scale reviews and more attention to positive outcomes in order to better inform the field. Developing interventions with broader impacts and packaging them to meet caregivers’ changing needs in the course of dementia should be a priority for researchers and practitioners.

Cost-Effectiveness and Effects of a Home-Based Exercise Intervention for Female Caregivers of Relatives with Dementia: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Previous research has proposed a range of support interventions to mitigate the adverse impact of caregiving on the daily life of caregivers of relatives with dementia. However, the effectiveness of these interventions shows a high variability. Informal caregivers usually lack the time and/or live too far from conventional facilities to do physical exercise, especially those who live in rural areas. Thus, home-based interventions may be more efficacious due to their greater convenience for this population. The present work proposes and describes a study protocol for a randomized control trial that will analyze the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a home-based, structured individual physical exercise intervention to improve the health-related quality of life and the mental health of female informal caregivers of relatives with dementia. The nine-month-long intervention will comprise participation in two supervised physical exercise sessions per week at the caregiver’s home. The proposed study outcomes will be: (1) feasibility of and adherence to the home-based provision of the intervention; (2) improvement in physical fitness and quality of life; and (3) reduction in subjective burden, psychological symptomatology and depression. Analyses will also be performed to determine the cost-effectiveness after the intervention. In conclusion, this intervention might thus represent a tailored and feasible strategy to help caregivers cope with the physical and psychological stress resulting from caregiving-related responsibilities, and it could represent a novel cost-effective support home-based intervention for caregivers.

Effect of Exercise Training on the Mental and Physical Well-Being of Caregivers for Persons Living With Chronic Illnesses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Increased demands associated with caregiving may lead to deleterious physical and mental health outcomes. Caregiving has proven to have consequences that affect both physical and psychological well-being. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effects of exercise training on the mental and physical health of caregivers for persons living with chronic illnesses. A systematic review following the Prisma methodology was performed searching eight databases. Thirteen out of 1,632 screened studies were included for analysis. The standardized mean difference was used as the effect size (ES) and was calculated such that a positive ES indicated efficacy of exercise training for improving health. Overall, the meta-analysis yielded a statistically significant and small-to-medium ES (overall ES = 0.30; 95% confidence interval = [0.08, 0.52]; p = .007). Our analysis supports exercise training to improve the mental and physical health of family caregivers of persons living with chronic illnesses.

Music Therapy and Physical Activity to Ease Anxiety, Restlessness, Irritability, and Aggression in Individuals With Dementia With Signs of Frontotemporal Lobe Degeneration

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate whether a combined intervention of physical activity and music therapy could reduce anxiety, restlessness, irritability, and aggression among individuals with severe dementia. An exploratory design was used to evaluate a combined intervention of physical activity, music therapy, and daily walking. Interventions were systematically implemented for 8 weeks. Target groups were individuals with dementia with frontal lobe symptoms in institutional care. Primary outcome measure was the Brøset Violence Checklist (BVC). Four men and two women (mean age = 84.3 years) and their primary caretakers (n = 6) participated. The most prominent symptoms among participants at baseline were confusion, irritability, and verbal threats. The individual BVC total scores indicated significant improvements (p = 0.03). Implementation of individualized music therapy combined with increased physical activity for 8 weeks was a feasible intervention that reduced anxiety, restlessness, irritability, and aggression in the current study. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57(5), 29-37.].

Correlating the Physical Activity Patterns of People with Moderate to Severe Multiple Sclerosis Disability and Their Family Caregivers

Purpose: People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and their family caregivers often react to the impact of the disease as an interdependent dyad. The aim of this exploratory study was to examine interdependence in the physical activity (PA) patterns of dyads affected by moderate to severe MS disability. Method: A total of 15 pairs of PwMS and their family caregivers wore accelerometers for 7 days. By collecting data simultaneously from both partners, we tested interdependence using the dyad as the unit of analysis. Results: PwMS and caregivers averaged 4,091.3 (SD 2,726.3) and 6,160.2 (SD 1,653.0) steps per day, respectively. The mean number of minutes per day of sedentary, light, and moderate to vigorous activity for PwMS was 566.3 (SD 97.7), 167.4 (SD 94.0), and 7.6 (SD 12.4), respectively, and 551.9 (SD 92.4), 199.6 (SD 63.4), and 21.4 (SD 18.2), respectively, for caregivers. Interdependence between dyads for sedentary, light, moderate to vigorous activity, and step count was low and non-significant (rs=0.20, 0.26, 0.13, and -0.27, respectively; p>0.05). Conclusions: Although our findings do not support the interdependence of PA between caregivers and care recipients with MS, they do show that both partners are not engaging in sufficient PA to achieve important health benefits. These findings are important because they indicate that the dyads are likely to benefit from interventions for changing PA behavior.

Updated meta-review of evidence on support for carers

Objective To update a 2010 meta-review of systematic reviews of effective interventions to support carers of ill, disabled, or older adults. In this article, we report the most promising interventions based on the best available evidence. Methods Rapid meta-review of systematic reviews published from January 2009 to 2016. Results Sixty-one systematic reviews were included (27 high quality, 25 medium quality, and nine low quality). The quality of reviews has improved since the original review, but primary studies remain limited in quality and quantity. Fourteen high quality reviews focused on carers of people with dementia, four on carers of those with cancer, four on carers of people with stroke, three on carers of those at the end of life with various conditions, and two on carers of people with mental health problems. Multicomponent interventions featured prominently, emphasizing psychosocial or psychoeducational content, education and training. Improved outcomes for carers were reported for mental health, burden and stress, and wellbeing or quality of life. Negative effects were reported in reviews of respite care. As with earlier work, we found little robust evidence on the cost-effectiveness of reviewed interventions. Conclusions There is no 'one size fits all' intervention to support carers. There is potential for effective support in specific groups of carers, such as shared learning, cognitive reframing, meditation, and computer-delivered psychosocial support for carers of people with dementia. For carers of people with cancer, effective support may include psychosocial interventions, art therapy, and counselling. Carers of people with stroke may also benefit from counselling. More good quality, theory-based, primary research is needed.

A Descriptive Systematic Review of Physical Activity Interventions for Caregivers: Effects on Caregivers' and Care Recipients' Psychosocial Outcomes, Physical Activity Levels, and Physical Health

BACKGROUND

Caregiving can adversely impact individuals' psychosocial and physical well-being. An important task in health research is to find effective ways to enhance caregivers' health and functioning.

PURPOSE

To provide a systematic review of the efficacy of physical activity (PA) interventions for caregivers on their and the care recipients' psychosocial outcomes, PA levels, and physical health.

METHODS

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist, a descriptive systematic review of studies examining the effects of PA interventions for caregivers on their outcomes and those of the care recipients was conducted. Studies were primarily identified through searching electronic databases.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies were reviewed. PA interventions significantly decreased caregivers' distress and increased their well-being, quality of life, sleep quality, PA levels, self-efficacy for caregiving or exercise, and readiness for exercise. Most PA interventions targeted the caregiver alone. Two studies examined the impact of the intervention on the care recipient and found no significant effect.

CONCLUSIONS

PA interventions hold promise in improving caregivers' outcomes. However, more high quality trials are needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

Comparing the Effect of a Moderate Physical Activity Intervention on the Mental Health Outcomes of African American and Caucasian Dementia Family Caregivers: A Secondary Data Analysis

Increased attention to the effects of the stressful demands of caregiving on the mental health of dementia caregivers has resulted in the development of numerous interventions. The current study is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial that tested a 12-month moderate physical activity intervention with dementia caregivers. Our secondary data analysis examined racial differences in caregiver mental health outcomes including subjective burden, depressive symptoms, and positive affect, as well as differences in physical activity. A total of 211 community-dwelling dementia family caregivers were randomly assigned to a 12-month Enhanced Physical Activity (treatment) Intervention (EPAI) or a Caregiver Skill Building (control) Intervention (CSBI). Of these, 34 African American and 80 Caucasian caregivers completed the study. At baseline, race was associated with subjective burden and positive affect, but not with depressive symptoms. Post intervention (12 months), there were no racial differences in subjective burden or depressive symptoms. However, race was significantly associated with decreased positive affect (p = 0.003) and decreased total minutes of physical activity (p = 0.012). Findings suggest that the mental health needs of African American caregivers warrant additional exploration, where physical activity may be of benefit. These findings provide a cultural perspective to consider during intervention development for future nurse-driven research.

Systematic review of behaviour change techniques to promote participation in physical activity among people with dementia

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to systematically review the evidence for the potential promise of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) to increase physical activity among people with dementia (PWD).

METHODS

PsychINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched 01/01/2000-01/12/2016. Randomized controlled/quasi-randomized trials were included if they recruited people diagnosed/suspected to have dementia, used at least one BCT in the intervention arm, and had at least one follow-up measure of physical activity/adherence. Studies were appraised using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool, and BCTs were coded using Michie et al., 2013, Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 46, 81. taxonomy. Intervention findings were narratively synthesized as either 'very promising', 'quite promising', or 'non-promising', and BCTs were judged as having potential promise if they featured in at least twice as many very/quite promising than non-promising interventions (as per Gardner et al., 2016, Health Psychology Review, 10, 89).

RESULTS

Nineteen articles from nine trials reported physical activity findings on behavioural outcomes (two very promising, one quite promising, and two non-promising) or intervention adherence (one quite promising and four non-promising). Thirteen BCTs were used across the interventions. While no BCT had potential promise to increase intervention adherence, three BCTs had potential promise for improving physical activity behaviour outcomes: goal setting (behaviour), social support (unspecified), and using a credible source.

CONCLUSIONS

Three BCTs have potential promise for use in future interventions to increase physical activity among PWD. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? While physical activity is a key lifestyle factor to enhance and maintain health and wellbeing amongst the general population, adults rarely participate in sufficient levels to obtain these benefits. Systematic reviews suggest that specific behaviour change techniques can increase physical activity, although one review suggested that self-regulatory techniques may be counterproductive when promoting physical activity among older people. Until now, no systematic review has been conducted to assess which behaviour change techniques may be associated with greater participation in physical activity among people with dementia. What does this study add? Interventions showed mixed promise for increasing physical activity and little effect on participant adherence. Goal setting (behaviour), social support (unspecified), and using a credible source are promising approaches. No technique showed promise for increasing adherence to physical activity interventions among people with dementia.

Creating an upward spiral: A qualitative study of caregivers' experience of participating in a structured physical activity programme

Family caregivers' physical and emotional well-being may be negatively impacted while in the caregiver role. Interventions to support caregiver health have largely focused on psychological support, with only a few studies to date evaluating the role of exercise. Of the exercise studies conducted, there has been one qualitative study examining caregivers' perspectives on the value and impact of this type of intervention. This qualitative study was part of a larger mixed methods investigation including a randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of a 24-week exercise programme for cancer caregivers conducted in western Canada. We aimed to explore cancer family caregivers' experience of participating in a structured exercise programme. We conducted face-to-face interviews with 20 of the participants from the exercise intervention and analysed transcribed data using Thorne's interpretive description as a guiding framework. Two main patterns characterised the experiences of the caregivers. The metaphor of a downward spiral represented the experience of being in the caregiver role, while the metaphor of an upward spiral represented the experience of participating in the exercise programme. Our findings highlight that caregivers valued the exercise programme, experienced positivity through exercise and the group-based format, and noticed improvements to their physical and emotional well-being.

Updated meta-review of evidence on support for carers

Background

Policy and research interest in carers continues to grow. A previous meta-review, published in 2010, by Parkeret al.(Parker G, Arksey H, Harden M.Meta-review of International Evidence on Interventions to Support Carers. York: Social Policy Research Unit, University of York; 2010) found little compelling evidence of effectiveness about specific interventions and costs.

Objective

To update what is known about effective interventions to support carers of ill, disabled or older adults.

Design

Rapid meta-review.

Setting

Any relevant to the UK health and social care system.

Participants

Carers (who provide support on an unpaid basis) of adults who are ill, disabled or older.

Interventions

Any intervention primarily aimed at carers.

Main outcome measures

Any direct outcome for carers.

Data sources

Database searches (including Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, MEDLINE, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts and Social Care Online) for systematic reviews published from January 2009 to 2016.

Review methods

We used EndNote X7.4 (Thomson Reuters, CA, USA) to screen titles and abstracts. Final decisions on the inclusion of papers were made by two reviewers independently, using a Microsoft Excel®2013 spreadsheet (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA). We carried out a narrative synthesis structured by patient condition and by seven outcomes of interest. We assessed the quality of the included systematic reviews using established criteria. We invited a user group of carers to give their views on the overall findings of our review.

Results

Sixty-one systematic reviews were included (27 of high quality, 25 of medium quality and nine of low quality). Patterns in the literature were similar to those in earlier work. The quality of reviews had improved, but primary studies remained limited in quality and quantity. Of the high-quality reviews, 14 focused on carers of people with dementia, four focused on carers of those with cancer, four focused on carers of people with stroke, three focused on carers of those at the end of life with various conditions and two focused on carers of people with mental health problems. Multicomponent interventions featured prominently, emphasising psychosocial or psychoeducational content, education and training. Multiple outcomes were explored, primarily in mental health, burden and stress, and well-being or quality of life. Negative effects following respite care were unsupported by our user group. As with earlier work, we found little evidence on intervention cost-effectiveness. No differences in review topics were found across high-, medium- and low-quality reviews.

Limitations

The nature of meta-reviews precludes definitive conclusions about intervention effectiveness, for whom and why. Many of the included reviews were small in size and authors generally relied on small numbers of studies to underpin their conclusions. The meta-review was restricted to English-language publications. Short timescales prevented any investigation of the overlap of primary studies, and growth in the evidence base since the original meta-review meant that post-protocol decisions were necessary.

Conclusions

There is no ‘one size fits all’ intervention to support carers. Potential exists for effective support in specific groups of carers. This includes shared learning, cognitive reframing, meditation and computer-delivered psychosocial support for carers of people with dementia, and psychosocial interventions, art therapy and counselling for carers of people with cancer. Counselling may also help carers of people with stroke. The effectiveness of respite care remains a paradox, given the apparent conflict between the empirical evidence and the views of carers.

Future work

More good-quality, theory-based, primary research is warranted. Evidence is needed on the differential impact of interventions for various types of carers (including young carers and carers from minority groups), and on the effectiveness of constituent parts in multicomponent programmes. Further research triangulating qualitative and quantitative evidence on respite care is urgently required. The overlap of primary studies was not formally investigated in our review, and this warrants future evaluation.

Study registration

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42016033367.

Funding

The National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.

Consistency of dementia caregiver intervention classification: an evidence-based synthesis

BACKGROUND

There are many systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs) of interventions for family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. A challenge when synthesizing the efficacy of dementia caregiver interventions is the potential discrepancy in how they are categorized. The objective of this study was to systematically examine inconsistencies in how dementia caregiver interventions are classified.

METHODS

We searched Ovid Medline®, Ovid PsycINFO®, Ovid Embase®, and the Cochrane Library to identify previous SRs published and indexed in bibliographic databases through January 2015. Following a graphical network analysis, open-coding of classification definitions was conducted. A descriptive analysis was then completed to examine classification consistency of individual interventions across SR grouping labels.

RESULTS

Twenty-three SRs were identified. A graphical network analysis revealed a significant amount of overlap in individual studies included across SRs, but stark differences in how reviews labeled or categorized them. The qualitative content analysis identified seven themes; one of these, content of the intervention, was used to compare classification consistency. When subjecting the classification of interventions to descriptive empirical analysis, extensive inconsistency was apparent.

CONCLUSIONS

The substantial inconsistency in how dementia caregiver interventions are classified across SRs has hindered the science and practice of dementia caregiver interventions. Specifically, accurate reporting of intervention components and SRs would allow for more precise assessments of efficacy as well as a fuller determination of how caregiver interventions can best yield benefits for caregivers and persons with dementia.

Exercise Training for Persons with Alzheimer's Disease and Caregivers: A Review of Dyadic Exercise Interventions

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and the prevalence will increase dramatically in the next decades. Although exercise has shown benefits for people with dementia due to AD as well as their caregivers, the impact of a dyadic exercise intervention including both groups as study participants remains to be determined. The authors review the current clinical evidence for dyadic exercise interventions, which are exercise regimens applied to both the person with dementia and the caregiver. A total of 4 controlled trials were reviewed. This review shows that dyadic exercise interventions are feasible and may produce a positive effect on functional independence and caregiver burden. However, there was insufficient evidence to support a benefit of dyadic exercise intervention on cognitive performance and on behavioral and neuropsychiatric symptoms in participants with dementia due to AD. A dyadic exercise intervention improves functional independence and caregiver burden. However, there is a need for well-designed randomized controlled clinical trials to confirm these benefits and to investigate several important points such as the effects of a dyadic exercise intervention on cognitive and noncognitive outcomes of AD, the optimal intensity of exercise training, and the cost effectiveness of such a program.

Prevalence and Severity of Dementia in Nursing Home Residents

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The aim of this study was to compare the presence and severity of dementia in two large cross-sectional samples of nursing home residents from 2004/2005 and 2010/2011.

METHODS

Demographic information as well as data on the type of nursing home unit, length of stay before assessment, physical health, regularly used prescribed drugs and Clinical Dementia Rating scale scores were used in the analyses. Logistic and linear regression models for hierarchical data were estimated.

RESULTS

The odds of the occurrence and of a greater severity of dementia were higher in 2010/2011 than in 2004/2005. Independent of the time of study, married men had more severe dementia than single men, and single women had more severe dementia than single men.

CONCLUSION

The findings may reflect the increase in the need for more nursing home beds designed for people with dementia between 2004/2005 and 2010/2011.

Impact of an Individualized Physical Activity Intervention on Improving Mental Health Outcomes in Family Caregivers of Persons with Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE

This study examined secondary benefits of an individualized physical activity intervention on improving dementia family caregivers' subjective burden, depressive symptoms and positive affect.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A community-based randomized controlled trial (RCT) was implemented with family caregivers of persons with dementia (N = 211) who received the Enhanced Physical Activity Intervention (EPAI: treatment intervention, n = 106) or the Caregiver Skill Building Intervention (CSBI: control intervention, n = 105). Interventions were delivered over 12 months, including a baseline home visit and regularly spaced telephone calls. Data were collected in person at baseline, 6 and 12-months; and telephonically at 3 and 9-months. The EPAI integrated physical activity and caregiving content while the CSBI focused only on caregiving content. Descriptive, bivariate and intention-to-treat analyses using generalized estimating equations (GEE) were performed to examine secondary benefits of the EPAI on family caregiver burden, depressive symptoms and positive affect.

RESULTS

Compared to caregivers in the CSBI group, caregivers in the EPAI significantly increased their overall and total moderate physical activity and showed a positive interaction between the intervention and time for positive affect at both six (p = 0.01) and 12-months (p = 0.03). The EPAI was significantly associated with improving burden at 3 months (p = 0.03) but had no significant effect on depressive symptoms.

IMPLICATIONS

Caregiver involvement in an individualized physical activity intervention was associated with increased overall and total moderate physical activity and improved positive affect from baseline to 12 months. Improved positive affect may help caregivers to feel better about themselves and their situation, and better enable them to continue providing care for their family member for a longer time at lower risk to their own mental health.

2015 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures

This report discusses the public health impact of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), including incidence and prevalence, mortality rates, costs of care and the overall effect on caregivers and society. It also examines the challenges encountered by health care providers when disclosing an AD diagnosis to patients and caregivers. An estimated 5.3 million Americans have AD; 5.1 million are age 65 years, and approximately 200,000 are age <65 years and have younger onset AD. By mid-century, the number of people living with AD in the United States is projected to grow by nearly 10 million, fueled in large part by the aging baby boom generation. Today, someone in the country develops AD every 67 seconds. By 2050, one new case of AD is expected to develop every 33 seconds, resulting in nearly 1 million new cases per year, and the estimated prevalence is expected to range from 11 million to 16 million. In 2013, official death certificates recorded 84,767 deaths from AD, making AD the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and the fifth leading cause of death in Americans age 65 years. Between 2000 and 2013, deaths resulting from heart disease, stroke and prostate cancer decreased 14%, 23% and 11%, respectively, whereas deaths from AD increased 71%. The actual number of deaths to which AD contributes (or deaths with AD) is likely much larger than the number of deaths from AD recorded on death certificates. In 2015, an estimated 700,000 Americans age 65 years will die with AD, and many of them will die from complications caused by AD. In 2014, more than 15 million family members and other unpaid caregivers provided an estimated 17.9 billion hours of care to people with AD and other dementias, a contribution valued at more than $217 billion. Average per-person Medicare payments for services to beneficiaries age 65 years with AD and other dementias are more than two and a half times as great as payments for all beneficiaries without these conditions, and Medicaid payments are 19 times as great. Total payments in 2015 for health care, long-term care and hospice services for people age 65 years with dementia are expected to be $226 billion. Among people with a diagnosis of AD or another dementia, fewer than half report having been told of the diagnosis by their health care provider. Though the benefits of a prompt, clear and accurate disclosure of an AD diagnosis are recognized by the medical profession, improvements to the disclosure process are needed. These improvements may require stronger support systems for health care providers and their patients.