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Lee L, Jones A, Patel T, Hillier LM, Heckman GA, Costa AP. Frailty prevalence and efficient screening in primary care-based memory clinics. Fam Pract 2023; 40:689-697. [PMID: 37002941 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmad035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the prevalence of frailty among patients with memory concerns attending a primary care-based memory clinic. OBJECTIVE This study aims to describe the prevalence of frailty among patients attending a primary care-based memory clinic and to determine if prevalence rates differ based on the screening tool that is used. METHODS We conducted a retrospective medical record review for all consecutive patients assessed in a primary care-based memory clinic over 8 months. Frailty was measured in 258 patients using the Fried frailty criteria, which relies on physical measures, and the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), which relies on functional status. Weighted kappa statistics were calculated to compare the Fried frailty and the CFS. RESULTS The prevalence of frailty was 16% by Fried criteria and 48% by the CFS. Agreement between Fried frailty and CFS was fair for CFS 5+ (kappa = 0.22; 95% confidence interval: 0.13, 0.32) and moderate for CFS 6+ (kappa = 0.47; 0.34, 0.61). Dual-trait measures of hand grip strength with gait speed were found to be a valid proxy for Fried frailty phenotype. CONCLUSIONS Among primary care patients with memory concerns, frailty prevalence rates differed based on the measure used. Screening for frailty in this population using measures relying on physical performance may be a more efficient approach for persons already at risk of further health instability from cognitive impairment. Our findings demonstrate how measure selection should be based on the objectives and context in which frailty screening occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Lee
- Centre for Family Medicine Family Health Team, 10B Victoria Street South, Kitchener, ON N2G 1C5, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, 100 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8P 1H6, Canada
- Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging, 250 Laurelwood Drive, Waterloo, ON N2J 0E2, Canada
| | - Aaron Jones
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Tejal Patel
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 10A Victoria Street South, Kitchener, ON N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Loretta M Hillier
- GERAS Centre for Aging Research, 88 Maplewood Ave, Hamilton, ON L8M 1W9, Canada
| | - George A Heckman
- Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging, 250 Laurelwood Drive, Waterloo, ON N2J 0E2, Canada
- Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Andrew P Costa
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
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Nijsten JMH, Smalbrugge M, Plouvier AOA, Koopmans RTCM, Leontjevas R, Gerritsen DL. Identifying and managing apathy in people with dementia living in nursing homes: a qualitative study. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:727. [PMID: 37946109 PMCID: PMC10636808 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04422-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although apathy is common in people with dementia and has profound negative effects, it is rarely diagnosed nor specifically treated in nursing homes. The aim of this study is to explore experiences in identifying and managing apathy from the perspectives of people with dementia and apathy (PwA), family caregivers (FCs) and professional caregivers (PCs). METHODS Descriptive qualitative study with purposive sampling, comprising eleven semi-structured in-depth interviews with PwA, FCs or PCs and focus groups with twelve PCs in Dutch nursing homes. Seventeen additional in-depth interviews with caregivers were held, after signals of increasing apathy during the first Covid-19 lockdown. Using an inductive approach, data was analysed thematically to explore the experiences in identifying and managing apathy from the perspective of different stakeholders. RESULTS Three themes were identified: 1) the challenge to appraise signals, 2) the perceived impact on well-being, 3) applied strategies to manage apathy. Although participants described apathy in line with diagnostic criteria, they were unfamiliar with the term apathy and had difficulties in appraising signals of apathy. Also, the perceived impact of apathy varied per stakeholder. PwA had difficulties reflecting on their internal state. FCs and PCs experienced apathy as challenging when it reduced the well-being of PwA or when they themselves experienced ambiguity, frustration, insecurity, disappointment or turning away. Dealing with apathy required applying specific strategies that included stimulating meaningful contact, adjusting one's expectations, and appreciating little successes. CONCLUSIONS When addressing apathy in nursing homes, it is important to consider that a) all stakeholders experience that appraising signals of apathy is challenging; b) apathy negatively influences the well-being of people with dementia and especially their FCs and PCs; and c) FCs and PCs can successfully, albeit temporarily, manage apathy by using specific strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna M H Nijsten
- Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Radboud Alzheimer Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Archipel, Landrijt Expertise Centre for Specialized Care, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Martin Smalbrugge
- Department of Medicine for Older People, UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Aging & Later Life, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annette O A Plouvier
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Alzheimer Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Raymond T C M Koopmans
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Alzheimer Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Waalboog, Joachim and Anna, Centre for Specialized Geriatric Care, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ruslan Leontjevas
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Alzheimer Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Psychology, Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Debby L Gerritsen
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Alzheimer Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Burgon C, Goldberg S, van der Wardt V, Harwood RH. Experiences and understanding of apathy in people with neurocognitive disorders and their carers: a qualitative interview study. Age Ageing 2023; 52:7078335. [PMID: 36934338 PMCID: PMC10024892 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afad031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 03/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND apathy, defined as reduced goal-directed activity, interests and emotion, is highly prevalent in neurocognitive disorders (NCDs). Apathy has important consequences for the individuals who experience it and their carers, yet the lived experiences of apathy in this population are not well understood. OBJECTIVE to explore how people with NCDs and their carers understand and experience apathy. METHOD in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted in participants' homes. Sixteen people with NCDs (dementia or mild cognitive impairment) and 14 carers, living in four geographical areas of England, took part. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS four themes were generated: 'Apathy is Poorly Understood'; 'Too much trouble: Mediating Effort and Outcome'; 'Preserving Identity in the Face of Loss of Capability and Autonomy' and 'Opportunity and Exclusion'. CONCLUSION apathy is experienced as an understandable response to the everyday struggle people with NCDs face to preserve identity in the face of threats to capability and autonomy and is exacerbated by the lack of support and opportunities. Social and environmental modifications may help reduce apathy. In line with previous qualitative research, this challenges the dominant view of apathy as a neuropsychiatric symptom that excludes the social-environmental context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Burgon
- Address correspondence to: Clare Burgon, NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre (Hearing), Hearing Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Ropewalk House, 113 The Ropewalk, Nottingham NG1 5DU, UK.
| | - Sarah Goldberg
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Veronika van der Wardt
- Department of General Practice/Family Medicine, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Rowan H Harwood
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
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Abstract
In health care, well-being is considered to be composed of multiple interacting dimensions and to regard the subjective (affective and cognitive) evaluation of these dimensions. These dimensions are often referred to as physical, psychological, and social domains of life. Although there are various disease-specific and group-specific conceptual approaches, starting from a universal perspective provides a more inclusive approach to well-being. Indeed, universal approaches to well-being have striking overlaps with dementia-specific approaches. Although many initiatives have been launched to promote person-centered care and attention for well-being in recent decades, the current COVID pandemic showed that the primary focus in (Dutch) long-term care was still on physical health. However, a well-being perspective can be a central base of care: it is a means to include positive aspects, and it can be applied when addressing problems such as challenging behavior in the sense that both are about needs. Furthermore, providing care from this perspective is not only about the well-being of frail people and their loved ones but also about the well-being and needs of the involved professionals. Increasingly, research shows the importance of the quality of the resident-carer relationship, the carer's behavior, and their well-being for improving the well-being of residents. Applying the care approaches 'attentiveness in care' and relationship-centered care can contribute to the well-being of all involved stakeholders as these uphold the reciprocity of care relationships and take the values and attitudes, but also the vulnerability of those involved, into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debby L Gerritsen
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboudumc Alzheimer Center, Department of Primary and Community care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Pepper A, Dening KH. Person-centred communication with people with dementia. Nurs Older People 2023; 35:e1430. [PMID: 36694988 DOI: 10.7748/nop.2023.e1430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Communication is a two-way process of exchanging or sharing information and is an essential element of the nursing process. Challenges with communication are a feature of all types of dementia, so understanding how dementia affects communication and how to support people is important for all nurses. This article provides an overview of communication in dementia care. The authors draw on the literature on communication and dementia to present evidence-based, practical approaches for supporting person-centred communication with people with dementia.
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Dening T, Baber W, Chang M, Yates J. The struggle of apathy in dementia. Aging Ment Health 2022; 26:1909-1911. [PMID: 34850646 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2021.2008309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tom Dening
- Institute of Mental Health & School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Waqaar Baber
- Institute of Mental Health & School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Marybeth Chang
- Institute of Mental Health & School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jen Yates
- Institute of Mental Health & School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Chadwick C, Hussain A, Carone L, Yates J, Dening T. Going for gold: Sports and exercise groups for people with dementia and carers contribute to their well-being. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2022; 3:953822. [DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2022.953822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundInterventions involving exercise appear to have positive effects, both for people with dementia and for their carers. Quality of life and well-being are especially important outcomes. This study investigated how a sports and exercise group for people with dementia and their carers could contribute to the well-being of those attending the group.MethodsThe study was a qualitative investigation, comprising semi-structured interviews, a focus group and observations. Participants included people with dementia and carers attending the group sessions, as well as staff providing the programme. The group sessions were provided weekly by the charitable trust of a leading sports venue. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsA total of 16 participants were interviewed, including four people with dementia, eight carers, and four members of staff. Five main themes were identified: “Support to keep active and engaged is highly valued by people with dementia and carers”; “The challenges of being a carer are significant but sharing the experience really helps”; “People with dementia can have flourishing social lives”; “The group helps to maintain identity despite physical and role changes”; and “There are practical aspects of the group that make it appealing”.DiscussionPeople with dementia enjoy physical activity and experience the benefits of it. The sports and exercise group had an important role in providing access to activities that people with dementia and their carers value and enjoy, but would be difficult to undertake without a facilitated and safe environment. The group benefited the well-being of both people with dementia and carers in various ways, with peer support being of particular importance for carers.
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Yang Y, Kwan RYC, Zhai HM, Xu XY, Huang CX, Liang SJ, Liu J. The association among apathy, leisure activity participation, and severity of dementia in nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease: A cross-sectional study. Geriatr Nurs 2021; 42:1373-1378. [PMID: 34583236 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2021.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine 1) the relationship between apathy and leisure activity participation in nursing home residents with Alzheimer disease (AD) and 2) the moderator effect of the severity of dementia on this relationship. Data were collected from 290 residents with AD using the Apathy Evaluation Scale-informant version (AES-I), Leisure Activities Questionnaire (LAQ), and Clinical Dementia Rating scale (CDR). The multiple linear regression model showed that leisure activity participation (β=-0.452, p<0.001) was negatively associated with apathy, while the severity of dementia (β=0.515, p<0.001) was positively associated with apathy. The severity of dementia moderated the effect of leisure activity participation on apathy (β=-0.108, p=0.015). The results indicate that the effects of leisure activity participation on apathy diminish with the aggravation of AD. The severity of dementia should be considered when designing and delivering leisure activity interventions to manage apathy in nursing home residents with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- Department of Nursing, Medical School, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rick Y C Kwan
- Centre for Gerontological Nursing, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hui-Min Zhai
- School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China;.
| | - Xin-Yi Xu
- School of Nursing, Hebei Medical University, China
| | - Chuang-Xia Huang
- Obstetrics Department, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Si-Jing Liang
- School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Juan Liu
- School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Chang CYM, Baber W, Dening T, Yates J. "He Just Doesn't Want to Get Out of the Chair and Do It": The Impact of Apathy in People with Dementia on Their Carers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18126317. [PMID: 34207955 PMCID: PMC8296153 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Apathy, defined as a lack of motivation, is a prevalent and persistent behavioural and psychological symptom of dementia. Limited research suggests that apathy is associated with increased carer burden, but there are no studies investigating carers’ subjective experiences of apathy. This study aimed to fill this gap and explore the lived experience of apathy in dementia from the perspectives of the people with dementia and their carers. This article reports on the carers’ perspectives. Six dyads of people with dementia and carers participated in semi-structured interviews, which were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three superordinate themes were identified: (1) achieving a balance of conflicting emotions—the challenges of apathy led to feelings of guilt, acceptance, and frustration; (2) new roles imposed by caring, which involved taking on new responsibilities and promoting remaining interests of person with dementia; and (3) having a life of one’s own—coping with apathy by talking to others, and spending time away from the caring role. This study highlighted that carers are caught in a struggle between wanting to involve the person with dementia in decisions and finding that they cannot if they want to overcome the hurdle of apathy. Implications of this study suggest that a wider understanding of apathy at a societal level could lead to the provision of a helpful forum for carers to share their experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chern Yi Marybeth Chang
- Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nothingham NG7 2UH, UK; (C.Y.M.C.); (T.D.)
| | - Waqaar Baber
- The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3BG, UK;
| | - Tom Dening
- Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nothingham NG7 2UH, UK; (C.Y.M.C.); (T.D.)
| | - Jennifer Yates
- Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nothingham NG7 2UH, UK; (C.Y.M.C.); (T.D.)
- Correspondence:
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