Multi-modal sleep intervention for community-dwelling people living with dementia and primary caregiver dyads with sleep disturbance: protocol of a single-arm feasibility trial

Background

Disturbed sleep is common among people living with dementia and their informal caregivers, and is associated with negative health outcomes. Dyadic, multi-modal interventions targeting caregiver and care-recipient sleep have been recommended yet remain limited. This protocol details the development of a single-arm feasibility trial of a multi-modal, therapist-led, six-week intervention targeting sleep disturbance in dyads of people living with dementia and their primary caregiver.

Methods

We aim to recruit 24 co-residing, community-dwelling dyads of people living with dementia and their primary informal caregiver (n = 48) with sleep concerns (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index ≥5 for caregivers, and caregiver-endorsed sleep concerns for the person living with dementia). People who live in residential care settings, are employed in night shift work, or are diagnosed with current, severe mental health conditions or narcolepsy, will be excluded. Participants will wear an actigraph and complete sleep diaries for two weeks prior, and during the last two weeks, of active intervention. The intervention is therapist-led and includes a mix of weekly small group video sessions and personalised, dyadic sessions (up to 90 min each) over six weeks. Sessions are supported by a 37-page workbook offering strategies and spaces for reflections/notes. Primary feasibility outcomes are caregiver: session attendance, attrition, and self-reported project satisfaction. Secondary outcomes include dyadic self-reported and objectively-assessed sleep, depression and anxiety symptoms, quality of life, and social support. Self-report outcomes will be assessed at pre- and post-intervention.

Discussion

If feasible, this intervention could be tested in a larger randomised controlled trial to investigate its efficacy, and, upon further testing, may potentially represent a non-pharmacological approach to reduce sleep disturbance among people living with dementia and their caregivers.

ANZCTR Trial registration

ACTRN12622000144718: https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=382960&showOriginal=true&isReview=true.

Family Caregiver Needs and Preferences for Virtual Training to Manage Behavioral Symptoms of Dementia

STAR-Caregivers Virtual Training and Follow-up (STAR-VTF) is adapted from an evidence-based, in-person program that teaches family caregivers to manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). The study objective was to understand the needs of family caregivers for improving BPSD management and the extent to which caregivers perceived that STAR-VTF could address those needs. We conducted 15 semi-structured interviews with family caregivers of people with dementia. We showed caregivers prototypes of STAR-VTF online self-directed materials. We obtained caregiver feedback, focusing on needs and preferences and perceived barriers to using STAR-VTF. We used a hybrid approach of inductive and deductive coding and aggregated codes to develop themes. The idea of a virtual training program for learning to manage BPSD appealed to caregivers. They said healthcare providers did not provide adequate education in the early disease stages about the personality and behavior symptoms that can affect people with dementia. Caregivers found it unexpected and frustrating when the person with dementia began experiencing BPSD, symptoms they felt unprepared to manage. Accordingly, caregivers expressed a strong desire for the healthcare organization to offer programs such as STAR-VTF much sooner. Many were interested in the virtual aspect of the training due to the convenience of receiving help from home and the perception that help from a virtual program would be timelier than traditional service modalities. Given caregivers’ limited time, they suggested dividing the STAR-VTF content into chunks to review as time permitted. Caregivers reported a preference for having the same coach for the program duration.

STAR Caregivers: Virtual Training and Followup: Implementation

STAR Caregivers is an evidence-based intervention designed to reduce caregiver burden for caregivers of people living with dementia. This study translated the paper-based, face-to-face intervention into a 6-session, self-directed online learning program supported by 6, 30-minute telephone calls with a clinically trained coach. Our approach is designed to overcome issues of access to training. Eligible caregiver-patient dyads at Kaiser Permanente Washington were identified automatically via electronic health records. Qualitative interviews were conducted with a sample of patients to elicit information about their needs and preferences for training. We developed a “learning management system” (analogous to compliance training modules) complete with slides, voice-over narration, and testing. The training sessions are mounted on the KP Learn site and accessible to anyone. Baseline and outcomes data on standardized instruments are collected remotely via REDCap. Recruitment for the study is ongoing and initial participant feedback on the program is very positive.

359 Tailoring of Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Insomnia for Patients with Kidney Failure Undergoing Hemodialysis: The SLEEP-HD Study

Introduction

Patients with kidney failure treated with hemodialysis (HD) frequently report insomnia symptoms. Cognitive-behavior therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a first line treatment for insomnia but there are unique issues surrounding kidney failure and HD that impact patients’ ability to access CBT-I and follow standard treatment recommendations. This presentation describes CBT-I protocol modifications made to address these issues as part of an ongoing multi-center clinical trial testing the efficacy of telehealth CBT-I compared to trazodone or medication placebo control.

Methods

CBT-I protocol modifications were made prior to starting the SLEEP-HD randomized trial based upon unique clinical considerations for HD patients, e.g., irregular sleep-wake scheduling that HD treatment demands, and napping during HD sessions or afterwards due to post-HD treatment fatigue. Participants in the SLEEP-HD study are undergoing thrice-weekly maintenance hemodialysis for >3 months and have baseline Insomnia Severity Index scores >10 with sleep disturbances >3 nights/week for >3 months. Participants randomized into the modified CBT-I protocol receive six weekly sessions, delivered by trained CBT-I therapists (1 MSW, 1 PhD) face-to-face via a HIPPA-compliant video telehealth platform. Participants keep a daily sleep diary throughout the CBT-I treatment period.

Results

To date, 91 patients (mean age=56.5 years [SD=14.7], 48.4% female) recruited from community-based dialysis facilities in Seattle and Albuquerque have been randomized into the SLEEP-HD study (n=31 CBT-I). Forty-eight percent of CBT-I clients have chosen to conduct their telehealth sessions during dialysis with the remainder choosing a different location. CBT-I adaptations include therapists developing weekly bed restriction recommendations based on non-dialysis treatment days; allowing shifts in dialysis day “bed window” scheduling for patients with very early or very late dialysis schedules so long as a consistent total time in bed in maintained; and including napping during early/late dialysis sessions as part of the allowable bed window duration. Treatment modifications were also designed to accommodate the diverse socioeconomic circumstances of dialysis patients, including housing instability, which can impact adherence to some standard stimulus control and bed restriction CBT-I recommendations.

Conclusion

It is feasible to deliver CBT-I via telehealth to HD patients but modifications to standard protocols are required.

Support (if any)

This work was supported by PHS grant 5R01AG053221.

355 Predictors of Longitudinal Sleep Outcomes in a Statewide Randomized Trial of Telephone Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia

Introduction

We examined the relationship between treatment process measures and 12-month insomnia outcomes from a large clinical trial of telephone-delivered CBT-I.

Methods

A statewide sample of 327 Kaiser Permanente Washington members aged 60+ with OA, Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scores of 11+ and Brief Pain Inventory scores of 9+ were randomized to six sessions of individual telephone-delivered cognitive-behavior therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) vs. education-only control. Participants rated their perceptions of treatment credibility and perceived effectiveness on a 7-point Likert scale after session 1 and at 2-month post-test. They also completed the Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI), the 8-item Sleep Problem Acceptance Questionnaire (SPAQ), and the 8-item Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ) at baseline, post-treatment, and 12 months. Insomnia outcome was measured using the ISI.

Results

Participants (mean age=70.2 years [SD=6.81], 74.6% female, 87.8% with sleep problems for over 1 year) were randomized to the two treatment arms. Regression analyses controlling for baseline age, opioid use, depression, pain, and ISI showed that lower 12-month ISI scores were associated with CBT-I group membership and lower baseline ISI (both p<.001), higher session 1 ratings of treatment credibility (p=.004), higher baseline CPAQ activity engagement (AE) subscale scores (p=.04), and lower baseline SPAQ AE scores (p=.016) when predictors were simultaneously entered. Lower 12-month ISI scores were also associated with post-test ratings of treatment perceived effectiveness (p=.004) and higher SPAQ AE (p=.038) scores. Improvements on the SHI at post-test were significantly associated with lower 12-month ISI scores when variables were entered singly into regression models, but not when all predictors were entered simultaneously. SPAQ and CPAQ sleep and pain willingness subscale scores were not significantly related to ISI outcomes in any model.

Conclusion

People with less severe baseline insomnia levels who received telephone-delivered CBT-I were more likely to have lower 12-month ISI scores. Participant perceptions of treatment credibility and effectiveness, and engagement in life activities despite pain and sleep symptoms were also associated with long-term improvements in insomnia, but willingness to experience sleep and pain symptoms were not contributing factors.

Support (if any)

This work was supported by PHS grant 5R01AG053221.

Factors Associated With Perceived Stress Among Dementia Caregivers With Poor Sleep

Poor sleep among family caregivers of individuals with dementia is associated with higher levels of caregiver stress. Modifiable factors that increase risk of stress among caregivers with poor sleep are targets for intervention. This analysis aimed to identify factors associated with greater caregiver stress among caregivers with poor sleep. Baseline data from an ongoing trial of a dyadic sleep intervention program for individuals with dementia and their caregivers with poor sleep quality (defined by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index total score > 5; N=21 dyads; mean age 70.8± 11.1 for caregivers, 80.5± 8.3 for care-recipients) were analyzed. Caregiving factors included Zarit Burden Index (ZBI) and SF-12 Short Form Health Survey (SF-12v2). Care-recipient factors included Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Revised Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist (RMBPC). Stress was measured with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Analyses included Pearson correlations and t-tests. Caring for multiple care-recipients (n=5: 24.8±2.7) was associated with higher (worse) PSS scores than caring for one care-recipient only (n=16: 19.6±3.7, p=0.011). Caregivers with higher PSS also had a significantly higher ZBI score (r=0.53, p=0.015), higher distress related to care-recipient behaviors on the RMBPC (r=0.57, p=0.009) and worse mental health on the SF-12v2 (r= -0.47, p=0.037). PSS was not associated with care-recipient MMSE. These findings suggest that caregivers with poor sleep who care for multiple care-recipients may be at higher risk of stress. This work also identified potential targets (e.g., caregiver burden, mental health, distress related to care-recipient behavior) for reducing stress in this population.

1140 Sleep Disturbances, Lifestyle, And Self-Management In Adults With Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Introduction

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) survivors often suffer sleep disturbances. Self-management strategies focusing on lifestyle changes and health-promoting behaviors may improve sleep in SAH survivors. Few studies have examined sleep in SAH survivors, and little is known about sleep management practices used to improve their sleep. The purposes of this study were to: 1) describe the prevalence of sleep disturbances using subjective and objective sleep measures, and 2) explore interest in and engagement with self-management practices to promote sleep health in SAH survivors.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 30 SAH survivors recruited from a university hospital. We assessed sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), daytime sleepiness using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and objective sleep using wrist actigraphy. We conducted content analysis of semi-structured interviews, with two authors each coding sleep disturbances and self-management practices addressing sleep.

Results

Seventy-three percent of SAH survivors reported poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5) and 27% had daytime sleepiness (ESS > 10). Actigraphy analysis indicated that 41% of SAH survivors slept less than 7 hours or more than 9 hours. Interview content analyses suggested 3 themes and 15 sub-categories: 1) Sleep disturbances (difficulties in falling asleep, wake after sleep onset, daytime sleepiness, too much or insufficient sleep, and poor sleep quality), 2) Sleep management practices (exercise, regular sleep schedule, relaxation, keeping busy and staying active, changing beverage intake, taking supplements, taking medication, recharging energy, and barriers to sleep management), and 3) Healthcare providers (discussing sleep problems with health care providers).

Conclusion

Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent and an urgent need exists to focus on improving sleep in SAH survivors. Developing tailored interventions that incorporate self-management and lifestyle change would be a critical next step to improve sleep and promote health in this at-risk population.

Support

This research was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Nursing Research (K23 NR017404), University of Washington Institute of Translational Health Science Translational Research Scholars Program (UL1 TR000423), and University of Washington School of Nursing Research and Intramural Funding Program.

Characterization of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in an older population: updated incidence and life expectancy with and without dementia

OBJECTIVES

We estimated dementia incidence rates, life expectancies with and without dementia, and percentage of total life expectancy without dementia.

METHODS

We studied 3605 members of Group Health (Seattle, WA) aged 65 years or older who did not have dementia at enrollment to the Adult Changes in Thought study between 1994 and 2008. We estimated incidence rates of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, as well as life expectancies with and without dementia, defined as the average number of years one is expected to live with and without dementia, and percentage of total life expectancy without dementia.

RESULTS

Dementia incidence increased through ages 85 to 89 years (74.2 cases per 1000 person-years) and 90 years or older (105 cases per 1000 person-years). Life expectancy without dementia and percentage of total life expectancy without dementia decreased with age. Life expectancy with dementia was longer in women and people with at least a college degree. Percentage of total life expectancy without dementia was greater in younger age groups, men, and those with more education.

CONCLUSIONS

Efforts to delay onset of dementia, if successful, would likely benefit older adults of all ages.

Enhancing the power of genetic association studies through the use of silver standard cases derived from electronic medical records

The feasibility of using imperfectly phenotyped "silver standard" samples identified from electronic medical record diagnoses is considered in genetic association studies when these samples might be combined with an existing set of samples phenotyped with a gold standard technique. An analytic expression is derived for the power of a chi-square test of independence using either research-quality case/control samples alone, or augmented with silver standard data. The subset of the parameter space where inclusion of silver standard samples increases statistical power is identified. A case study of dementia subjects identified from electronic medical records from the Electronic Medical Records and Genomics (eMERGE) network, combined with subjects from two studies specifically targeting dementia, verifies these results.

Developmental and vascular risk factors for Alzheimer's disease

To investigate developmental and vascular risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD), we examined 90 incident cases of probable AD in a cohort of 1859 individuals followed prospectively for six years. The presence of the APOE-epsilon4 allele was the strongest risk factor, and with increasing survival age, the effect of epsilon4 diminished. Among epsilon4 positives, developmental risk factors such as smaller head circumference (< or =54.4 cm) and having more than four children in the household at age 2-3 were independently associated with incident AD (hazard ratio (HR)=2.6 (95% CI 1.04-6.3) and 3.3 (1.2-9.2), respectively). Among epsilon4 negatives, vascular risk factors were related to AD risk (self-reported diagnoses of transient ischemic attack and diabetes (HR=5.1, 95% CI 1.7-15.5; HR 3.3, 95% CI 1.4-8.1)). These findings indicate that clinical AD is a result of early life as well as later life risk factors, and that genetic predisposition to the disease may modify the constellation of predictors.