An intervention to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms and caregiver burden in dementia: Preliminary results from a randomized trial of the tailored activity program-outpatient version

Author(s)

de Oliveira, Alexandra Martini ; Radanovic, Marcia ; Homem de Mello, Patricia Cotting ; Buchain, Patricia Cardoso ; Vizzotto, Adriana Dias ; Harder, Janaina ; Stella, Florindo ; Piersol, Catherine Verrier ; Gitlin, Laura N. ; Forlenza, Orestes Vicente

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY; v. 34, n. 9, p. 7-pg., 2019-09-01.

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of the tailored activity program-outpatient version (TAP-O) and to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in patients with dementia and caregiver burden compared with a control group (psychoeducation intervention). Methods Twenty-one persons with dementia and their caregivers were recruited and randomized. The intervention group received TAP-O, designed for outpatients with dementia and their caregivers. TAP-O consisted of eight sessions in which an occupational therapist assessed the patient's abilities and interests; prescribed tailored activities; and educated caregivers about dementia, NPS, and how to implement meaningful activities in the daily routine. The control group received eight sessions of a psychoeducation intervention about dementia and NPS. Results Compared with controls, patients receiving TAP-O had a significant decrease in hallucination (P = 0.04), agitation (P = 0.03), anxiety (P = 0.02), aggression (P = 0.01), sleep disorder (P = 0.02), aberrant motor behavior (P = 0.02), and in caregiver burden (P = 0.003). Conclusions Findings suggest that TAP-O may be an effective nonpharmacological strategy to reduce NPS of outpatients with dementia and to minimize caregiver burden. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/52825-8 - Neurobiology of Alzheimer's disease: risk markers, prognosis and therapeutic response
• Grantee: Wagner Farid Gattaz
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/01302-9 - Direct and indirect pathways of glycogen synthase kinase 3B inhibition by lithium in culture of neurons
• Grantee: Vanessa de Jesus Rodrigues de Paula
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 14/14211-6 - Telomere length in the central nervous system of a model of Alzheimer's Disease treated with lithium
• Grantee: Giancarlo de Mattos Cardillo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master