Forskningsartikler

Abstract

Background: One of the most widely used instruments for assessing agitation in dementia patients is the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI), nevertheless no global score has been proposed. The aim of this study is: (a) to conduct a confirmatory (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of CMAI on people with dementia and Psychological and Behavioral Symptoms (BPSD), and (b) to propose an alternative structure, based on clinical criteria including all CMAI items.

Methods: Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses were carried out on the CMAI 29 items administered at baseline to 505 patients with dementia (PwD) and BPSD enrolled in the international observational RECage study.

Results: The three-factor structure has not been confirmed by the CFA, whilst the EFA was carried out respectively on 25 items disregarding 4 items with a prevalence ≤5% and then on 20 items disregarding 9 items with a prevalence ≤10%. The four-factor structure explaining 56% of the variance comprised Physically Aggressive behavior, Verbally Aggressive behavior, Physically non-aggressive behavior, and Physically and verbally aggressive behavior.

Conclusions: A new grouping of all items according to a clinical criterion is proposed, allowing for a more sensible evaluation of the symptoms leading to better differentiation.

Bruno Mario Cesana, Eleni Poptsi, Magda Tsolaki, Sverre Bergh, Alfonso Ciccone, Emmanuel Cognat, Andrea Fabbo, Sara Fascendini, Giovanni B Frisoni, Lutz Frölich, Maria Cristina Jori, Patrizia Mecocci, Paola Merlo, Oliver Peters, Carlo Alberto Defanti

Abstract

Objectives: Dementia is a major healthcare challenge; however, there is evidence that modifiable risk factors may contribute to reduce dementia risk. The aim of the study was to explore the knowledge and motivation for adopting recommended health behaviours among older adults in Norway.
Study design: The study has a qualitative, descriptive design.

Methods: Individual interviews were used for data collection. The study population comprised 15 participants, five men and 10 women, aged ≥73 years, recruited from a region in the centre of Norway. Interviews were analysed according to qualitative content analysis.

Results: Three categories were identified and presented as the main findings, as follows: (1) sufficient knowledge about risk reduction for dementia, including the media as the main source of information; (2) current prevention activities and motivation for risk reduction, including physical, social and cognitive activities and a healthy diet; and (3) motivation for prevention of dementia from a life-course perspective, including experience of health problems, desire to live independently and limited awareness of dementia risk factors in midlife.

Conclusions: To tailor information about the modifiable risk factors of dementia and develop preventive interventions, knowledge about motivating factors is essential. Promotion of healthy ageing is required in addition to addressing the fear of future illness and dependency.

Grete Kjelvik, Geir Selbæk, Anne Marie Mork Rokstad

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the present study was to explore the next of kin’s experiences with the transition for people with dementia from a farm-based daycare (FDC) to another service in the municipality.
Methods
The study has a qualitative, descriptive design. Eight semi-structured interviews with next of kin were conducted. The data were analysed in accordance with content analysis.
Results
Through the analysis three main categories were developed: (1) Bearing the burden, (2) Being in transition, and (3) Feeling supported. The transition period was highly stressful for next of kin due to the exacerbation of their relatives’ dementia symptoms. The next of kin focussed on optimizing the everyday lives of their relatives with dementia, even at the expense of their own well-being. Most participants experienced support from FDC, healthcare services and their informal network.
Conclusions
The study contributes important insights into the next of kin’s experiences. Good quality service, close dialog, information, and support between the different part in the transition process, can be useful for the further development of services with good quality and to reduce the negative effects of care on next of kin.

Liv Bjerknes Taranrød, Øyvind Kirkevold, Ingeborg Pedersen & Siren Eriksen