Forskningsartikler

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

Bakgrunn
Antallet personer med demens forventes tredoblet innen 2050. Vi presenterer forekomsttall for demens og mild kognitiv svikt i Trondheim og viser hvordan vekting for frafall og bostatus påvirker forekomsttallene når vi sammenligner Trondheim med Nord-Trøndelag.
Materiale og metode
Personer i alderen 70 år og eldre i Trondheim ble invitert til å delta i helseundersøkelsen HUNT4 (den fjerde Helseundersøkelsen i Trøndelag) Trondheim 70+. Deltakerne ble intervjuet og gjennomgikk kognitiv testing. Et diagnoseteam satte diagnosene demens og mild kognitiv svikt. Frafallsvekter som justerte for utvalgsskjevheter, ble benyttet i sammenligningen av Trondheim og Nord-Trøndelag.
Resultater
Demensforekomsten i Trondheim ble estimert til 16,2 % for aldersgruppen 70 år og eldre etter vekting for skjevt frafall med henblikk på alder, kjønn, utdanning og andel sykehjemsbeboere. Ujustert demensforekomst var 21,0 % i Trondheim og 15,7 % i Nord-Trøndelag. Etter vekting ble forekomsten tilnærmet identisk i de to utvalgene.
Fortolkning
Å vekte for skjevt frafall har stor betydning for å få representative tall i forekomstundersøkelser av demens.
Hovedfunn
Forekomsten av demens og mild kognitiv svikt hos personer i alderen 70 år og eldre i Trondheim ble estimert til henholdsvis 16,2 % og 35,6 %.
Ujustert demensforekomst var 21,0 % for Trondheim og 15,7 % for Nord-Trøndelag, men etter vekting for skjevt frafall med hensyn til alder, kjønn, utdanning og sykehjem ble forekomsten tilnærmet identisk i de to utvalgene.

Linda Gjøra, Bjørn Heine Strand, Knut Engedal, Linda Ernstsen, Christian Myrstad, Håvard Skjellegrind, Pernille Thingstad, Geir Selbæk

Background: Observational tools can support the understanding of the complex needs of older people with dementia and aid delivery of person-centred care. However, existing tools are complex and resource intensive to use.

Objectives: To develop and evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a low-resource, observational tool to support staff reflection and practice development.

Methods: Intervention development of the Person-Centred Observation and Reflection Tool (PORT) and acceptability and feasibility study, using surveys and focus groups in the UK, Norway and Spain.

Results: PORT was reported as easy, accessible and acceptable to use. The observation was identified as powerful for individual staff development and provided an evidence-based source for underpinning individualised care planning. Potential time challenges associated with implementation were identified.

Conclusion: Initial evaluation indicates PORT is an acceptable and feasible tool for use in health and social care settings for older people. Further research is needed on implementation models and the impacts of PORT use.

Implications for practice: PORT may be a useful tool to support individual staff development in care settings and person-centred care planning for people with dementia.

Claire Surr, Anne Marie Mork Rokstad, Josep Vila Miravent, Elena Fernandez, Aukje Post, Carol Fusek, Dawn Brooker