Different Perception of Cognitive Impairment, Behavioral Disturbances, and Functional Disabilities Between Persons With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Alzheimer’s Disease and Their Caregivers

Abstract

Insight in dementia is a multifaceted concept and ability, which includes the persons' perception of their behavioral and cognitive symptoms and functional disability. This ability seems to deteriorate as dementia progresses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of insight in the cognitive, behavioral, and functional disorders in a group of persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild AD (Alzheimer's disease) and to compare their perception of their illness with that of their caregivers. The study involved a group of 121 persons with MCI and mild AD and their caregivers. The persons with MCI and mild AD were administered the tests Mini-Mental State Examination, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Activities of Daily Living, Neuropsychiatric Inventory, Schedule for the Assessment of Insight, Clinical Insight Rating Scale, and a short interview. Major differences were identified between how the persons with MCI or mild AD and their caregivers perceived the persons' cognitive and behavioral disorders. The group with MCI or mild AD underestimated their deficits, which were considered serious and disabling by their caregivers.

Consciência da doença na demência do tipo Alzheimer: uma revisão sistemática de estudos longitudinais

“…Termos como "falta de consciência dos déficits" 10 , "anosognosia" 11,12,16 , "consciência do déficit da memória" 5 , "consciência" 7 , "consciência do déficit" 14 , "insight" 13 e "negação do déficit de memória" 15 são usados como sinônimos. Essa mesma problemática é encontrada nos estudos transversais [17][18][19][20][21][22] . A falta de definição por parte dos estudos e a ausência de um consenso sobre o que seria consciência da doença interfere na metodologia utilizada e na interpretação dos resultados, o que impossibilita a replicação dos estudos propostos.…”

Communicating effectively with vulnerable populations during water contamination events

“…Regardless of the specific physical/cognitive impairment, it is essential to involve family or caretakers in the communication process (Polk 2005;Cotrell et al 2006;Onor et al 2006).…”

Cultural aspects in dementia: differences in the awareness of Brazilian caregivers

“…6 Regarding the caregiver's point of view, the subjective aspect of their awareness is influenced by how the clinical situation is presented, the degree of kindred and family ties, and caregiver factors such as time dedicated to the patient, burden of care, psychological health, and educational status. 7 Caregiver awareness may also be determined by their motivations to provide care for people with dementia.…”