Evaluation of a Telephone-Based Support Group Intervention for Female Caregivers of Community-Dwelling Individuals With Dementia

Abstract.Background: Dementia is known as a major public health problem affecting both patients and caregivers, and placing a high financial strain upon society. In community-dwelling patients, it is important to support informal caregivers in order to help them sustain their demanding role. Previous reviews about effectiveness of such supporting strategies often included a small number of studies, focused only on particular supportive types, particular outcomes, or solely on caregivers. Objective: A general systematic review was conducted investigating effectiveness of different supportive strategies on at least the well-being of the caregiver or the care-recipient. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in Web of Science and PubMed. An adapted version of the Downs and Black (1998) checklist was used to assess methodological quality. A new classification was developed to group different types of caregiver support. Results: Fifty-three papers met the inclusion criteria. Although 87% of the interventions were to some extent effective, methods and findings were rather inconsistent. Psychoeducational interventions generally lead to positive outcomes for caregivers, and delay permanent institutionalization of care-recipients. Cognitive behavioral therapy decreases dysfunctional thoughts among caregivers. Occupational therapy decreases behavioral problems among patients and improves self-efficacy of caregivers. In general, those interventions tailored on individual level generate better outcomes. Comparative research on respite care was very rare. Conclusions: Despite methodological inconsistency, supporting caregivers appears to be an effective strategy often improving well-being of caregiver or care-recipient and resulting in additional benefits for society. However, there is a need for more research on the (cost)-effectiveness of respite care.

show abstract

“…However, a subgroup of older caregivers (>65 years) reported lower depression rates in the intervention group [58].…”

Section: Group Based Single Component Interventionsmentioning

confidence: 83%

Effectiveness of Supporting Informal Caregivers of People with Dementia: A Systematic Review of Randomized and Non-Randomized Controlled Trials

Vandepitte

Noortgate

Putman

et al. 2016

JAD

107

118

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…In a high-quality trial, a reduction in depressive symptoms and anxious complaints was demonstrated, but only in those CGs who reported low-mid level of life own control at baseline [161] . Age [162] , relationship and ethnic characteristics [141] predicted response in other RCTs.…”

Section: Npts To Improve Cg Moodmentioning

confidence: 98%

Nonpharmacological Therapies in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review of Efficacy

Olazarán¹,

Reisberg

Clare

et al. 2010

Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord

820

652

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Introduction: Nonpharmacological therapies (NPTs) can improve the quality of life (QoL) of people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and their carers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the best evidence on the effects of NPTs in AD and related disorders (ADRD) by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of the entire field. Methods: Existing reviews and major electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The deadline for study inclusion was September 15, 2008. Intervention categories and outcome domains were predefined by consensus. Two researchers working together detected 1,313 candidate studies of which 179 RCTs belonging to 26 intervention categories were selected. Cognitive deterioration had to be documented in all participants, and degenerative etiology (indicating dementia) had to be present or presumed in at least 80% of the subjects. Evidence tables, meta-analysis and summaries of results were elaborated by the first author and reviewed by author subgroups. Methods for rating level of evidence and grading practice recommendations were adapted from the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine. Results: Grade A treatment recommendation was achieved for institutionalization delay (multicomponent interventions for the caregiver, CG). Grade B recommendation was reached for the person with dementia (PWD) for: improvement in cognition (cognitive training, cognitive stimulation, multicomponent interventions for the PWD); activities of daily living (ADL) (ADL training, multicomponent interventions for the PWD); behavior (cognitive stimulation, multicomponent interventions for the PWD, behavioral interventions, professional CG training); mood (multicomponent interventions for the PWD); QoL (multicomponent interventions for PWD and CG) and restraint prevention (professional CG training); for the CG, grade B was also reached for: CG mood (CG education, CG support, multicomponent interventions for the CG); CG psychological well-being (cognitive stimulation, multicomponent interventions for the CG); CG QoL (multicomponent interventions for PWD and CG). Conclusion: NPTs emerge as a useful, versatile and potentially cost-effective approach to improve outcomes and QoL in ADRD for both the PWD and CG.

show abstract

“…therapist salaries), high refusal rates to group-based CBT programs, particularly within male populations (Kayser & Scott, 2008) and difficulty attending face-to-face interventions for individuals living outside metropolitan areas (Glueckauf et al, 2002) restrict the reach and accessibility of face-to-face support interventions. Additionally, the demands of caregiving can make it difficult for DCs to attend face-to-face interventions (Winter & Gitlin, 2007).…”

Section: Alternative Formats: Increasing Reach With Multimedia Intervmentioning

confidence: 99%

Caring for the carer: a systematic review of pure technology-based cognitive behavioral therapy (TB-CBT) interventions for dementia carers

Scott

Dawkins

Quinn

et al. 2015

Aging & Mental Health

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Meta-analysis revealed small significant post-intervention effects of pure TB-CBT interventions for depression; equivalent to face-to-face interventions. However, there is no evidence regarding long-term efficacy of pure TB-CBT for DCs. The systematic review further identified critical methodological and reporting shortcomings pertaining to these trials Conclusions: Pure TB-CBT interventions may offer a convenient, economical method for delivering psychological interventions to DCs. Future research needs to investigate their long-term efficacy, and consider potential moderating and mediating factors underpinning the mechanisms of effect of these programs. This will help to provide more targeted interventions to this underserviced population.

show abstract

Evaluation of a Telephone-Based Support Group Intervention for Female Caregivers of Community-Dwelling Individuals With Dementia

Cited by 122 publications

References 24 publications

Effectiveness of Supporting Informal Caregivers of People with Dementia: A Systematic Review of Randomized and Non-Randomized Controlled Trials

Effectiveness of Supporting Informal Caregivers of People with Dementia: A Systematic Review of Randomized and Non-Randomized Controlled Trials

Nonpharmacological Therapies in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review of Efficacy

Caring for the carer: a systematic review of pure technology-based cognitive behavioral therapy (TB-CBT) interventions for dementia carers

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About