Voices Of Spouses To Partners With Neuropsychiatric Symptoms Related To Dementia

• Introduction: The presence of a family career is said to have a protective effect in dementia care, postponing admissions to residential care. The majority of persons with dementia develop behavioural and personality changes during the disease trajectory. These symptoms are called neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS). Little is known regarding family members` experiences of living with persons with NPS related to dementia, in a community setting.Objectives: To describe spouses’ experiences of living with partners who have neuropsychiatric symptoms related to dementia.Results Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 14 spouses of partners with dementia. The interviews were based on the NPI (Neuropsychiatric Inventory,Cummings, et al. 1994). The interview data was analysed using content analysisTable:Results: Spouses identified that partners with dementia had on average five to eight co-existing NPS . Frequency, severity and distress varied. The neuropsychiatric symptoms highlighted were within three of four possible symptom domains; Behaviour, Psychosis and Mood. From the narrative data five main categories emerged; Support needs, Understanding the impact dementia has on their partner, Being prepared for sudden unpredictable events, Feeling vulnerable and facing domestic violence and Feelings of social isolation. The theme; Living on the edge lacking support and time for self, evolved.Conclusion: A large proportion of persons with dementia reside in their own homes in the community. Support offered to persons with dementia and their families should have a person-centered approach meeting individual needs. Safety and welfare of persons` with dementia and their partners residing in their own homes may be jeopardized in the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms. A greater awareness is required in the community of the welfare and wellbeing of these persons.References: Cummings, J.L., Mega, M., Gray, K.,Rosenberg-Thompson, S., Carusi, D.A. & Gornbein, J. (1994) The Neuropsychiatric Inventory: comprehensive assessment of psychopathology in dementia. See comment in PubMed Commons belowNeurology. Dec;44(12):2308-14Holtzer, R., Tang, M.X., Devanand, D. P., Albert, S. M., Wegesin, D.J., Marder, K., Bell, K., Albert, M., Brandt, J. & Stern, Y. (2003). Psychopathological features in Alzheimer´s disease: course and relationship with cognitive status. Journal American Geriatric Society. 51(7):953-60Fauth E, B, & Gibbons A. (2014). Which behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia are the most problematic? Variability by prevalence, intensity, distress ratings, and associations with carer depressive symptoms. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry; 29: 263–71.Moore, K., Ozanne, E., Ames, D., & Dow, B., (2013). How do family carers respond to behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia? International Psychogeriatrics.25:5 743-753.Disclosure of Interest: None Declared

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MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

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