Grabowski, David C., Mitchell, Susan L.

Background: The quality of nursing home (NH) care for residents with advanced dementia has been described as suboptimal. One relatively understudied factor in the provision of NH care is the role of private oversight and monitoring by family members and friends. Objective: To examine the association between private oversight and the quality of end-of-life care […]

Hanson, Laura C., Carey, Timothy S., Caprio, Anthony J., Lee, Tae Joon, Ersek, Mary, Garrett, Joanne, Jackman, Anne, Gilliam, Robin, Wessell, Kathryn, Mitchell, Susan L.

Objectives: To test whether a decision aid improves quality of decision‐making about feeding options in advanced dementia. Design: Cluster randomized controlled trial. Setting: Twenty‐four nursing homes in North Carolina. Participants: Residents with advanced dementia and feeding problems and their surrogates. Intervention: Intervention surrogates received an audio or print decision aid on feeding options in advanced […]

Venturelli, Massimo, Magalini, Alessandra, Scarsini, Renato, Schena, Federico

There is evidence that exercise may reduce the progressive cognitive dysfunction of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, no previous investigation has studiethe acute effects of adapted games (AG) on patients with AD. The aim of this study was to examine the acute effects of AG on the agitated behavior (rating scale Agitated Behavior Rating Scale [ABRS]) […]

Cohen-Mansfield, Jiska, Thein, Khin, Marx, Marcia S., Dakheel-Ali, Maha, Freedman, Laurence

Background: A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was undertaken to determine the efficacy of nonpharmacologic individualized interventions (individualized to address unmet needs such as boredom or pain) in decreasing agitation in persons with dementia.; Method: Agitated nursing home residents with advanced dementia (from 9 nursing homes in 5 locations in Maryland, United States) were randomized into […]

Kiely, Dan K., Givens, Jane L., Shaffer, Michele L., Teno, Joan M., Mitchell, Susan L.

Objectives: To identify characteristics of nursing home (NH) residents with advanced dementia and their healthcare proxies (HCPs) associated with hospice referral and to examine the association between hospice use and the treatment of pain and dyspnea and unmet needs during the last 7 days of life.; Design: Prospective cohort study.; Setting: Twenty-two Boston-area NHs.; Participants: […]

Cordner, Zachary, Blass, David M., Rabins, Peter V., Black, Betty S.

Objectives: To examine quality of life (QOL) in nursing home (NH) residents with advanced dementia and identify correlates of QOL near the end of life.; Design: Cross-sectional data derived from NH records, interviews with residents’ surrogate decision-makers, QOL ratings by NH caregivers, and assessment of residents’ cognitive function.; Setting: Three NHs in Maryland.; Participants: A […]

Gallagher, Maribeth

The ongoing extension of the average human lifespan in most parts of the world forecasts an unprecedented number of aging adults developing Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, commonly referred to as agitated behaviours, are estimated to occur in over 80% of patients and are typically treated using antipsychotic medications, […]

Edwards, Nancy E., Beck, Alan M.

This study assessed whether individuals with dementia who observe aquariums increase the amount of food they consume and maintain body weight. The sample included 70 residents in dementia units within 3 extended care facilities in 2 states. The intervention included the introduction of an aquarium into each common dining area. A total increase of 196.9 […]