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Longitudinal assessment of psychotherapeutic day hospital treatment for neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia

Authors

Weber, Kerstin, Meiler-Mititelu, Corina, Herrmann, François Robert, Delaloye, Christophe, Giannakopoulos, Panteleimon, Canuto, Alessandra

Journal

Aging & Mental Health, Volume: 13, No.: 1, Pages.: 92-98

Year of Publication

2009

Abstract

Objective: Behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD) of dementia are associated with more rapid cognitive deterioration as well as increased caregiver stress. The effectiveness of psychiatric day hospital care for this condition remains disputed. We report here the assessment of a psychotherapeutic day hospital program in a series of elderly people with dementia and concomitant BPSD.; Methods: Treatment setting: The day hospital program combined music, movement, psychodynamic group therapies, sociotherapy as well as individual interviews and family interventions.; Participants: 76 individuals with mild to moderate dementia.; Outcome Measures: The Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Therapeutic Community Assessment scale including staff (SAS) and client assessments (CAS) and a Group Evaluation Scale (GES) were administrated at admission, 3, 6 and 12 months and discharge.; Results: Linear regression analysis showed that SAS (but not CAS) and GES scores significantly increased while the NPI total scores decreased across the different time points. NPI item score modifications were significant for anxiety and apathy. These changes remained significant when demographic variables, drug treatment changes and occurrence of life events were also considered.; Conclusion: A psychotherapeutic day hospital program designed for older people with dementia and neuropsychiatric symptoms allows for a significant reduction of anxiety and apathy, better adhesion to therapeutic community treatment and clinical progress in group therapy. Controlled interventional studies are needed to further confirm these data.;

Bibtex Citation

@article{Weber_2009, doi = {10.1080/13607860802154523}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13607860802154523}, year = 2009, month = {jan}, publisher = {Informa {UK} Limited}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {92--98}, author = {Kerstin Weber and Corina Meiler-Mititelu and Fran{c{c}}ois Robert Herrmann and Christophe Delaloye and Panteleimon Giannakopoulos and Alessandra Canuto}, title = {Longitudinal assessment of psychotherapeutic day hospital treatment for neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia}, journal = {Aging {&} Mental Health} }

Keywords

aged, aged, 80 and over, care, day, day care, dementia, diagnosis, female, humans, linear models, longitudinal studies, male, methods, middle aged, neuropsychological tests, neuropsychology, outcome and process assessment health care, outpatient clinics hospital, psychology, psychotherapeutic, psychotherapy, psychotropic drugs, severity of illness index, stress, psychological, switzerland, therapeutic use, therapy

Countries of Study

Switzerland

Types of Study

Before and After Study

Type of Outcomes

Behaviour

Settings

Hospital Outpatient Care

Type of Interventions

Non-pharmacological Treatment

Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions

Other