An intervention to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms and caregiver burden in dementia: Preliminary results from a randomized trial of the tailored activity program–outpatient version

• Published in: International journal of geriatric psychiatry 2019-09, Vol.34 (9), p.1301-1307
• Main Authors: Oliveira, Alexandra Martini, Radanovic, Marcia, Homem de Mello, Patricia Cotting, Buchain, Patricia Cardoso, Dias Vizzotto, Adriana, Harder, Janaína, Stella, Florindo, Piersol, Catherine Verrier, Gitlin, Laura N., Forlenza, Orestes Vicente
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anxiety; caregiver burden; Caregivers; Caregivers - psychology; Dementia; Dementia - psychology; Dementia - therapy; Dementia disorders; family caregiving; Female; Geriatric psychiatry; Humans; Leisure Activities - psychology; Male; Middle Aged; neuropsychiatric behaviors; nonpharmacologic intervention; occupational therapy; Occupational Therapy - methods; Patient Education as Topic - methods; Sleep; Sleep disorders; Stress, Psychological - prevention & control
• ISSN: 0885-6230; 1099-1166
• DOI: 10.1002/gps.4958

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of the tailored activity program–outpatient version (TAP‐O) and to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in patients with dementia and caregiver burden compared with a control group (psychoeducation intervention). Methods Twenty‐one persons with dementia and their caregivers were recruited and randomized. The intervention group received TAP‐O, designed for outpatients with dementia and their caregivers. TAP‐O consisted of eight sessions in which an occupational therapist assessed the patient's abilities and interests; prescribed tailored activities; and educated caregivers about dementia, NPS, and how to implement meaningful activities in the daily routine. The control group received eight sessions of a psychoeducation intervention about dementia and NPS. Results Compared with controls, patients receiving TAP‐O had a significant decrease in hallucination (P = 0.04), agitation (P = 0.03), anxiety (P = 0.02), aggression (P = 0.01), sleep disorder (P = 0.02), aberrant motor behavior (P = 0.02), and in caregiver burden (P = 0.003). Conclusions Findings suggest that TAP‐O may be an effective nonpharmacological strategy to reduce NPS of outpatients with dementia and to minimize caregiver burden.