Positive effects of a cognitive-behavioral intervention program for family caregivers of demented elderly

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: It was to examine the effects of a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) program administered to family caregivers of dementia patients. METHODS: Forty family caregivers were enrolled in a CBT intervention across eight weekly sessions. Cognitive, functional and behavioral status of patients were evaluated, as well as their own and their family caregivers' perceptions of quality of life. Specific instruments were also applied to evaluate caregiver stress level, coping, anxiety and depression. RESULTS: At the end of the program, family caregivers reported fewer neuropsychiatric symptoms among patients and an improvement in patients' quality of life. In addition, caregivers changed their coping strategies, whereas a significant decrease was observed in their anxiety levels. CONCLUSION: The CBT program employed appears to be a promising and useful tool for clinical practice, displaying positive effects on quality of life and neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia, as well as proving beneficial for alleviating anxiety and stress in family caregivers.

Factors associated with prolonged length of stay in older patients

“…In addition, communitybased care in the form of home-care and day-care centres can be very useful in supporting working adults who have to balance work commitments with caring for their parents. Caregiverspecific programmes, such as mindfulness training, (41) cognitive behavioural intervention (42) and caregiver support groups, can have significant benefits for reducing stress, improving mood (43) and enhancing quality of life for caregivers.…”

Cognitive–behavioural group therapy improves a psychophysiological marker of stress in caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease

“…Among the different types of interventions, those providing psychoeducation coupled with an active participation of caregivers within a cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) framework are considered to be the most effective in reducing burden and increasing general well-being (Losada Baltar, Izal Fernandez de Troconiz, Montorio Cerrato, Marquez Gonzalez, & Perez Rojo, 2004;Pinquart & Sorensen, 2006;Selwood et al, 2007;Thompson et al, 2007). CBT for caregivers of dementia patients usually focuses on modifying beliefs related to the disease and to their role as caregivers, involving other family members in the care, and encouraging them to engage in pleasant activities (Fialho, Koenig, Santos, Barbosa, & Caramelli, 2012;Roth, Mittelman, Clay, Madan, & Haley, 2005;VernooijDassen, Draskovic, McCleery, & Downs, 2011). …”

Intervenções realizadas com grupos de cuidadores de idosos com síndrome demencial: revisão sistemática

“…A intervenção realizada, no Brasil, por Fialho et al (2012), baseada na Terapia Cognitiva Comportamental (TCC), desenvolveu especificamente o Treinamento de Habilidades Sociais (TSS) seguindo o aporte teórico de Goldsmith e McFall, sendo que, com o desenvolvimento de competências em situações críticas proporcionadas pelo cenário no qual os cuidadores estão inseridos, possibilitaria adquirir novas ferramentas de enfrentamento. O modelo também apresentou um componente voltado para o treinamento de técnicas comportamentais específicas, tais como relaxamento, incentivo à realização de atividades prazerosas e manejo dos sintomas neuropsiquiátricos do paciente.…”

“…Neste sentido, nota-se a necessidade de ações/intervenções que deem suporte para melhores condições de saúde ao cuidador, sendo esse cenário um meio de compartilhar saberes com o objetivo de possibilitar, ao cuidador, compreender melhor o diagnóstico (CARAMELLI; BOTTINO, 2007; GUERRA et al, 2011), criar estratégias de enfrentamento (FIALHO et al, 2012) e mobilizar o apoio das redes familiares existentes (JOLING et al, 2012).…”