Feasibility of a pocket-PC based cognitive control intervention in dementia spousal caregivers

Abstract

Objectives Spousal caregivers of patients with dementia are in need of interventions to bolster their quality of life. Computer-based, self-administered cognitive training is an innovative approach to targeting spousal caregiver distress and coping. We tested the feasibility of administering one such intervention with minimal clinician intervention. Methods Twenty-seven elderly adults (> 64 years old), who each were the primary caregiver for a spouse with dementia, were recruited through the Memory Disorders Clinic of the Alzheimer Disease Research Center in Pittsburgh, PA. Spousal caregivers were instructed to use a handheld computer version of the Adaptive Paced Visual Serial Attention Task (APVSAT) at least three times per week for 4 weeks as part of a larger caregiver intervention trial (P01 AG020677). Feasibility was explored by examining the frequency of APVSAT usage. Results Results suggest that self-directed cognitive training is feasible for spousal caregivers of dementia patients. The mean usage of the APSVAT was 42 (SD = 28.58). Performance increased from the beginning to the end of the trial, and usage was not affected by stress, worry, or poor sleep quality. Conclusion Findings suggest the potential utility of cognitive training via handheld computer for spousal caregivers of dementia patients to improve problem solving, coping and adaptation, planning, and persevering with goal-directed tasks.

Acceptability of psychosocial interventions for dementia caregivers: a systematic review

“… 80% Mohide [ 65 ], 1990 Caregivers Social intervention, help the caregivers enhance caregiving competence and achieve a sense of control in their roles as caregivers 70% Eloniemi-Sulkava [ 54 ], 2009 Dyads Multi-component support program, include goal-oriented peer support group meetings, dementia education, 100% Martin-Carrasco [ 40 ], 2009 Caregivers Cognitive intervention, include behavioural problems handing strategies, tension and stress control, dementia education. 90.4% Wilz [ 48 ], 2016 Caregivers Cognitive intervention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 79.5% Callan [ 70 ], 2015 Caregivers Cognitive intervention, provide information about dementia, social support, coping skills training, affective self-management, and healthy sleep practices. 74% McCurry [ 61 ], 2015 Caregivers Cognitive intervention, include Problem-solving skills, Effective communication skills, negative thinking management, Coping strategies, education.…”

“…Five low-quality papers reported data on participants’ completion rate for the interventions. Three studies showed moderate completion rate [ 34 , 69 , 70 ], while the other 2 reported low completion rate [ 67 , 68 ].…”

“…Ten studies (3 for dyads and 7 for caregivers only) on cognitive intervention were included, 3 reported high participation rate [ 48 , 50 , 61 ], 8 studies showed low to high completion rate [ 38 , 40 , 48 , 50 , 61 , 62 , 69 , 70 ], 8 studies indicated good levels of satisfaction [ 38 – 40 , 48 , 61 , 69 , 71 ]. Three reported on barriers to acceptability, including time constraints [ 62 ], lack of need [ 38 ], participants’ poor health [ 69 ].…”

Digital Mental Health Tools for Caregivers of Older Adults—A Scoping Review

“…The summary of the relevant studies in this review suggests general positive outcomes for caregivers after using the digital mental health tool with a reported increase in coping skills or emotional regulation (8,10,22,27,31), a decrease in stress, and burden (7,22,31) as well as perceived improvements in motivation to care (23). There were no adverse effects of digital mental health tools reported, even in the population that had low familiarity with technology, which might be further argued as a limitation.…”

“…The amount of care provided mostly depends on the care recipientcaregiver relationship-e.g., spouse, parent, sibling, friend-and the living arrangements between the two. Caregiving role comes with diverse challenges, and many of those put caregivers at risk of mental health problems (7)(8)(9)(10) and even increased risk of mortality through the development of severe chronic conditions.…”