Satisfaction With a Family‐Focused Intervention for Mild Cognitive Impairment Dyads

Abstract

Purpose This paper describes satisfaction that persons with MCI (PwMCI) and their caregivers had with the Daily Enhancement of Meaningful Activity (DEMA) intervention. Methods This randomized controlled pilot study compared satisfaction (usefulness, ease of use, and acceptability) with DEMA (n =17 dyads) to an information support (IS) control group (n=19 dyads). Six bi-weekly sessions (2 in-person and 4 telephone) were delivered by trained nurses. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent-sample t tests, and content analysis. Findings PwMCI receiving DEMA rated their satisfaction significantly higher (p =.033) than the control group; there was no difference in satisfaction between caregivers across groups. Qualitative interview data supported the usefulness, ease of use, and acceptability of DEMA for both PwMCI and caregivers. Conclusions Results documented PwMCI’s satisfaction with DEMA as implemented by nurses to support PwMCI-caregiver dyads’ engagement in meaningful activity. DEMA may need revision to increase satisfaction for caregivers. Clinical Relevance The DEMA intervention was evaluated as useful, easy to use, and acceptable to PwMCI and their caregivers based on positive mean ratings. The study findings provide preliminary support of the DEMA as a means to improve quality of life by helping supporting patients and caregivers engagement in meaningful activities and problem solving.

Effects of modified 8‐week reminiscence therapy on the older spouse caregivers of stroke survivors in Chinese communities: A randomized controlled trial

“…In our participants, the dyadic effects improved the life satisfaction even for those stroke survivors who did not participate in the therapy program (in G 2 ). However, our findings do not agree with the work of Lu and colleagues, who found that a family‐focused intervention only improved the life satisfaction of stroke survivors with dementia and did not improve the caregivers' life satisfaction. Our inclusion of the stroke survivors with their spouse caregivers in the therapy program not only improved the caregivers' outcomes but also enhanced the care recipients' positive outcomes.…”

Clinical relevance of activities meaningful to parents of preterm infants with very low birth weight: A focus group study

“…However, as described in the introduction, initial evidence has been gathered showing a potential link between engagement in meaningful activities and parental and child health and wellbeing [ 23 , 24 , 45 ]. Moreover, the therapeutic use of meaningful activities has been found to improve patient and caregiver health and wellbeing [ 46 , 47 ]. Considering the potentially favorable effect of parents’ various meaningful activities on their preterm infants’ health and wellbeing, such activities could be clinically relevant in the context of neonatal care.…”

Changes in Social Function as a Trigger to Screen for Cognitive Impairment

“…Furthermore, interventions focused on maintaining and improving interpersonal relationships and communication among patients with dementia and mild cognitive impairment have been shown to improve quality of life and reduce caregiver burden. 3 Second, memory training and cognitive behavior therapy have been found to improve overall cognitive functioning in patients with mild cognitive impairment. 4 Third, organized exercise programs in patients with dementia or mild cognitive impairment can improve both cognitive and physical functioning.…”