Effectiveness of Family Meetings for Dementia Caregivers
Author Information
Author(s): Karlijn Joling, Hein PJ van Hout, Philip Scheltens, Myrra Vernooij-Dassen, Bernard van den Berg, Judith Bosmans, Freek Gillissen, Mary Mittelman, Harm WJ van Marwijk
Primary Institution: VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Hypothesis
Affective disorders of dementia caregivers are largely preventable.
Conclusion
The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of structured family meetings in preventing anxiety and depressive disorders in caregivers of dementia patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Family caregivers of dementia patients have a high risk of developing affective disorders.
- Family meetings have shown beneficial effects on reducing depression in caregivers.
- The study will measure both depression and anxiety in caregivers.
Takeaway
This study is looking at whether family meetings can help people who take care of family members with dementia feel less sad or anxious.
Methodology
A randomized controlled trial comparing structured family meetings with usual care among primary family caregivers of dementia patients.
Potential Biases
Counselors may instinctively exclude certain families from participation.
Limitations
The study may not be generalizable to caregivers of patients living alone or those with severe co-morbidities.
Participant Demographics
Primary caregivers of community dwelling patients with a clinical diagnosis of dementia, including spouses, children, and siblings living with the patient.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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