CHALLENGES IN SUPPORTIVE CARE DECISION-MAKING IN THE CONTEXT OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS
2024

Challenges in Supportive Care Decision-Making for Alzheimer's Disease

Sample size: 79 publication

Author Information

Author(s): Taylor Jean, Turner Anne

Primary Institution: University of Washington

Hypothesis

How can we better involve persons with dementia in supportive care decision-making?

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the need for early and ongoing support in planning for dementia care transitions.

Supporting Evidence

  • Persons with dementia often decline in their involvement in decision-making as their condition progresses.
  • Participants described challenges such as lack of understanding of their diagnosis and inability to plan for the future.
  • Professionals suggested that decision tools should be provided as soon as possible after diagnosis.

Takeaway

People with dementia and their caregivers often struggle to make decisions about care, so it's important to help them plan early.

Methodology

In-depth online interviews with older adults with dementia, caregivers, and professionals.

Limitations

Participants may not have fully accepted their diagnosis, affecting their readiness to plan.

Participant Demographics

24 older adults with dementia, 37 informal caregivers, and 18 professionals.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.3070

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