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Interventions for persons with irreversible dementia
Sandy C Burgener1, Prudence Twigg
1College of Nursing at Urbana University of Illinois, USA.
Annual Review of Nursing Research
|July 3, 2002
Summary
This review synthesizes interventions for persons with dementia (PWD), identifying effective strategies for cognitive enhancement, behavioral symptom management, and improved daily functioning across disease stages. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes and patient perspectives.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nursing Research
- Dementia Care
Background:
- Persons with dementia (PWD) require tailored interventions to manage cognitive decline and behavioral symptoms.
- Existing literature from 1990-2000 offers insights into various therapeutic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview and critique of theoretical and research literature on interventions for PWD.
- To synthesize findings on interventions effective across different dementia stages.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of English publications (1990-2000) using descriptive, correlational, longitudinal, or intervention designs.
- Inclusion of 157 research publications after initial review of over 1,200 citations.
- Analysis of theoretical literature and disease progression indicators.
Main Results:
- Early stage: Cognitive-behavioral interventions support cognition, memory, and depression relief.
- Middle stage: Environmental and behavioral approaches improve functioning and manage symptoms.
- Late stage: Behavioral, interactive, and staff support interventions address nutrition, incontinence, and vocalizations.
Conclusions:
- Evidence supports stage-specific interventions for persons with dementia.
- Future research needs standardized definitions, patient perspectives, long-term outcome evaluation, and community-based studies.