Interpretation and management of dementia-related behavior problems

The purposes of this study were to explore family caregiver perceptions and interpretations of dementia-related behavior problems, and describe how these perceptions and interpretations influenced the caregivers' experiences managing these behavior problems. Using intensive interviewing techniques, family caregivers to persons with dementia (N = 10; all women) were asked to describe their experiences managing behavior problems. The results suggest that the caregiver's interpretation of the nature and cause of the behavior and her perception of the care receiver's ability to control it influence the way in which the caregiver manages the behavior problems, and the degree to which she experiences negative consequences. These results may have important implications for the way in which health professionals intervene to assist family caregivers in managing problem behaviors related to dementia.