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Sessa F, Polito R, Li Rosi G, Salerno M, Esposito M, Pisanelli D, Ministeri F, Messina A, Carotenuto M, Chieffi S, Messina G, Monda M. Neurobiology and medico-legal aspects of suicides among older adults: a narrative review. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1449526. [PMID: 39290301 PMCID: PMC11405742 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1449526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The task of preventing suicide in older adults is an important social burden as older adults aged above 65 are exposed to singular psychological aspects that increase suicide risks. Moreover, when an older adult corpse is found, the medico-legal inspection represents a fundamental tool to identify the exact cause of death, classifying or excluding it as suicide. In this scenario, this review aims to explore the neurobiological factors that could be related to suicidal behavior in older adults. A further goal of this review is the exploration of the medico-legal aspects surrounding older adult suicides, clarifying the importance of forensic investigation. Particularly, this review examines issues such as neurotransmitter imbalances, cognitive impairment, neuroinflammation, psychosocial factors related to geriatric suicide, and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, medico-legal aspects such as policy considerations, legal frameworks, mental health assessments, ethical implications and forensic investigation were explored. Considering the importance of this phenomenon, especially in western countries, a need has emerged for focused screening tools on suicidal behavior among older adults, in order to contain it. Therefore, this review makes an exhaustive appraisal of the literature giving insights into the delicate interplay between neurobiology as well as mental health in relation to older adult suicide within a medico-legal context. The comprehension of different aspects about this complex phenomenon is fundamental to propose new and more effective interventions, supporting tailored initiatives such as family support and improving healthcare, specifically towards vulnerable ageing societies to reduce older adult suicide risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Sessa
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rita Polito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Li Rosi
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Monica Salerno
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Pisanelli
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Ospedali Riuniti, Viale Luigi Pinto, Foggia, Italy
| | - Federica Ministeri
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonietta Messina
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania, Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Marco Carotenuto
- Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sergio Chieffi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Campania, Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giovanni Messina
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Campania, Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Marcellino Monda
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Campania, Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Italy
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2
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Pless A, Ware D, Saggu S, Rehman H, Morgan J, Wang Q. Understanding neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's disease: challenges and advances in diagnosis and treatment. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1263771. [PMID: 37732300 PMCID: PMC10508352 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1263771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) affect up to 97% of AD patients, with an estimated 80% of current AD patients experiencing these symptoms. Common AD-associated NPS include depression, anxiety, agitation, aggression, and apathy. The severity of NPS in AD is typically linked to the disease's progression and the extent of cognitive decline. Additionally, these symptoms are responsible for a significant increase in morbidity, mortality, caregiver burden, earlier nursing home placement, and greater healthcare expenditure. Despite their high prevalence and significant impact, there is a notable lack of clinical research on NPS in AD. In this article, we explore and analyze the prevalence, symptom manifestations, challenges in diagnosis, and treatment options of NPS associated with AD. Our literature review reveals that distinguishing and accurately diagnosing the NPS associated with AD remains a challenging task in clinical settings. It is often difficult to discern whether NPS are secondary to pathophysiological changes from AD or are comorbid psychiatric conditions. Furthermore, the availability of effective pharmaceutical interventions, as well as non-pharmacotherapies for NPS in AD, remains limited. By highlighting the advance and challenges in diagnosis and treatment of AD-associated NPS, we aspire to offer new insights into the complexity of identifying and treating these symptoms within the context of AD, and contribute to a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of NPS in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Pless
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Destany Ware
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Shalini Saggu
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Hasibur Rehman
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - John Morgan
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
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3
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Theleritis C, Siarkos K, Politis A, Smyrnis N, Papageorgiou C, Politis AM. A Systematic Review of Pharmacological Interventions for Apathy in Aging Neurocognitive Disorders. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1061. [PMID: 37508993 PMCID: PMC10377475 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13071061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Apathy, a frequent neuropsychiatric symptom in aging neurocognitive disorders, has been associated with cognitive decline and functional disability. Therefore, timely provision of pharmacological interventions for apathy is greatly needed. DESIGN A systematical literature review of existing studies was conducted up to 30 May 2023 in several databases (PubMed, PsychInfo, Cochrane, Google Scholar, etc.) that included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses assessing pharmacological treatments for apathy in aging neurocognitive disorders. The quality of the studies was appraised. RESULTS In patients with Alzheimer's Disease (AD), donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine, methylphenidate, and gingko biloba were proven efficacious for apathy, while rivastigmine, cognitive enhancer IRL752 and piribedil were found to be beneficial in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and agomelatine in patients with Frontotemporal Dementia (FD). The extensive proportion of RCTs in which apathy was used as a secondary outcome measure, along with the considerable methodological heterogeneity, did not allow the evaluation of group effects. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacological interventions for apathy in aging neurocognitive disorders are complex and under-investigated. The continuation of systematic research efforts and the provision of individualized treatment for patients suffering from these disorders is vital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Theleritis
- First Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, 74 Vas. Sofias Ave., 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Kostas Siarkos
- First Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, 74 Vas. Sofias Ave., 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasios Politis
- Second Department of Neurosurgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon Hospital, 1 Rimini Str., 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Smyrnis
- Second Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon Hospital, 1 Rimini Str., 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Charalabos Papageorgiou
- First Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, 74 Vas. Sofias Ave., 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Antonios M Politis
- First Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, 74 Vas. Sofias Ave., 11528 Athens, Greece
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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4
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Volle D. Dementia Care at the End of Life: A Clinically Focused Review. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2023; 31:291-303. [PMID: 36456444 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
With the geriatric population in the United States growing rapidly, the prevalence of dementia is expected to rise concomitantly. As dementia is an invariably progressive and terminal illness, planning for and managing end of life care in dementia is an important part of the overall process of dementia care. Unfortunately, this is often neglected outside of formal palliative and hospice medicine training programs and geriatric psychiatrists are left without preparation on how to manage, as well as counsel patients and families on, this important phase of dementia care. This review aims to explore the potential contributors to this historic disparity in geriatric education and care delivery, as well as its impact, while also attempting to shift the field's focus toward a palliative approach to dementia care. To begin to accomplish this, this review explores the natural illness history/disease trajectory of the various dementing illnesses, as well as the topic of prognostication as it pertains to the end of life for patients with dementia and how this information can be used in advanced care planning and symptom management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dax Volle
- Department of Psychiatry (DV), Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH.
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5
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Collins JT, Harwood RH, Cowley A, Di Lorito C, Ferguson E, Minicucci MF, Howe L, Masud T, Ogliari G, O'Brien R, Azevedo PS, Walsh DA, Gladman JRF. Chronic pain in people living with dementia: challenges to recognising and managing pain, and personalising intervention by phenotype. Age Ageing 2023; 52:6974848. [PMID: 36626322 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain is common in people with dementia, and pain can exacerbate the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. Effective pain management is challenging, not least in people with dementia. Impairments of cognition, communication and abstract thought can make communicating pain unreliable or impossible. It is unclear which biopsychosocial interventions for pain management are effective in people with dementia, and which interventions for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia are effective in people with pain. The result is that drugs, physical therapies and psychological therapies might be either underused or overused. People with dementia and pain could be helped by assessment processes that characterise an individual's pain experience and dementia behaviours in a mechanistic manner, phenotyping. Chronic pain management has moved from a 'one size fits all' approach, towards personalised medicine, where interventions recommended for an individual depend upon the key mechanisms underlying their pain, and the relative values they place on benefits and adverse effects. Mechanistic phenotyping through careful personalised evaluation would define the mechanisms driving pain and dementia behaviours in an individual, enabling the formulation of a personalised intervention strategy. Central pain processing mechanisms are particularly likely to be important in people with pain and dementia, and interventions to accommodate and address these may be particularly helpful, not only to relieve pain but also the symptoms of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jemima T Collins
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Nottingham, UK.,University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, Derby, UK
| | - Rowan H Harwood
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK.,NIHR Applied Research Collaboration-East Midlands, Leicester, UK
| | - Alison Cowley
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Eamonn Ferguson
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Nottingham, UK
| | | | | | - Tahir Masud
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK.,NIHR Applied Research Collaboration-East Midlands, Leicester, UK
| | - Giulia Ogliari
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Paula S Azevedo
- Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - David A Walsh
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Nottingham, UK.,Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Nottinghamshire, UK
| | - John R F Gladman
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Nottingham, UK.,Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
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6
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Wijbenga RA, Blaauw FJ, Janus SIM, Tibben C, Smits AE, Oude Voshaar RC, Zuidema SU, Zuidersma M. Individual differences in the temporal relationship between sleep and agitation: a single-subject study in nursing home residents with dementia experiencing sleep disturbance and agitation. Aging Ment Health 2022; 26:1669-1677. [PMID: 34129803 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2021.1935464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Previous studies on the interrelationship between sleep and agitation relied on group-aggregates and so results may not be applicable to individuals. This proof-of-concept study presents the single-subject study design with time series analysis as a method to evaluate the association between sleep and agitation in individual nursing home residents using actigraphy. METHOD To record activity, three women and two men (aged 78-89 years) wore the MotionWatch 8© (MW8) for 9 consecutive weeks. Total sleep time and agitation were derived from the MW8 data. We performed time series analysis for each individual separately. To gain insight into the experiences with the actigraphy measurements, care staff filled out an investigator-developed questionnaire on their and participants' MW8 experiences. RESULTS A statistically significant temporal association between sleep and agitation was present in three out of five participants. More agitation was followed by more sleep for participant 1, and by less sleep for participant 4. As for participants 3 and 4, more sleep was followed by more agitation. Two-thirds of the care staff members (16/24) were positive about the use of the MW8. Acceptability of the MW8 was mixed: two residents refused to wear the MW8 thus did not participate, one participant initially experienced the MW8 as somewhat unpleasant, while four participants seemed to experience no substantial problems. CONCLUSION A single-subject approach with time series analysis can be a valuable tool to gain insight into the temporal relationship between sleep and agitation in individual nursing home residents with dementia experiencing sleep disturbance and agitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rianne A Wijbenga
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J Blaauw
- Bernoulli Institute for Mathematics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, Distributed Systems Group, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah I M Janus
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Coby Tibben
- Meriant, Zorggroep Alliade, Heerenveen, The Netherlands
| | - Annelies E Smits
- Zorggroep Alliade, Heerenveen, The Netherlands.,Sleep-Wake Centre SEIN, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - Richard C Oude Voshaar
- University Center of Psychiatry & Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sytse U Zuidema
- Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marij Zuidersma
- University Center of Psychiatry & Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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7
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Pharmacotechnological Advances for Clinical Translation of Essential Oils for the Treatment of Pain and Agitation in Severe Dementia. Processes (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/pr10071340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The demand for natural products is steadily increasing, and pharmacotechnological engineering is needed to allow rigorous investigation of their efficacy and safety in clinical conditions representing still unmet needs. Among aged patients affected by dementia, up to 80% of residents in nursing homes suffer from chronic pain and 97% from fluctuant neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), of which the most challenging is agitation. It is, at least in part, due to undertreated pain and treated with antipsychotics almost doubling the risk of death. In the frame of a scoping review assessing the existence of essential oils undergoing engineering pharmacotechnological processes using solid lipid nanoparticle delivery systems for clinical translation in pain and/or neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR), here we identified that the sole essential oil engineered to overcome the criticisms of aromatherapy clinical trials in pain and dementia is the essential oil of bergamot (BEO). Therefore, we present the process leading to the actually ongoing randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled NCT04321889 clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of intervention with bergamot in the management of agitation and pain in severe dementia to be followed also for the proof of concept of efficacy and safety of other essential oils.
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Scuteri D, Contrada M, Loria T, Tonin P, Sandrini G, Tamburin S, Nicotera P, Bagetta G, Corasaniti MT. Pharmacological Treatment of Pain and Agitation in Severe Dementia and Responsiveness to Change of the Italian Mobilization–Observation–Behavior–Intensity–Dementia (I-MOBID2) Pain Scale: Study Protocol. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12050573. [PMID: 35624960 PMCID: PMC9139373 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12050573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Up to 80% of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients in nursing homes experiences chronic pain and 97% develops fluctuant neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS). Agitation, associated with unrelieved pain, is managed through antipsychotics and may increase the risk of death. Evidence is accumulating in favor of analgesia for a safer, effective therapy of agitation. The Italian version of Mobilization–Observation–Behavior–Intensity–Dementia, I-MOBID2, recently validated in the Italian setting, shows: good scale content validity index (0.89), high construct validity (Spearman rank-order correlation Rho = 0.748), reliable internal consistency (Cronbach’s α coefficient = 0.751), good-excellent inter-rater (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC = 0.778) and test-retest (ICC = 0.902) reliability, and good inter-rater and test-retest agreement (Cohen’s K = 0.744) with 5.8 min completion time. This study intends to identify the responsiveness of the I-MOBID2 based on COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) recommendations, assessing the a priori hypotheses of (1) the efficacy of painkillers administered to severe AD patients after proper pain assessment and (2) the effect of reduction of the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) score and of agitation rescue medications. This protocol is approved by Calabria Region Ethics Committee protocol No. 31/2017 and follows the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damiana Scuteri
- Pharmacotechnology Documentation and Transfer Unit, Preclinical and Translational Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy;
- Regional Center for Serious Brain Injuries, S. Anna Institute, 88900 Crotone, Italy; (M.C.); (P.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Marianna Contrada
- Regional Center for Serious Brain Injuries, S. Anna Institute, 88900 Crotone, Italy; (M.C.); (P.T.)
| | | | - Paolo Tonin
- Regional Center for Serious Brain Injuries, S. Anna Institute, 88900 Crotone, Italy; (M.C.); (P.T.)
| | - Giorgio Sandrini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, IRCCS C. Mondino Foundation Neurologic Institute, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Stefano Tamburin
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy;
| | - Pierluigi Nicotera
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53111 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Giacinto Bagetta
- Pharmacotechnology Documentation and Transfer Unit, Preclinical and Translational Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy;
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9
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Manietta C, Labonté V, Thiesemann R, Sirsch EG, Möhler R. Algorithm-based pain management for people with dementia in nursing homes. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 4:CD013339. [PMID: 35363380 PMCID: PMC8973420 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013339.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with dementia in nursing homes often experience pain, but often do not receive adequate pain therapy. The experience of pain has a significant impact on quality of life in people with dementia, and is associated with negative health outcomes. Untreated pain is also considered to be one of the causes of challenging behaviour, such as agitation or aggression, in this population. One approach to reducing pain in people with dementia in nursing homes is an algorithm-based pain management strategy, i.e. the use of a structured protocol that involves pain assessment and a series of predefined treatment steps consisting of various non-pharmacological and pharmacological pain management interventions. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of algorithm-based pain management interventions to reduce pain and challenging behaviour in people with dementia living in nursing homes. To describe the components of the interventions and the content of the algorithms. SEARCH METHODS We searched ALOIS, the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group's register, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Web of Science Core Collection (ISI Web of Science), LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Information database), ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization's meta-register the International Clinical Trials Registry Portal on 30 June 2021. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials investigating the effects of algorithm-based pain management interventions for people with dementia living in nursing homes. All interventions had to include an initial pain assessment, a treatment algorithm (a treatment plan consisting of at least two different non-pharmacological or pharmacological treatment steps to reduce pain), and criteria to assess the success of each treatment step. The control groups could receive usual care or an active control intervention. Primary outcomes for this review were pain-related outcomes, e.g. the number of participants with pain (self- or proxy-rated), challenging behaviour (we used a broad definition that could also include agitation or behavioural and psychological symptoms assessed with any validated instrument), and serious adverse events. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently selected the articles for inclusion, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of all included studies. We reported results narratively as there were too few studies for a meta-analysis. We used GRADE methods to rate the certainty of the results. MAIN RESULTS We included three cluster-randomised controlled trials with a total of 808 participants (mean age 82 to 89 years). In two studies, participants had severe cognitive impairment and in one study mild to moderate impairment. The algorithms used in the studies varied in the number of treatment steps. The comparator was pain education for nursing staff in two studies and usual care in one study. We judged the risk of detection bias to be high in one study. The risk of selection bias and performance bias was unclear in all studies. Self-rated pain (i.e. pain rated by participants themselves) was reported in two studies. In one study, all residents in the nursing homes were included, but fewer than half of the participants experienced pain at baseline, and the mean values of self-rated and proxy-rated pain at baseline and follow-up in both study groups were below the threshold of pain that may require treatment. We considered the evidence from this study to be very low-certainty and therefore are uncertain whether the algorithm-based pain management intervention had an effect on self-rated pain intensity compared with pain education (MD -0.27, 95% CI -0.49 to -0.05, 170 participants; Verbal Descriptor Scale, range 0 to 3). In the other study, all participants had mild to moderate pain at baseline. Here, we found low-certainty evidence that an algorithm-based pain management intervention may have little to no effect on self-rated pain intensity compared with pain education (MD 0.4, 95% CI -0.58 to 1.38, 246 participants; Iowa Pain Thermometer, range 0 to 12). Pain was rated by proxy in all three studies. Again, we considered the evidence from the study in which mean pain scores indicated no pain, or almost no pain, at baseline to be very low-certainty and were uncertain whether the algorithm-based pain management intervention had an effect on proxy-rated pain intensity compared with pain education. For participants with mild to moderate pain at baseline, we found low-certainty evidence that an algorithm-based pain management intervention may reduce proxy-rated pain intensity in comparison with usual care (MD -1.49, 95% CI -2.11 to -0.87, 1 study, 128 participants; Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia Scale-Chinese version, range 0 to 10), but may not be more effective than pain education (MD -0.2, 95% CI -0.79 to 0.39, 1 study, 383 participants; Iowa Pain Thermometer, range 0 to 12). For challenging behaviour, we found very low-certainty evidence from one study in which mean pain scores indicated no pain, or almost no pain, at baseline. We were uncertain whether the algorithm-based pain management intervention had any more effect than education for nursing staff on challenging behaviour of participants (MD -0.21, 95% CI -1.88 to 1.46, 1 study, 170 participants; Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory-Chinese version, range 7 to 203). None of the studies systematically assessed adverse effects or serious adverse effects and no study reported information about the occurrence of any adverse effect. None of the studies assessed any of the other outcomes of this review. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is no clear evidence for a benefit of an algorithm-based pain management intervention in comparison with pain education for reducing pain intensity or challenging behaviour in people with dementia in nursing homes. We found that the intervention may reduce proxy-rated pain compared with usual care. However, the certainty of evidence is low because of the small number of studies, small sample sizes, methodological limitations, and the clinical heterogeneity of the study populations (e.g. pain level and cognitive status). The results should be interpreted with caution. Future studies should also focus on the implementation of algorithms and their impact in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Manietta
- School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Witten, Germany
- School of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Valérie Labonté
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Cochrane Germany, Cochrane Germany Foundation, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Erika G Sirsch
- Faculty of Nursing Science, PTVH Catholic University, Vallendar, Germany
| | - Ralph Möhler
- School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
- Institute for Health Services Research and Health Economics, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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10
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Husebo BS, Vislapuu M, Cyndecka MA, Mustafa M, Patrascu M. Understanding Pain and Agitation Through System Analysis Algorithms in People With Dementia. A Novel Explorative Approach by the DIGI.PAIN Study. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2022; 3:847578. [PMID: 35369536 PMCID: PMC8970316 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2022.847578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundMany people with dementia (PwD) live and die with undiagnosed and untreated pain and are no longer able to report their suffering. Several pain assessment tools have been developed, tested, and implemented in clinical practice, but nursing home patients are reported to be still in pain. Clinicians and research groups worldwide are seeking novel approaches to encode the prediction, prevalence, and associations to pain in PwD.ParticipantsThe data in this analysis are acquired from the COSMOS study, a cluster-randomized controlled trial (2014 to 2015), aimed to improve the quality of life in nursing home patients (N = 723) through the implementation of a multicomponent intervention. We utilize baseline data of PwD (N = 219) with complete datasets of pain and agitation.MethodSystems analysis explores the relationship between pain and agitation using the Mobilization-Observation-Behavior-Intensity-Dementia (MOBID-2) Pain Scale, Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI), and Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Nursing Home version (NPI-NH). For each patient, the individualized continuous time trajectory, and rates of change of pain and agitation are estimated. We determine the relationship between these rates by analyzing them across the entire group.ResultsWe found that the new analysis method can generate individualized estimations for pain and agitation evolution for PwD, as well as their relationship. For 189 of 219 PwD, results show that whenever pain increases or decreases, agitation does too, with the same rate. The method also identifies PwD for whom pain or agitation remains constant while the other varies over time, and patients for whom agitation and pain do not change together. The algorithm is scalable to other variables and compatible with wearable devices and digital sensors.ConclusionWe presented a new approach to clinical data analysis using systems concepts and algorithms. We found that it is possible to quantify and visualize relationships between variables with a precision only dependent on the precision of measurements. This method should be further validated, but incipient results show great potential, especially for wearable-generated continuous data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina S. Husebo
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Nursing Home Medicine, Bergen, Norway
- *Correspondence: Bettina S. Husebo
| | - Maarja Vislapuu
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Manal Mustafa
- Oral Health Centre of Expertise in Western Norway, Bergen, Norway
| | - Monica Patrascu
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Complex Systems Laboratory, Department of Automatic Control and System Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
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Parkman S, Mastel-Smith B, McGuire A, Duke G. Insights to Identifying and Managing Pain in Persons With Dementia in Long-Term Care: A Mixed Methods Study Comparing the Abbey Pain Scale and Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia Scale. J Gerontol Nurs 2021; 47:21-30. [PMID: 33497447 DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20210113-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Pain is usually identified by specific behaviors driven by the need for relief; however, persons with dementia present a unique challenge for nurses in assessing and managing pain. The aim of this mixed methods study was to explore the relationship between two observational pain scales, expressed need-driven behaviors, and likelihood of medication administration for persons with dementia. The qualitative strand examined nurses' perceptions regarding facilitators and barriers to pain scale use. Quantitative data analysis indicated the Abbey Pain Scale was significantly correlated with behaviors (r[26] = 0.41, p < 0.05) and approached significance with medication administration (r[26] = 0.35, p = 0.067). Qualitative analysis identified three core themes: (a) Challenges in Assessing Persons With Dementia for Pain; (b) Facilitators and Barriers to Pain Management; and (c) Difficulty Caring for Persons With Dementia. Clinical implications suggest the need for a systematic, consistent method of observing pain-related behaviors in persons with dementia. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 47(2), 21-30.].
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Jenny Wei YJ, Chen C, Fillingim RB, DeKosky ST, Schmidt S, Pahor M, Solberg L, Winterstein AG. Uncontrolled Pain and Risk for Depression and Behavioral Symptoms in Residents With Dementia. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2021; 22:2079-2086.e5. [PMID: 34089652 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2021.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Limited cohort studies have assessed the association between uncontrolled pain and risk for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSDs). We conducted a longitudinal cohort study to examine whether associations exist between uncontrolled pain and risk for 2 common BPSDs-depression and behavioral symptoms-among long-term care (LTC) residents with Alzheimer disease and related dementia (ADRD). DESIGN This retrospective cohort study analyzed quarterly data from the 5% Medicare sample linked to Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2015. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS LTC residents aged 50 years or older with ADRD who had chronic pain and at least 2 quarterly MDS 3.0 assessments. METHODS LTC residents were followed up quarterly from first observed quarterly MDS 3.0 until first outcome event or last observed quarterly MDS 3.0. Uncontrolled pain was defined as numerical rating scale >4, verbal descriptor scale of moderate or severe pain, or ≥1 pain indicators on the Checklist of Nonverbal Pain Indicators. Depression was defined as ≥10 on the Patient Health Questionnaire 9; behavioral symptoms were defined as the presence of psychotic (delusions or hallucinations) or disruptive behaviors (rejection of care, or physical, verbal, or other aggressive behaviors). Generalized linear models (GLMs) with marginal structural modeling (MSM) stabilized weights were used to examine uncontrolled pain and outcome risk. RESULTS The incidence rate of depression and behavioral symptoms during follow-up was 9.4 and 23.1 per 100 resident-years, respectively. Results from the MSM-GLMs showed that LTC residents with uncontrolled pain had a higher risk than those with controlled pain for developing depression [hazard ratio 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.54-1.81] and behavioral symptoms (hazard ratio 1.28, 95% CI 1.19-1.37). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Uncontrolled pain was associated with elevated risk for depressive and behavioral symptoms in dementia, underscoring the importance of pain assessment and control among LTC residents with ADRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jung Jenny Wei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Cheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Roger B Fillingim
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Steven T DeKosky
- Department of Neurology and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Siegfried Schmidt
- Department of Community Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Marco Pahor
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, Institute on Aging, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Laurence Solberg
- NF/SG Veterans Health System, Malcom Randall VAMC, Geriatrics Research, Education, Clinical Center (GRECC), Gainesville, FL, USA; University of Florida College of Nursing, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Almut G Winterstein
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida Colleges of Medicine and Public Health & Health Professions, FL, USA
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Habiger TF, Achterberg WP, Flo-Groeneboom E, Mannseth J, Husebo BS. Managing Pain and Psychosis Symptoms in Nursing Home Patients: Results from a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial (COSMOS). J Am Med Dir Assoc 2021; 22:1692-1698. [PMID: 34087225 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2021.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In nursing homes (NHs), 30% to 60% of patients experience daily pain and >80% have dementia. This can lead to neuropsychiatric symptoms, including psychosis symptoms such as delusion. We investigated if there was a relationship between pain and psychosis symptoms over time. We also aimed to investigate the effect of a multicomponent intervention (COSMOS) on pain, psychosis symptoms, and analgesic prescription. DESIGN COSMOS is a cluster-randomized, single blinded, controlled trial. Each NH unit was defined as a cluster and randomized to either the COSMOS intervention or care as usual. The COSMOS intervention is a multicomponent intervention, consisting of staff training in communication, pain treatment, medication review, organization of activities, and safety. The intervention lasted for 4 months with a follow-up at month 9. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Sixty-seven units from 33 Norwegian NHs in 8 municipalities. The study included 723 patients aged ≥65 years, residing at the NH ≥2 weeks before inclusion. Patients with a life expectancy <6 months were excluded. MEASURES Pain was measured using the Mobilization-Observation-Behavior-Intensity-Dementia Pain Scale. Psychosis symptoms were measured using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-NH version. Measurements were performed at baseline, and months 4 and 9. RESULTS Multilevel Mixed-Effect statistical analysis found that psychosis symptoms as a group (odds ratio [OR] 2.03, P = .009), and delusion (OR 2.12, P = .007) were associated with pain over time. No significant intervention effect on psychosis symptoms was observed. Compared with the control group, people with dementia in the intervention group experienced less musculoskeletal pain (β: -0.47, P = .047). Analgesic prescription was not affected by the intervention. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Pain is associated with psychosis symptoms, and pain assessment should be done when making treatment decisions on psychosis symptoms in NH patients. The COSMOS intervention improved musculoskeletal pain in people with dementia, but not psychosis symptoms, and there is need for further studies on treatment of psychosis symptoms in NH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torstein F Habiger
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Wilco P Achterberg
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, Leiden University Medical Centre, Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Flo-Groeneboom
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Janne Mannseth
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bettina S Husebo
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Municipality of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Atee M, Morris T, Macfarlane S, Cunningham C. Pain in Dementia: Prevalence and Association With Neuropsychiatric Behaviors. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 61:1215-1226. [PMID: 33068708 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Pain is linked to behaviors and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD); however, it often remains underrecognized in this population. OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate the prevalence and intensity of pain in people living in aged care homes with BPSD and by dementia subtypes and the association between pain intensity and BPSD. METHODS A 1-year retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted on BPSD and the presence of pain in referrals to a national BPSD support service using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory and PainChek®, respectively. Referrals were categorized into two groups: pain group and no pain group. RESULTS Of the 479 referrals (81.9 ± 8.3 years old) included in the analysis, two-thirds (65.6%) had pain identified, with almost half (48.4%) of these categorized as experiencing moderate-severe pain. Pain was highly prevalent (range: 54.6-78.6%) in all subtypes of dementia, particularly in mixed dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. Compared with the no pain group, the pain group had 25.3% more neuropsychiatric behaviors, 33.6% higher total severity of these behaviors, and 31.4% higher total distress caused to caregivers. For all results, effect sizes were small to medium (η²p = 0.04-0.06). Despite a high prevalence of aggressive or agitated behaviors across the entire group, the pain group was 3.8 times more likely to experience these behaviors than referrals not in pain. CONCLUSION There is a strong need to consider the possibility of pain as a contributor to behavioral changes in aged care residents living with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Atee
- The Dementia Centre, HammondCare, Wembley, Western Australia, Australia; Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Thomas Morris
- The Dementia Centre, HammondCare, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Macfarlane
- The Dementia Centre, HammondCare, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Colm Cunningham
- The Dementia Centre, HammondCare, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia; School of Public Health & Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Webster L, Costafreda Gonzalez S, Stringer A, Lineham A, Budgett J, Kyle S, Barber J, Livingston G. Measuring the prevalence of sleep disturbances in people with dementia living in care homes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep 2021; 43:5601416. [PMID: 31633188 PMCID: PMC7157185 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsz251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Study Objectives Sleep disturbances are a feature in people living with dementia, including getting up during the night, difficulty falling asleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness and may precipitate a person with dementia moving into residential care. There are varying estimates of the frequency of sleep disturbances, and it is unknown whether they are a problem for the individual. We conducted the first systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence and associated factors of sleep disturbances in the care home population with dementia. Methods We searched Embase, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO (29/04/2019) for studies of the prevalence or associated factors of sleep disturbances in people with dementia living in care homes. We computed meta-analytical estimates of the prevalence of sleep disturbances and used meta-regression to investigate the effects of measurement methods, demographics, and study characteristics. Results We included 55 studies of 22,780 participants. The pooled prevalence on validated questionnaires of clinically significant sleep disturbances was 20% (95% confidence interval, CI 16% to 24%) and of any symptom of sleep disturbance was 38% (95% CI 33% to 44%). On actigraphy using a cutoff sleep efficiency of <85% prevalence was 70% (95% CI 55% to 85%). Staff distress, resident agitation, and prescription of psychotropic medications were associated with sleep disturbances. Studies with a higher percentage of males had a higher prevalence of sleep disturbance. Conclusions Clinically significant sleep disturbances are less common than those measured on actigraphy and are associated with residents and staff distress and the increased prescription of psychotropics. Actigraphy appears to offer no benefit over proxy reports in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Webster
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Corresponding author. Lucy Webster, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, 6th Floor Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK.
| | - Sergi Costafreda Gonzalez
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Amy Lineham
- University College London Medical School, London, UK
| | - Jessica Budgett
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Simon Kyle
- Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julie Barber
- Department of Statistical Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gill Livingston
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Guerriero F, Reid MC. Linking Persistent Pain and Frailty in Older Adults. PAIN MEDICINE 2021; 21:61-66. [PMID: 31343692 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnz174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In older adults, the impact of persistent pain goes beyond simple discomfort, often contributing to worsening functional outcomes and ultimately frailty. Frailty is a geriatric syndrome that, like persistent pain, increases in prevalence with age and is characterized by a decreased ability to adapt to common stressors such as acute illness, thereby increasing risk for multiple adverse health outcomes. Evidence supports a relationship between persistent pain and both the incidence and progression of frailty, independent of health, social, and lifestyle confounders. DESIGN AND SETTING In this article, we synthesize recent evidence linking persistent pain and frailty in an effort to clarify the nature of the relationship between these two commonly occurring geriatric syndromes. SETTING We propose an integration of the frailty phenotype model by considering the impact of persistent pain on vulnerability toward external stressors, which can ultimately contribute to frailty in older adults. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Incorporating persistent pain into the frailty construct can help us better understand frailty and ultimately improve care for patients with, as well as those at increased risk for, pain and frailty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Guerriero
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapy, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - M C Reid
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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van Dam PH, Achterberg WP, Husebo BS, Caljouw MAA. Does paracetamol improve quality of life, discomfort, pain and neuropsychiatric symptoms in persons with advanced dementia living in long-term care facilities? A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled crossover (Q-PID) trial. BMC Med 2020; 18:407. [PMID: 33342434 PMCID: PMC7751102 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-020-01858-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objectives of this study are to determine the effects of regularly scheduled administration of paracetamol (acetaminophen) on quality of life (QoL), discomfort, pain and neuropsychiatric symptoms of persons with dementia living in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). METHODS A multicentre randomised double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial for 13 weeks (January 2018 to June 2019) in 17 LTCFs across the west of the Netherlands. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 65 years, (advanced) dementia and a moderate to low QoL, independent of the presence of pain (QUALIDEM ≤ 70). Exclusion criteria were the use of regular pain treatment, allergies to the study medication, severe liver disease, use of > 4 units of alcohol/day, weight < 50 kg and/or concomitant use of flucloxacillin. Participants received study medication (paracetamol/placebo) in two periods of 6 weeks each (1 week in between as a wash-out period). Randomisation decided in which order participants received paracetamol and placebo. Primary outcomes included QoL (QUALIDEM) and discomfort (DS-DAT), secondary outcomes included pain (MOBID-2) and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPI-NH). RESULTS Ninety-five LTCF residents (mean age 83.9 years [SD 7.6], 57.9% females) were included. Repeated linear mixed models showed no difference in mean differences of QUALIDEM (paracetamol +1.3 [95% CI -1.0-3.5], placebo +1.5 [95% CI -0.7-3.8]), DS-DAT (paracetamol -0.1 [95% CI -1.4-1.2], placebo 0.6 [95 CI -0.7-1.8]), MOBID-2 (paracetamol 0.0 [95% CI -0.5-0.5], placebo -0.2 [95% CI -0.7-0.3]) and NPI-NH (paracetamol +1.5 [95% CI -2.3-5.4], placebo -2.1 [95% CI -6.0-1.7]) in favour of either paracetamol or placebo. CONCLUSIONS Compared to placebo, paracetamol showed no positive effect on QoL, discomfort, pain and neuropsychiatric symptoms in persons with advanced dementia with low QoL. It is important to find out more specifically which individual persons with advanced dementia could benefit from pain treatment with paracetamol, and for clinicians to acknowledge that a good assessment, monitoring and multidomain approach is vital for improving QoL in this vulnerable group. TRIAL REGISTRATION Netherlands Trial Register NTR6766 . Trial registration date: 20 October 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulien H van Dam
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Wilco P Achterberg
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bettina S Husebo
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,, Municipality of Bergen, Norway
| | - Monique A A Caljouw
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Evans CRD, Kovach CR. The Association Between Physiological Sources of Pain and Sleep Quality in Older Adults With and Without Dementia. Res Gerontol Nurs 2020; 13:297-308. [PMID: 33034650 DOI: 10.3928/19404921-20201002-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The association of musculoskeletal pain, respiratory distress, gastrointestinal discomfort, and genitourinary pain to sleep quality in 89 persons with and without dementia was examined in the current exploratory, cross-sectional, observational quantitative design. Sources of pain were recorded, with 37.1% of the sample reporting urinary retention, 30.3% reporting genitourinary discomfort, and 53.9% reporting gastrointestinal discomfort. Mild scores of musculoskeletal pain and respiratory discomfort were elicited in >75% of the sample. An actigraph was used to measure sleep variables. Findings from this research illustrated dementia, gender, pillow use, respiratory distress, and urinary retention were statistically significantly associated with nighttime sleep quality. Results suggest comprehensive assessments of pain and sleep for older adults with and without dementia are needed. Developing and testing interventions that address factors contributing to sleep quality may improve outcomes. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 13(6), 297-308.].
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Allan LM, Wheatley A, Smith A, Flynn E, Homer T, Robalino S, Beyer FR, Fox C, Howel D, Barber R, Connolly JA, Robinson L, Parry SW, Rochester L, Corner L, Bamford C. An intervention to improve outcomes of falls in dementia: the DIFRID mixed-methods feasibility study. Health Technol Assess 2020; 23:1-208. [PMID: 31661058 DOI: 10.3310/hta23590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fall-related injuries are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in people with dementia. There is presently little evidence to guide the management of such injuries, and yet there are potentially substantial benefits to be gained if the outcomes of these injuries could be improved. This study aimed to design an appropriate new health-care intervention for people with dementia following a fall and to assess the feasibility of its delivery in the UK NHS. OBJECTIVES To determine whether or not it is possible to design an intervention to improve outcomes of falls in dementia, to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of the DIFRID (Developing an Intervention for Fall related Injuries in Dementia) intervention and to investigate the feasibility of a future randomised controlled trial and the data collection tools needed to evaluate both the effectiveness and the cost-effectiveness of the DIFRID intervention. DESIGN This was a mixed-methods feasibility study. A systematic review (using Cochrane methodology) and realist review [using Realist And Meta-narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards (RAMESES) methodology] explored the existing evidence base and developed programme theories. Searches were carried out in November 2015 (updated in January 2018) for effectiveness studies and in August 2016 for economic studies. A prospective observational study identified service use via participant diary completion. Qualitative methods (semistructured interviews, focus groups and observation) were used to explore current practice, stakeholder perspectives of the health and social care needs of people with dementia following a fall, ideas for intervention and barriers to and facilitators of change. Each of the resulting data sets informed intervention development via Delphi consensus methods. Finally, a single-arm feasibility study with embedded process evaluation was conducted. SETTING This study was set in the community. PARTICIPANTS The participants were (1) people with dementia presenting with falls necessitating health-care attention in each setting (primary care, the community and secondary care) at three sites and their carers, (2) professionals delivering the intervention, who were responsible for training and supervision and who were members of the intervention team, (3) professionals responsible for approaching and recruiting participants and (4) carers of participants with dementia. INTERVENTIONS This was a complex multidisciplinary therapy intervention. Physiotherapists, occupational therapists and support workers delivered up to 22 sessions of tailored activities in the home or local area of the person with dementia over a period of 12 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES (1) Assessment of feasibility of study procedures; (2) assessment of the acceptability, feasibility and fidelity of intervention components; and (3) assessment of the suitability and acceptability of outcome measures for people with dementia and their carers (number of falls, quality of life, fear of falling, activities of daily living, goal-setting, health-care utilisation and carer burden). RESULTS A multidisciplinary intervention delivered in the homes of people with dementia was designed based on qualitative work, realist review and recommendations of the consensus panel. The intervention was delivered to 11 people with dementia. The study suggested that the intervention is both feasible and acceptable to stakeholders. A number of modifications were recommended to address some of the issues arising during feasibility testing. The measurement of outcome measures was successful. CONCLUSIONS The study has highlighted the feasibility of delivering a creative, tailored, individual approach to intervention for people with dementia following a fall. Although the intervention required greater investment of time than usual practice, many staff valued the opportunity to work more closely with people with dementia and their carers. We conclude that further research is now needed to refine this intervention in the context of a pilot randomised controlled trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN41760734 and PROSPERO CRD42016029565. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 23, No. 59. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise M Allan
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Alison Wheatley
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Amy Smith
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, Stockton-on-Tees, UK
| | - Elizabeth Flynn
- Department of Physiotherapy, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Tara Homer
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Shannon Robalino
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Fiona R Beyer
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Christopher Fox
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Denise Howel
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Robert Barber
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jim Anthony Connolly
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Louise Robinson
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Steve Wayne Parry
- Falls and Syncope Service, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lynn Rochester
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lynne Corner
- VOICE, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Claire Bamford
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Eisenmann Y, Golla H, Schmidt H, Voltz R, Perrar KM. Palliative Care in Advanced Dementia. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:699. [PMID: 32792997 PMCID: PMC7394698 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dementia syndrome is common and expected to increase significantly among older people and characterized by the loss of cognitive, psychological and physical functions. Palliative care is applicable for people with dementia, however they are less likely to have access to palliative care. This narrative review summarizes specifics of palliative care in advanced dementia. Most people with advanced dementia live and die in institutional care and they suffer a range of burdensome symptoms and complications. Shortly before dying people with advanced dementia suffer symptoms as pain, eating problems, breathlessness, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and complications as respiratory or urinary infections and frequently experience burdensome transitions. Pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions may reduce symptom burden. Sensitive observation and appropriate assessment tools enable health professionals to assess symptoms and needs and to evaluate interventions. Due to lack of decisional capacity, proxy decision making is often necessary. Advanced care planning is an opportunity establishing values and preferences and is associated with comfort and decrease of burdensome interventions. Family carers are important for people with advanced dementia they also experience distress and are in need for support. Recommendations refer to early integration of palliative care, recognizing signs of approaching death, symptom assessment and management, advanced care planning, person-centered care, continuity of care, and collaboration of health care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Eisenmann
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Heidrun Golla
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Holger Schmidt
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Raymond Voltz
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Clinical Trials Center (ZKS), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Klaus Maria Perrar
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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21
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Brown Wilson C, Arendt L, Nguyen M, Scott TL, Neville CC, Pachana NA. Nonpharmacological Interventions for Anxiety and Dementia in Nursing Homes: A Systematic Review. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2019; 59:e731-e742. [PMID: 31054222 PMCID: PMC6858831 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnz020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety is a major mental disorder in later life that impacts on activities of daily living and quality of life for adults living with dementia in nursing homes. The aim of this article was to systematically review nonpharmacological interventions for older adults living in nursing homes who experience comorbid anxiety and dementia. METHOD A systematic literature search was conducted across key databases (Cinahl, ASSIA, Cochrane reviews and trials, psycARTICLES, psycINFO, and PubMed) to identify studies measuring anxiety as an outcome for an intervention for older adults living with dementia in nursing homes, up to December 31, 2017. RESULTS The search yielded a total of 1,925 articles with 45 articles accessed for full article review. A total of 13 articles were included in this review following quality appraisal based on Cochrane methodology with six different anxiety measures used. The studies included were moderate to high-quality randomized control trials although heterogeneity precluded a combined meta-analysis. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The most common interventions used to address anxiety in this population were music therapy and activity-based interventions although there was limited evidence for the efficacy of either intervention. Little is known about effective nonpharmacological treatment for anxiety for people living with dementia in nursing homes. Further research using consistent measurement tools and time points is required to identify effective interventions to improve the quality of life for people living with both dementia and anxiety in nursing homes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lars Arendt
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Mynhi Nguyen
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Theresa L Scott
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Christine C Neville
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Nancy A Pachana
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
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22
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Achterberg WP. How can the quality of life of older patients living with chronic pain be improved? Pain Manag 2019; 9:431-433. [PMID: 31452439 DOI: 10.2217/pmt-2019-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wilco P Achterberg
- Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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23
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Erdal A, Ballard C, Vahia IV, Husebo BS. Analgesic treatments in people with dementia - how safe are they? A systematic review. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2019; 18:511-522. [PMID: 31038371 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2019.1614166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People with dementia may be unable to verbally express pain and suffer from untreated pain. Use of analgesics in people with dementia has increased during the last decade, in particular opioid analgesics with high potential for adverse effects. AREAS COVERED This article presents a systematic review of the current evidence for safety and tolerability of analgesic drugs from randomized controlled trials in people with dementia. Relevant trials were identified by a literature search in the EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases from inception to November 2018. The search included the main terms 'dementia' and 'analgesic' or their subterms, and was filtered to limit results to clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION Although pain treatment is increasingly recognized as an important clinical issue in people with advanced dementia, there is currently a lack of evidence to support safety evaluations of commonly used analgesics in this group. To inform treatment decisions and enable care providers to appropriately monitor patients at risk of adverse effects, it is necessary to conduct well-designed clinical trials to investigate the relative efficacy and safety of analgesics in people with dementia, with particular emphasis on harmful effects of long-term opioid use as well as short-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane Erdal
- a Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care , Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway
| | | | - Ipsit Vihang Vahia
- c McLean Institute for Technology in Psychiatry and Geriatric Psychiatry Outpatient Services , McLean Hospital , Belmont , MA , USA
- d Department of Psychiatry , Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Bettina Sandgathe Husebo
- a Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care , Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway
- e Department of Health and Care , Municipality of Bergen , Bergen , Norway
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24
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Bullock L, Bedson J, Jordan JL, Bartlam B, Chew-Graham CA, Campbell P. Pain assessment and pain treatment for community-dwelling people with dementia: A systematic review and narrative synthesis. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2019; 34:807-821. [PMID: 30724409 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the current literature on pain assessment and pain treatment for community-dwelling people with dementia. METHOD A comprehensive systematic search of the literature with narrative synthesis was conducted. Eight major bibliographic databases were searched in October 2018. Titles, abstracts, and full-text articles were sequentially screened. Standardised data extraction and quality appraisal exercises were conducted. RESULTS Thirty-two studies were included in the review, 11 reporting findings on pain assessment tools or methods and 27 reporting findings on treatments for pain. In regard to pain assessment, a large proportion of people with moderate to severe dementia were unable to complete a self-report pain instrument. Pain was more commonly reported by informal caregivers than the person with dementia themselves. Limited evidence was available for pain-focused behavioural observation assessment. In regard to pain treatment, paracetamol use was more common in community-dwelling people with dementia compared with people without dementia. However, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were used less. For stronger analgesics, community-dwelling people with dementia were more likely to receive strong opioids (eg, fentanyl) than people without dementia. CONCLUSION This review identifies a dearth of high-quality studies exploring pain assessment and/or treatment for community-dwelling people with dementia, not least into non-pharmacological interventions. The consequences of this lack of evidence, given the current and projected prevalence of the disease, are very serious and require urgent redress. In the meantime, clinicians should adopt a patient- and caregiver-centred, multi-dimensional, longitudinal approach to pain assessment and pain treatment for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurna Bullock
- Research Institute for Primary Care and Health Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
| | - John Bedson
- Research Institute for Primary Care and Health Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Joanne L Jordan
- Research Institute for Primary Care and Health Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Bernadette Bartlam
- Research Institute for Primary Care and Health Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
- Family Medicine and Primary Care, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technical University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Carolyn A Chew-Graham
- Research Institute for Primary Care and Health Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
- Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, St George's Hospital, UK
| | - Paul Campbell
- Research Institute for Primary Care and Health Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
- Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, St George's Hospital, UK
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25
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Herr K, Sefcik JS, Neradilek MB, Hilgeman MM, Nash P, Ersek M. Psychometric Evaluation of the MOBID Dementia Pain Scale in U.S. Nursing Homes. Pain Manag Nurs 2019; 20:253-260. [PMID: 31085096 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2018.11.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Mobilization-Observation-Behavior-Intensity-Dementia (MOBID) Pain Scale is an observational tool in which raters estimate pain intensity on a 0-10 scale following five standardized movements. The tool has been shown to be valid and reliable in northern European samples and could be useful in the United States (US) for research and clinical purposes. The goal of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of the MOBID among English-speaking nursing home residents in the US. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTINGS Sixteen nursing homes in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia and Alabama. PARTICIPANTS One hundred thirty-eight older adults with dementia and moderate to severe cognitive impairment. METHODS Validity was evaluated using Spearman correlations between the MOBID overall pain intensity score and 1) an expert clinician's pain intensity rating (ECPIR), 2) nursing staff surrogate pain intensity ratings, and 3) known correlates of pain. We assessed internal consistency by Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS MOBID overall scores were significantly associated with expert clinician's rating of current and worst pain in the past week (rho = 0.54, and 0.57; p < .001, respectively). Statistically significant associations also were found between the MOBID overall score and nursing staff current and worst pain intensity ratings as well as the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (rho = 0.29; p < .001). Internal consistency was acceptable (α = 0.83). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Result of this study support the use of the MOBID in English-speaking staff and residents in the US. Findings also suggest that the tool can be completed by trained, nonclinical staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keela Herr
- University of Iowa College of Nursing, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Justine S Sefcik
- New Courtland Center for Transitions and Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Michelle M Hilgeman
- Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, Tuscaloosa, Alabama; The University of Alabama Alabama Research Institute on Aging & Department of Psychology, Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | | | - Mary Ersek
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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26
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Pu L, Moyle W, Jones C, Todorovic M. The Effectiveness of Social Robots for Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2019; 59:e37-e51. [PMID: 29897445 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gny046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Social robots may promote the health of older adults by increasing their perceived emotional support and social interaction. This review aims to summarize the effectiveness of social robots on outcomes (psychological, physiological, quality of life, or medications) of older adults from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Research Design and Methods A mixed-method systematic review of RCTs meeting the study inclusion criteria was undertaken. Eight databases were electronically searched up to September 2017. Participants' characteristics, intervention features, and outcome data were retrieved. The mean difference and standardized mean difference with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were synthesized to pool the effect size. Results A total of 13 articles from 11 RCTs were identified from 2,204 articles, of which 9 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Risk of bias was relatively high in allocation concealment and blinding. Social robots appeared to have positive impacts on agitation, anxiety, and quality of life for older adults but no statistical significance was found in the meta-analysis. However, results from a narrative review indicated that social robot interactions could improve engagement, interaction, and stress indicators, as well as reduce loneliness and the use of medications for older adults. Discussion and Implications Social robots appear to have the potential to improve the well-being of older adults, but conclusions are limited due to the lack of high-quality studies. More RCTs are recommended with larger sample sizes and rigorous study designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Pu
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Wendy Moyle
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Cindy Jones
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Michael Todorovic
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
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27
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van Dam PH, Caljouw MAA, Slettebø DD, Achterberg WP, Husebo BS. Quality of Life and Pain Medication Use in Persons With Advanced Dementia Living in Long-Term Care Facilities. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2019; 20:1432-1437. [PMID: 30982716 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2019.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In residents with dementia living in a long-term care facility (LTCF), un(der)treated pain may trigger behavioral disturbances, mood syndromes, and deterioration of physical functioning and self-maintenance. Because these factors can have considerable impact on the quality of life (QoL), this study aimed to (1) compare characteristics of persons with advanced dementia living in LTCFs with and without pain medication; (2) compare QoL in these persons with and without pain, stratified by type of pain medication use; and (3) explore associations between the use of paracetamol and QoL in persons with advanced dementia living in LTCFs. DESIGN AND SETTING This study analyzed baseline data from the Communication, Systematic Assessment and Treatment of Pain, Medication Review, Occupational Therapy, and Safety Study; a multicenter, cluster-randomized effectiveness-implementation clinical hybrid trial in 67 Norwegian LTCF clusters. PARTICIPANTS In total, 407 LTCF residents (rural and urban areas) aged ≥65 years, with Functional Assessment Staging scores of 5-7 (ie, moderate to advanced dementia). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE QoL as assessed by the 6 QUALIDEM (validated questionnaire to measure QoL in persons with dementia living in LTCF) domains applicable to persons with moderate to severe dementia. The association between QoL and paracetamol was estimated using linear mixed-effect models, adjusting for confounding variables. RESULTS 62.0% used pain medication (paracetamol, opioids, or both). QoL was lower in residents using pain medication, compared with those without pain medication [mean QUALIDEM score 68.8 (standard deviation 17.4 vs) 75.5 (standard deviation 14.6), respectively, P < .001). Multilevel analysis showed that paracetamol use was not associated with QoL. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Persons with advanced dementia living in LTCF using pain medication have a lower QoL compared with those not using pain medication. These results are of key importance for the clinician because they stress the need for regular medication review and pain management. When measured cross-sectionally, use of paracetamol is not associated with increased QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulien H van Dam
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Monique A A Caljouw
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Dagrun D Slettebø
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Elderly - and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Wilco P Achterberg
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Elderly - and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bettina S Husebo
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Elderly - and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Municipality of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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28
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Husebø BS, Ballard C, Aarsland D, Selbaek G, Slettebo DD, Gulla C, Aasmul I, Habiger T, Elvegaard T, Testad I, Flo E. The Effect of a Multicomponent Intervention on Quality of Life in Residents of Nursing Homes: A Randomized Controlled Trial (COSMOS). J Am Med Dir Assoc 2019; 20:330-339. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2018.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Kubo Y, Hayashi H, Kozawa S, Okada S. Relevant factors of depression in dementia modifiable by non-pharmacotherapy: a systematic review. Psychogeriatrics 2019; 19:181-191. [PMID: 30246316 DOI: 10.1111/psyg.12371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Depression in dementia patients is associated with complications such as decreased activities of daily living and decreased quality of life. Because pharmacotherapeutic treatments for depression in dementia patients may have a poor risk-benefit ratio, effective non-pharmacotherapeutic interventions are favourable. However, the development of effective treatments requires the identification of depression-associated factors that can be modified by non-pharmacotherapeutic means in dementia patients. This systematic literature review aimed to identify modifiable factors related to depression and confirm that these factors can be improved by non-pharmacotherapeutic interventions. We searched PubMed, SpringerLink, the Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for articles published between June 2007 and June 2017. We included studies that investigated causes of depression in dementia patients and excluded studies with unclear dementia diagnostic criteria or operational definitions. Of 9004 records screened, 6 studies were included. The participants included community-dwelling individuals and long-term care facility residents. The severity of dementia varied from mild to severe. After reviewing the studies, we identified five modifiable relevant factors in community-dwelling individuals: (i) pain; (ii) neuropsychiatric symptoms; (iii) cognitive decline; (iv) social isolation; and (v) quality of life. In long-term care facility residents, we identified neuropsychiatric symptoms and quality of life as relevant factors. Our results indicated that non-pharmacological interventions that improve these factors may improve symptoms of depression. A longitudinal study is recommended to clarify the mechanisms underlying depression symptoms and treatment in dementia patients. In addition, further investigation is needed to elucidate the ways in which differing dementia types and severity affect symptoms of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Kubo
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tokai Memorial Hospital, Kasugai, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Hayashi
- Faculty of Care and Rehabilitation, Division of Occupational Therapy, Seijoh University, Tokai, Japan
| | - Saori Kozawa
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tokai Memorial Hospital, Kasugai, Japan
| | - Shinichi Okada
- Graduate School of Human Life Science, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
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30
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Wheatley A, Bamford C, Shaw C, Flynn E, Smith A, Beyer F, Fox C, Barber R, Parry SW, Howel D, Homer T, Robinson L, Allan LM. Developing an Intervention for Fall-Related Injuries in Dementia (DIFRID): an integrated, mixed-methods approach. BMC Geriatr 2019; 19:57. [PMID: 30819097 PMCID: PMC6394022 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-019-1066-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Falls in people with dementia can result in a number of physical and psychosocial consequences. However, there is limited evidence to inform how best to deliver services to people with dementia following a fall. The aim of the DIFRID study was to determine the feasibility of developing and implementing a new intervention to improve outcomes for people with dementia with fall-related injuries; this encompasses both short-term recovery and reducing the likelihood of future falls. This paper details the development of the DIFRID intervention. METHODS The intervention was designed using an integrated, mixed-methods approach. This involved a realist synthesis of the literature and qualitative data gathered through interviews and focus groups with health and social care professionals (n = 81). An effectiveness review and further interviews and observation were also conducted and are reported elsewhere. A modified Delphi panel approach with 24 experts was then used to establish a consensus on how the findings should translate into a new intervention. After feedback from key stakeholders (n = 15) on the proposed model, the intervention was manualised and training developed. RESULTS We identified key components of a new intervention covering three broad areas: • Ensuring that the circumstances of rehabilitation are optimised for people with dementia • Compensating for the reduced ability of people with dementia to self-manage • Equipping the workforce with the necessary skills and information to care for this patient group Consensus was achieved on 54 of 69 statements over two rounds of the Delphi surveys. The statements were used to model the intervention and finalise the accompanying manual and protocol for a feasibility study. Stakeholder feedback was generally positive and the majority of suggested intervention components were approved. The proposed outcome was a 12-week complex multidisciplinary intervention primarily based at the patient's home. CONCLUSIONS A new intervention has been developed to improve outcomes for people with dementia following a fall requiring healthcare attention. The feasibility of this intervention is currently being tested. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN41760734 (16/11/2015).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Wheatley
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England
| | - Claire Bamford
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England
| | - Caroline Shaw
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England
| | - Elizabeth Flynn
- The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, England
| | - Amy Smith
- Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, Darlington, England
| | - Fiona Beyer
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England
| | - Chris Fox
- University of East Anglia, Norwich, England
| | - Robert Barber
- Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, England
| | | | - Denise Howel
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England
| | - Tara Homer
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England
| | - Louise Robinson
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England
| | - Louise M. Allan
- Institute of Health Research, University of Exeter, South Cloisters, St Luke’s Campus, Heavitree Road, Exeter, EX1 2LU England
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31
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Opioid use and the presence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias among elderly Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with chronic pain conditions. ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA-TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH & CLINICAL INTERVENTIONS 2018; 4:661-668. [PMID: 30560199 PMCID: PMC6288458 DOI: 10.1016/j.trci.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Introduction There is scant literature on the use of opioids among community-dwelling elderly with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Methods We adopted a retrospective, cross-sectional study design using Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey data from 2006 to 2013. The study sample included elderly community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries who were diagnosed with chronic pain conditions and had Medicare fee-for-service plans for the entire year. We conducted bivariate χ2 test and multivariate logistic regression to examine the relationship between opioid use and ADRD status. Results The study sample included 19,347 Medicare beneficiaries; 7.7% of them had ADRD. We found no statistically significant difference in opioid use by ADRD status in the unadjusted analysis; however, controlling for various factors, those with ADRD had lower odds of opioid use (adjusted odds ratio = 0.81, 95% confidence interval = 0.71, 0.93) than those without ADRD. Discussion This population-based study suggests that elderly Medicare beneficiaries with ADRD and chronic pain conditions may have undertreatment of pain.
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32
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van Dam PH, Achterberg WP, Gussekloo J, Husebo BS, Caljouw MAA. Quality of life and paracetamol in advanced dementia (Q-PID): protocol of a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial. BMC Geriatr 2018; 18:279. [PMID: 30428836 PMCID: PMC6234644 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-018-0974-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background No proven effective interventions on quality of life (QoL) are available for persons with dementia in a long-term care facility (LTCF). However, several interventions are effective in diminishing mediators of QoL (i.e. challenging behaviour, depressed mood, sleeping disorders), including pain treatment. Un(der)diagnosed and un(der)treated pain is a serious and frequent problem in persons with dementia. Also, although pain is difficult to assess in this group, the impact on QoL is probably considerable. There is evidence that pain has a negative impact on behaviour, mood, functioning and social participation, and benefit may be derived from use of paracetamol. Therefore, in LTCF residents with advanced dementia, this study aims to evaluate the effect of scheduled pain treatment with paracetamol on QoL, neuropsychiatric symptoms, ADL function, pain, care dependency, and (change in) use of psychotropic and pain medication. Methods This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial will include 95 patients with: 1) age ≥ 65 years, 2) advanced dementia (Reisberg Global Deterioration Scale 5–7), and 3) QUALIDEM score ≤ 70. Exclusion criteria are the regular use of pain treatment, allergies to the study drugs, severe liver insufficiency or disease, use of > 4 units of alcohol/day, weight < 50 kg, and/or concomitant use of flucloxacillin. The two treatment periods of six weeks each (paracetamol and corresponding placebo) will be separated by a washout period of seven days. Primary outcome is effect on QoL (QUALIDEM and DS-DAT) and secondary outcome is effect on neuropsychiatric symptoms, ADL function, pain, care dependency, and (change in) use of psychotropic and pain medication (all compared to baseline). Discussion If regular treatment with paracetamol proves to be beneficial for QoL, this could have major implications for daily practice in long-term care. Information from this study may help professionals in their decision making regarding the prescription of pain medication to improve the QoL of persons with dementia and a low QoL. Trial registration The trial was registered on the Netherlands Trial Register (NTR6766); Trial registration date: 20th October, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulien H van Dam
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Wilco P Achterberg
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jacobijn Gussekloo
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Section of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bettina S Husebo
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Elderly - and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Kalfarveien 31, N-5020, Bergen, Norway.,Municipality of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Monique A A Caljouw
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Erdal A, Flo E, Aarsland D, Ballard C, Slettebo DD, Husebo BS. Efficacy and Safety of Analgesic Treatment for Depression in People with Advanced Dementia: Randomised, Multicentre, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial (DEP.PAIN.DEM). Drugs Aging 2018; 35:545-558. [PMID: 29725986 PMCID: PMC5999156 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-018-0546-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Chronic pain and depression often co-occur, and pain may exacerbate depression in people with dementia. Objective The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of analgesic treatment for depression in nursing home patients with advanced dementia and clinically significant depressive symptoms. Methods We conducted a multicentre, parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 47 nursing homes, including 162 nursing home patients aged ≥ 60 years with dementia (Mini-Mental State Examination ≤ 20) and depression (Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia ≥ 8). Patients were randomised to receive active analgesic treatment (paracetamol or buprenorphine transdermal system) or identical placebo for 13 weeks. The main outcome measure was the change in depression (Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia) from baseline to 13 weeks, assessed using linear mixed models with fixed effects for time, intervention and their interaction in the models. Secondary outcomes were to assess whether any change in depression was secondary to change in pain (Mobilisation-Observation-Behaviour-Intensity-Dementia-2 Pain Scale) and adverse events. Results The mean depression change was − 0.66 (95% confidence interval − 2.27 to 0.94) in the active group (n = 80) and − 3.30 (− 4.68 to −1.92) in the placebo group (n = 82). The estimated treatment effect was 2.64 (0.55–4.72, p = 0.013), indicating that analgesic treatment had no effect on depressive symptoms from baseline to 13 weeks while placebo appeared to ameliorate depressive symptoms. There was no significant reduction in pain in the active treatment group (paracetamol and buprenorphine combined) vs. placebo; however, a subgroup analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in pain for paracetamol vs. placebo [by − 1.11 (− 2.16 to − 0.06, p = 0.037)] from week 6 to 13 without a change in depression. Buprenorphine did not have significant effects on depression [3.04 (− 0.11 to 6.19), p = 0.059] or pain [0.47 (− 0.77 to 1.71), p = 0.456] from 0 to 13 weeks. Thirty-five patients were withdrawn from the study because of adverse reactions, deterioration or death: 25 (31.3%) during active treatment [23 (52.3%) who received buprenorphine], and ten (12.2%) in the placebo group. The most frequently occurring adverse events were psychiatric (17 adverse reactions) and neurological (14 adverse reactions). Conclusion Analgesic treatment did not reduce depression while placebo appeared to improve depressive symptoms significantly by comparison, possibly owing to the adverse effects of active buprenorphine. The risk of adverse events warrants caution when prescribing buprenorphine for people with advanced dementia. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02267057 (registered 7 July, 2014) and Norwegian Medicines Agency EudraCT 2013-002226-23. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s40266-018-0546-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane Erdal
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Elisabeth Flo
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Dag Aarsland
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Dagrun D Slettebo
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bettina S Husebo
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Health and Care, Municipality of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Impact of opioid initiation on antipsychotic and benzodiazepine and related drug use among persons with Alzheimer's disease. Int Psychogeriatr 2018; 30:947-956. [PMID: 29559009 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610217002897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED ABSTRACTBackground:We analyzed the impact of opioid initiation on the prevalence of antipsychotic and benzodiazepine and related drug (BZDR) use among community-dwelling persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS We utilized the register-based Medication use and Alzheimer's disease (MEDALZ) cohort for this study. We included all community-dwelling persons diagnosed with AD during 2010-2011 in Finland initiating opioid use (n = 3,327) and a matched cohort of persons not initiating opioids (n = 3,325). Interrupted time series analyses were conducted to compare the prevalence of antipsychotic and BZDR use in 30-day periods within six months before opioid initiation to 30-day periods six months later. RESULTS Before opioid initiation, prevalence of antipsychotic use among opioid initiators was 13.3%, 18.3% at opioid initiation, and 17.3% six months later. Prevalences of BZDR use were 27.1% six months prior, 28.9% at opioid initiation, and 26.9% six months later. After opioid initiation, antipsychotic and BZDR use declined by 0.3 percentage points (pps, 95% confidence interval 0.1-0.5) and 0.4 pps (0.2-0.7) per month, respectively, until the end of the follow-up. Compared to persons not initiating opioid use, opioid initiation immediately resulted in an increase in prevalence of 1.9 pps (0.9-2.8) for antipsychotics and of 1.6 pps (0.9-2.2) for BZDR use. However, in total there was a comparative decrease of 0.5 pps (0.3-0.8) per month for antipsychotics and of 0.4 pps (0.2-0.6) for BZDR use until the end of the follow-up. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that opioid initiation may reduce antipsychotic and BZDR use among persons with AD.
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Nowak T, Neumann-Podczaska A, Deskur-Śmielecka E, Styszyński A, Wieczorowska-Tobis K. Pain as a challenge in nursing home residents with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Clin Interv Aging 2018; 13:1045-1051. [PMID: 29872283 PMCID: PMC5973322 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s157246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In patients with dementia, observational scales are recommended for use in the assessment of pain. Unfortunately, their application is rare, and as a consequence pain is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated in these types of subjects. Thus, the aim of the study was to assess analgesic treatment in nursing home residents with cognitive impairment and to delineate the relationship between pain and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Patients and methods The research was conducted in 2 nursing home facilities in Wielkopolska, Poland. The analyzed group consisted of 96 residents (78 female) with moderate and severe cognitive impairment in whom pain was assessed with the Abbey Pain Scale (APS) and agitation with the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI). Thereafter, medical files related to drug prescriptions were analyzed. Results Analgesics were consumed by 33 individuals (34%); 24 (25%) received regular pain treatment and 7 individuals (7%) - as when needed pain treatment. A relationship was found between the APS and CMAI (r=0.45, p<0.0001). Subjects with a higher CMAI received sedative drugs more frequently (p<0.001), and despite having a higher APS (p=0.001), this did not correlate with higher analgesia. Conclusion Our study suggests that pain can be an important underlying cause of behavioral disturbances in older subjects with dementia. In order to reduce their frequency and to avoid excessive usage of sedatives, proper pain assessment and management are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Nowak
- Laboratory of Geriatrics, Department of Palliative Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | | | - Ewa Deskur-Śmielecka
- Laboratory of Geriatrics, Department of Palliative Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Styszyński
- Laboratory of Geriatrics, Department of Palliative Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Wieczorowska-Tobis
- Laboratory of Geriatrics, Department of Palliative Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Blytt KM, Bjorvatn B, Husebo B, Flo E. Effects of pain treatment on sleep in nursing home patients with dementia and depression: A multicenter placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2018; 33:663-670. [PMID: 29282768 PMCID: PMC5873424 DOI: 10.1002/gps.4839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of pain treatment on sleep in nursing home (NH) patients with dementia and depression. METHODS A multicenter, 2-armed, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial conducted between August 2014 and September 2016. One hundred six long-term patients from 47 NHs in Norway with dementia and depression according to the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia were included. Patients received stepwise pain treatment in which those who did not use analgesics were randomized to receive either paracetamol (3 g/day) or placebo tablets; those who already used pain treatment were allocated to buprenorphine transdermal system (max. 10 μg/h/7 days) or placebo transdermal patches. Sleep was assessed continuously for 14 days by actigraphy, 1 week of baseline measurement, and 1 week of ongoing treatment. The following sleep parameters were evaluated: total sleep time, sleep efficiency (SE), sleep onset latency (SOL), wake after sleep onset, early morning awakening (EMA), and number of wake bouts. RESULTS In the intervention group (paracetamol/buprenorphine), SE (70%-72%), SOL (32-24 min), and EMA (50-40 min) improved compared with the control group (SE, 70%-67%; SOL, 47-60 min; EMA, 31-35 min). Treatment effects were significant (P < .01, P < .05, and P < .05, respectively). CONCLUSION Compared with placebo, pain treatment improved sleep as measured with actigraphy. This implies that sleep, pain, and depression in NH patients should be critically evaluated and that pain treatment should be considered to be a potentially beneficial treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjersti Marie Blytt
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary CareUniversity of BergenBergenNorway,Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home MedicineUniversity of BergenBergenNorway,Norwegian Competence Centre for Sleep DisordersHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
| | - Bjørn Bjorvatn
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary CareUniversity of BergenBergenNorway,Norwegian Competence Centre for Sleep DisordersHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
| | - Bettina Husebo
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary CareUniversity of BergenBergenNorway,Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home MedicineUniversity of BergenBergenNorway,Department of Nursing Home MedicineMunicipality of BergenBergenNorway
| | - Elisabeth Flo
- Faculty of Psychology, Department of Clinical PsychologyUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
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Iaboni A, Van Ooteghem K, Marcil MN, Cockburn A, Flint AJ, Grossman D, Keren R. A Palliative Approach to Falls in Advanced Dementia. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2018; 26:407-415. [PMID: 29336907 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2017.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Falls are viewed as a preventable cause of injury, functional loss, and death in older adults with dementia, and have been used as a marker of quality of care in long-term care facilities. Despite intensive intervention around fall prevention in these settings, falls and injury remain frequent, particularly among residents in the advanced stages of dementia. In this clinical review, we consider the common challenges and pitfalls in both the management of falls and the provision of palliative care in advanced dementia. We then describe a palliative approach to falls in advanced dementia that involves identifying individuals who would benefit from this care approach, framing falls and loss of mobility as a quality of life issue, and devising an individualized symptom assessment and management plan. A palliative approach can lead to recognition and acceptance that recurrent falls are often symptomatic of advanced dementia, and that not all falls are preventable. We conclude that falls in the advanced stage of dementia can be sentinel events indicating the need for a palliative approach to care. Rather than replace falls prevention activities, a palliative approach to falls prompts us to select dementia stage-appropriate interventions with a focus on symptom management, comfort, and dignity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Iaboni
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Centre for Mental Health, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Departments of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Karen Van Ooteghem
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Meghan N Marcil
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amy Cockburn
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alastair J Flint
- Centre for Mental Health, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Departments of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daphna Grossman
- Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Freeman Centre for the Advancement of Palliative Care, North York General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ron Keren
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Centre for Mental Health, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Departments of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Blytt KM, Husebo B, Flo E, Bjorvatn B. Long-Term Pain Treatment Did Not Improve Sleep in Nursing Home Patients with Comorbid Dementia and Depression: A 13-Week Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Front Psychol 2018; 9:134. [PMID: 29487556 PMCID: PMC5816805 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Previous research indicates that pain treatment may improve sleep among nursing home patients. We aimed to investigate the long-term effect of pain treatment on 24-h sleep patterns in patients with comorbid depression and dementia. Design: A 13-week, multicenter, parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial conducted between August 2014 and September 2016. Setting: Long-term patients from 47 nursing homes in Norway. Participants: We included 106 patients with comorbid dementia and depression according to the Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) and the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD). Intervention: Patients who were not using analgesics were randomized to receive either paracetamol (3 g/day) or placebo tablets. Those who already received pain treatment were randomized to buprenorphine transdermal system (maximum 10 μg/h/7 days) or placebo transdermal patches. Measurements: Sleep was assessed continuously for 7 days by actigraphy, at baseline and in week 13. Total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SE), sleep onset latency (SOL), wake after sleep onset (WASO), early morning awakening (EMA), and number of wake bouts (NoW) were evaluated. In addition, daytime total sleep time (DTS) was estimated. Pain was assessed with Mobilization-Observation-Behavior-Intensity-Dementia-2 Pain Scale (MOBID-2). Results: The linear mixed model analyses for TST, SE, SOL, WASO, EMA, NoW and DTS showed no statistically significant differences between patients who received active pain treatment and those who received placebo. Post hoc subgroup analyses showed that there were no statistically significant differences between active treatment and placebo from baseline to week 13 in patients who were in pain (MOBID-2 ≥ 3) at baseline, or in patients who had poor sleep (defined as SE < 85%) at baseline. Patients who received active buprenorphine showed an increase in TST and SE compared to those who received active paracetamol. Conclusion: The main analyses showed that long-term pain treatment did not improve sleep as measured with actigraphy. Compared to paracetamol, TST and SE increased among patients who received buprenorphine. This could indicate that some patients had beneficial effects from the most potent pain treatment. However, based on the present findings, long-term pain treatment is not recommended as a strategy to improve sleep. Clinical Trial https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02267057.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjersti M Blytt
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Norwegian Competence Center for Sleep Disorders, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bettina Husebo
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Nursing Home Medicine, Bergen, Norway
| | - Elisabeth Flo
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bjørn Bjorvatn
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Norwegian Competence Center for Sleep Disorders, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Tampi RR, Hassell C, Joshi P, Tampi DJ. Analgesics in the management of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia: a perspective review. Drugs Context 2017; 6:212508. [PMID: 29209402 PMCID: PMC5706593 DOI: 10.7573/dic.212508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this review was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of analgesics in reducing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) among older adults from published randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A literature search was conducted of PubMed, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, and Cochrane collaboration databases for RCTs in the English language that evaluated the use of analgesics in reducing the severity of BPSD among older adults. Additionally, references of full-text articles that were included in this review were searched for extra studies. We identified a total of three unique RCTs that evaluated the use of analgesics among individuals with BPSD. One of the identified RCTs resulted in a total of three additional published papers in the literature, resulting in a total of six papers to be included in this review. All three RCTs identified some benefit for the use of analgesics in reducing BPSD. The analgesics appeared to be well tolerated in the included studies. Major study limitations include the use of data exclusively from published RCTs and limiting the search to English language publications. Additionally, we did not utilize statistical methods to evaluate the treatment outcomes including tolerability. In conclusion, available evidence although limited indicates that analgesics may reduce BPSD among some individuals with dementia living in nursing homes and are well tolerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh R Tampi
- Department of Psychiatry, MetroHealth, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Corey Hassell
- Quinnipiac University School of Medicine, Hamden, CT, USA
| | - Pallavi Joshi
- Northwell Health-Staten Island University Hospital, Staten Island, NY, USA
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Blytt KM, Bjorvatn B, Husebo B, Flo E. Clinically significant discrepancies between sleep problems assessed by standard clinical tools and actigraphy. BMC Geriatr 2017; 17:253. [PMID: 29078755 PMCID: PMC5659001 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-017-0653-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sleep disturbances are widespread among nursing home (NH) patients and associated with numerous negative consequences. Identifying and treating them should therefore be of high clinical priority. No prior studies have investigated the degree to which sleep disturbances as detected by actigraphy and by the sleep-related items in the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD) and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory – Nursing Home version (NPI-NH) provide comparable results. Such knowledge is highly needed, since both questionnaires are used in clinical settings and studies use the NPI-NH sleep item to measure sleep disturbances. For this reason, insight into their relative (dis)advantages is valuable. Method Cross-sectional study of 83 NH patients. Sleep was objectively measured with actigraphy for 7 days, and rated by NH staff with the sleep items in the CSDD and the NPI-NH, and results were compared. McNemar's tests were conducted to investigate whether there were significant differences between the pairs of relevant measures. Cohen's Kappa tests were used to investigate the degree of agreement between the pairs of relevant actigraphy, NPI-NH and CSDD measures. Sensitivity and specificity analyses were conducted for each of the pairs, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were designed as a plot of the true positive rate against the false positive rate for the diagnostic test. Results Proxy-raters reported sleep disturbances in 20.5% of patients assessed with NPI-NH and 18.1% (difficulty falling asleep), 43.4% (multiple awakenings) and 3.6% (early morning awakenings) of patients had sleep disturbances assessed with CSDD. Our results showed significant differences (p<0.001) between actigraphy measures and proxy-rated sleep by the NPI-NH and CSDD. Sensitivity and specificity analyses supported these results. Conclusions Compared to actigraphy, proxy-raters clearly underreported NH patients' sleep disturbances as assessed by sleep items in NPI-NH and CSDD. The results suggest that the usefulness of proxy-rater measures of sleep may be questionable and further research is needed into their clinical value. The results highlight the need for NH staff to acquire and act on knowledge about sleep and sleep challenges among NH patients. Trial registration Registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (registration number NCT02238652) on July 7th 2014 (6 months after study initiation).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjersti Marie Blytt
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. .,Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. .,Norwegian Competence Center for Sleep Disorders, Haukeland University Hospital, P.O. Box 1400, 5021, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Bjørn Bjorvatn
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Norwegian Competence Center for Sleep Disorders, Haukeland University Hospital, P.O. Box 1400, 5021, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bettina Husebo
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Municipality of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Elisabeth Flo
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Ford AH, Almeida OP. Management of Depression in Patients with Dementia: Is Pharmacological Treatment Justified? Drugs Aging 2017; 34:89-95. [PMID: 28074409 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-016-0434-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Depression in the context of dementia is common and contributes to poorer outcomes in individuals and those who care for them. Non-pharmacological treatments are the preferred initial approach to managing these symptoms but data in support of these are scarce. There are a number of pharmacological treatment options available to clinicians but efficacy is uncertain and concern about potential side effects in an aging and vulnerable population needs to be taken into consideration. This review aims to provide a concise overview of pharmacological treatments for depression in dementia. Antidepressants are the mainstay of pharmacological treatment for clinically significant depression in the general population but evidence to support their use in dementia is mixed. Trials of antidepressants should generally be reserved for individuals with depression where the symptoms are distressing and surpass the threshold for major depression. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine are effective in the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer's disease but current evidence does not support their use to treat depressive symptoms in dementia. Similarly, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers have no proven efficacy for depression and the risk of adverse effects seems to outweigh any potential benefit. Pain can be a frequent problem in dementia and may have significant effects on behavior and mood. Preliminary evidence supports a role of adequate analgesia in improving mood in people with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H Ford
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences (M573), Western Australian Centre for Health and Ageing (M573), Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.
| | - Osvaldo P Almeida
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences (M573), Western Australian Centre for Health and Ageing (M573), Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
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Epidemiology of Pain in People With Dementia Living in Care Homes: Longitudinal Course, Prevalence, and Treatment Implications. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2017; 18:453.e1-453.e6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2017.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Sverdrup Efjestad A, Ihle-Hansen H, Hjellvik V, Blix HS. Comedication and Treatment Length in Users of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors. Dement Geriatr Cogn Dis Extra 2017; 7:30-40. [PMID: 28413414 PMCID: PMC5346931 DOI: 10.1159/000454948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Reduced clinical effect on cognitive decline in dementia by acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) may be due to concurrent use of drugs with anticholinergic properties. The aim was to analyze the incidence of AChEI use and comedication with drugs with anticholinergic properties and other potential unfavorable effects. METHODS A prospective study applying drug use data from the Norwegian Prescription Database. Anticholinergic Drug Scale (ADS) scores were used as a measure of overall anticholinergic burden. RESULTS Patients with high ADS scores were more frequently discontinuing treatment early. Coprescribing of antipsychotics was strongly associated with early discontinuation of AChEI treatment. CONCLUSION Coprescribing with potentially unfavorable medications was common. A high ADS score was associated with early discontinuation of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Sverdrup Efjestad
- Baerum Hospital Pharmacy, Hospital Pharmacy Enterprises, South Eastern Norway, Gjettum, Norway
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Aasmul I, Husebo BS, Flo E. Staff Distress Improves by Treating Pain in Nursing Home Patients With Dementia: Results From a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial. J Pain Symptom Manage 2016; 52:795-805. [PMID: 27524403 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 06/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Most people with dementia develop neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs), which are distressing for their carers. Untreated pain may increase the prevalence and severity of NPSs and thereby staff burden. OBJECTIVES We investigated the association between NPSs and the impact of individual pain treatment on distress in nursing home staff. METHODS Nursing home (NH) units were cluster-randomized to an intervention group (33 NH units; n = 175) or control group (27 NH units; n = 177). Patients in the intervention group received individual pain treatment for eight weeks, followed by a four-week washout period; control groups received care as usual. Staff informants (n = 138) used the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-NH version (including caregiver distress) as primary outcome to assess their own distress. Other outcomes were pain (Mobilization-Observation-Behavior-Intensity-Dementia-2 Pain Scale) and cognitive functioning (Mini-Mental State Examination). RESULTS Using hierarchical regression analysis, all NPS items at baseline were associated with staff distress (P < 0.01) apart from euphoria; agitation had the largest contribution (β = 0.24). Using mixed models, we found significantly lower staff distress in the intervention group compared to the control group. Moreover, we also found significantly reduced distress in the control group, and there were still effects in both groups throughout the washout period. CONCLUSION Individual pain treatment reduced staff distress in the intervention group compared to control group especially in regard to agitation-related symptoms and apathy. Furthermore, our results indicated a multifactorial model of staff distress, in which enhanced knowledge and understanding of NPSs and pain in people with advanced dementia may play an important role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Aasmul
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Bettina Sandgathe Husebo
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Elisabeth Flo
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Abstract
Increasing recognition that apathy is one of the most prevalent behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia and causes substantial caregiver distress has led to trials evaluating psychosocial and pharmacological treatments of apathy in dementia. We evaluated evidence of the efficacy of pharmacotherapies for apathy in dementia from studies since 2013. Previously reported benefits of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine were not replicated in recent studies. Antidepressants had mixed results with positive effects for apathy shown only for agomelatine, while stimulants, analgesics, and oxytocin study results were inconclusive. For some approaches, such as antipsychotic review, positive effects were found only in combination with nonpharmacological approaches. Relatively few studies assessed apathy outcomes specifically, complicating interpretation of potentially positive treatment effects; none dissected outcomes for emotional, motivational and behavioral components of apathy. Better trial design and more detailed analysis are needed in order to evaluate outcomes of pharmacological treatments for apathy.
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La Frenais F, Stone P, Sampson EL. Analgesic prescribing in care home residents: how epidemiological studies may inform clinical practice. Pain Manag 2016; 6:561-568. [PMID: 27383004 DOI: 10.2217/pmt-2016-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Care home residents are often frail with multiple comorbidities and cognitive impairment, most commonly caused by dementia. This population is under-represented in clinical trials, leading to a lack of valid and reliable evidence to inform clinicians' prescribing practice. This paper summarizes how epidemiological research conducted in similar populations can inform pain management by describing pain prevalence, risk factors, typical features and functional consequences. This evidence can help overcome the numerous barriers to optimal pain management in care home residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca La Frenais
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, 6th Floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK.,Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, 6th Floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Patrick Stone
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, 6th Floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Elizabeth L Sampson
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, 6th Floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK.,Barnet Enfield & Haringey Mental Health Trust Liaison Team, North Middlesex University Hospital, Sterling Way, London, N18 1QX, UK
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Hermabessière S, Lavallart B, Laffon de Mazières C, Vellas B, Rolland Y. [Reinforced accommodation units and the management of patients with dementia]. SOINS. GERONTOLOGIE 2016; 21:38-43. [PMID: 27449309 DOI: 10.1016/j.sger.2016.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Dementia is frequently associated with behavioural disorders that can be difficult to manage. In regards to these symptoms, psychoactive drugs are not very effective and have many potential side effects. In order to take care of patients with such severe disorders, specific units called "reinforced hosting units" ("UHR; Unités d'Hébergement Renforcées" in French) have been developed within long term care units. Specifically trained teams take care of these patients in specially designed settings. A French national inquiry has studied the development, the characteristics and the activity of these units in 2013 and 2012.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Hermabessière
- Gérontopôle, CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Garonne, 224 avenue de Casselardit, TSA 40031, 31059 Toulouse cedex 9, France.
| | - Benoît Lavallart
- Pilotage du plan Alzheimer, 11 place des cinq martyrs du lycée Buffon, pièce 5024, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Clarisse Laffon de Mazières
- Gérontopôle, CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Garonne, 224 avenue de Casselardit, TSA 40031, 31059 Toulouse cedex 9, France
| | - Bruno Vellas
- Gérontopôle, CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan-Casselardit et Garonne, 170 et 224 avenue de Casselardit, TSA 40031, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9, France
| | - Yves Rolland
- Gérontopôle, CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan-Casselardit et Garonne, 170 et 224 avenue de Casselardit, TSA 40031, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9, France
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Sandvik RK, Selbaek G, Bergh S, Aarsland D, Husebo BS. Signs of Imminent Dying and Change in Symptom Intensity During Pharmacological Treatment in Dying Nursing Home Patients: A Prospective Trajectory Study. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2016; 17:821-7. [PMID: 27321869 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2016.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate whether it is possible to determine signs of imminent dying and change in pain and symptom intensity during pharmacological treatment in nursing home patients, from day perceived as dying and to day of death. DESIGN Prospective, longitudinal trajectory trial. SETTING Forty-seven nursing homes within 35 municipalities of Norway. PARTICIPANTS A total of 691 nursing home patients were followed during the first year after admission and 152 were assessed carefully in their last days of life. MEASUREMENTS Time between admission and day of death, and symptom severity by Edmonton symptom assessment system (ESAS), pain (mobilization-observation-behavior-intensity-dementia-2), level of dementia (clinical dementia rating scale), physical function (Karnofsky performance scale), and activities of daily living (physical self-maintenance scale). RESULTS Twenty-five percent died during the first year after admission. Increased fatigue (logistic regression, odds ratio [OR] 1.8, P = .009) and poor appetite (OR 1.2, P = .005) were significantly associated with being able to identify the day a person was imminently dying, which was possible in 61% of the dying (n = 82). On that day, the administration of opioids, midazolam, and anticholinergics increased significantly (P < .001), and was associated with amelioration of symptoms, such as pain (mixed-models linear regression, 60% vs 46%, P < .001), anxiety (44% vs 31%, P < .001), and depression (33% vs 15%, P < .001). However, most symptoms were still prevalent at day of death, and moderate to severe dyspnea and death rattle increased from 44% to 53% (P = .040) and 8% to 19% (P < .001), respectively. Respiratory symptoms were not associated with opioids or anticholinergics. CONCLUSION Pharmacological treatment ameliorated distressing symptoms in dying nursing home patients; however, most symptoms, including pain and dyspnea, were still common at day of death. Results emphasize critical needs for better implementation of guidelines and staff education. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.govNCT01920100.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reidun K Sandvik
- Centre for Old Age Psychiatric Research, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Ottestad, Norway; Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Institute for Nursing Subjects, Bergen University College, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Geir Selbaek
- Centre for Old Age Psychiatric Research, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Ottestad, Norway; Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Ageing and Health, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tonsberg, Norway; Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sverre Bergh
- Centre for Old Age Psychiatric Research, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Ottestad, Norway
| | - Dag Aarsland
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience King's College, London, UK; Center for Age-Related Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Bettina S Husebo
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Municipality of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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The Interactive Relationship between Pain, Psychosis, and Agitation in People with Dementia: Results from a Cluster-Randomised Clinical Trial. Behav Neurol 2016; 2016:7036415. [PMID: 27247487 PMCID: PMC4876223 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7036415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Neuropsychiatric symptoms are common in people with dementia, and pain is thought to be an important underlying factor. Pain has previously been associated with agitation, and pain treatment has been shown to ameliorate agitated behaviour. So far, the association between pain and psychosis and the effect of pain treatment on psychotic symptoms is unclear. Furthermore, the impact of opioid treatment on psychosis is not established. Aim. To investigate the efficacy of a stepwise protocol for treating pain (SPTP) on psychosis and agitation measured with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory, Nursing Home version, and to explore the impact of opioid analgesics on psychosis. Method. Secondary analyses are from a cluster-randomised controlled trial including 352 patients with advanced dementia and agitation from 18 nursing homes in Western Norway. The intervention group received pain treatment according to SPTP. Results. Pain was associated with disinhibition (adjusted OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.10–1.34) and irritability (adjusted OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01–1.21) at baseline. Pain treatment reduced agitation (p < 0.001, df = 1; 300) and aberrant motor behaviour (p = 0.017, df = 1; 300). Psychosis was reduced in people with at least one symptom at baseline (p = 0.034, df = 1; 135). The use of opioid analgesics did not increase psychotic symptoms. Study Registration. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01021696), Norwegian Medicines Agency, EudraCT (EudraCTnr: 2008-007490-20).
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Oosterman JM, Zwakhalen S, Sampson EL, Kunz M. The use of facial expressions for pain assessment purposes in dementia: a narrative review. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2016; 6:119-31. [DOI: 10.2217/nmt-2015-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Facial expressions convey reliable nonverbal signals about pain and thus are very useful for assessing pain in patients with limited communicative ability, such as patients with dementia. In this review, we present an overview of the available pain observation tools and how they make use of facial expressions. Utility and reliability of facial expressions to measure pain in dementia are discussed, together with the effect of dementia severity on these facial expressions. Next, we present how behavioral alterations may overlap with facial expressions of pain, and may even influence the extent to which pain is facially expressed. The main focus is on disinhibition, apathy and emotional changes. Finally, an overview of theoretical considerations and practical implications is presented for assessing pain using facial expressions in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joukje M Oosterman
- Radboud University Nijmegen, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Zwakhalen
- Maastricht University, Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI School for Public Health & Primary Care, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth L Sampson
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London Medical School, London, UK
- North Middlesex University Hospital, Barnet Enfield & Haringey Mental Health Trust, London, UK
| | - Miriam Kunz
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of General Practice, Section Gerontology, Groningen, The Netherlands
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