Educational care for patients with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers in France: A mapping proposal

Developing and Testing a Two-Part Intervention: Enhancing Dementia Instruction and Tool in Home Hospice Care

Family care partners (FCP) of persons living with dementia provide extensive care and experience significant stress. Hospice nurses and social workers seldom receive training to help FCP. This article describes the development and pilot testing of Enhancing Dementia Instruction and Tool in Home Hospice Care (EDITH-HC). This intervention provides 1) instructional videos for clinicians about dementia-specific end-of-life care and 2) a worksheet for clinicians and FCP to complete together to identify and address FCP stressors and concerns. EDITH-HC development involved co-developing and revising draft intervention materials based on two rounds of structured input from FCP (n = 10), hospice nurses and social workers (n = 5), and research/content experts (n = 4); and a single-arm pilot test of the intervention to assess initial feasibility and acceptability (n = 13). Initial pilot testing indicates the intervention is feasible and acceptable. A larger randomized pilot study to determine feasibility and acceptability is underway.

The neurotransmitter puzzle of Alzheimer's: Dissecting mechanisms and exploring therapeutic horizons

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) represents a complex interplay of neurological pathways and molecular mechanisms, with significant impacts on patients' lives. This review synthesizes the latest developments in AD research, focusing on both the scientific advancements and their clinical implications. We examine the role of microglia in AD, highlighting their contribution to the disease's inflammatory aspects. The cholinergic hypothesis, a cornerstone of AD research, is re-evaluated, including the role of Alpha-7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in disease progression. This review places particular emphasis on the neurotransmission systems, exploring the therapeutic potential of GABAergic neurotransmitters and the role of NMDA inhibitors in the context of glutamatergic neurotransmission. By analyzing the interactions and implications of neurotransmitter pathways in AD, we aim to shed light on emerging therapeutic strategies. In addition to molecular insights, the review addresses the clinical and personal aspects of AD, underscoring the need for patient-centered approaches in treatment and care. The final section looks at the future directions of AD research and treatment, discussing the integration of scientific innovation with patient care. This review aims to provide a comprehensive update on AD, merging scientific insights with practical considerations, suitable for both specialists and those new to the field.