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Quality of life for people with dementia living in residential and nursing home care: The impact of performance on activities of daily living, behavioral and psychological symptoms, language skills, and psychotropic drugs

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Clive Ballard, Professor John O'Brien, Dr Katharina Reichelt, Dr Alan Swann

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Abstract

Many people with dementia reside in care facilities. Little is known about how key parameters impact upon their quality of life (QOL). All 209 people with dementia in six facilities received a standardized assessment (Neuropsychiatric Inventory [NPI], Barthel Scale, psychotropic drugs). One hundred twelve residents were assessed using Dementia Care Mapping, an observational method for QOL indices. Lower performance on activities of daily living (reduced well-being [WB] r = +0.39, p < .0001; social withdrawal [SW] r= +0.42, p < .0001; engagement in activities [EA] r = +0.31, p =.001) and taking psychotropics (WB 2.5 vs. 3.2, t = 2.3, p =.02; SW 11.4% vs. 2.7%, t = 3.0, p =.004; EA 56.5% vs. 71.9%; t = 3.5, p =.001) were associated with reduced QOL, but symptoms from the NPI were not. More focused prescribing of psychotropics and better staff training are essential.

Publication metadata

Author(s): O'Brien J; Ballard C; Swann A; Reichelt K; James I; Mynt P; Lana M; Potkins D; Lee L; Fossey J

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: International Psychogeriatrics

Year: 2001

Volume: 13

Issue: 1

Pages: 93-106

ISSN (print): 1041-6102

ISSN (electronic): 1741-203X

Publisher: International Psychogeriatric Association and Cambridge University Press

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1041610201007499

DOI: 10.1017/S1041610201007499

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