Executive functioning deficits in dementia and carer intervention: v1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of executive functioning deficits in dementia as reported by family carers: links with carer burden and positive gain, potential mediators and moderators, and non-randomised controlled trial of a group intervention.
IRAS ID
163340
Contact name
Catriona George
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 18 days
Research summary
With a growing number of people currently at risk of developing dementia, it is increasingly important to ensure that family carers can be provided with the necessary support to continue caring for their loved one for as long as possible. Carer burden is widely reported as one of the main reasons carers feel they can no longer support relatives at home.
Part one of this study will explore the changes in behaviour most commonly reported by carers and those most closely associated with caregiver burden. It will also look at the type of strategies used by carers to manage behaviour changes and the way they deal with their own difficult thoughts and feelings, and whether these affect the level of burden experienced. Carers’ perceptions of positive aspects of caregiving will also be explored. Carers of a family member with dementia will complete five self-report measures of executive functioning deficits (difficulties of the person with dementia), burden, positive gain, dementia management strategies and acceptance.
Part two consists of a controlled trial of a new group intervention for dementia caregivers. The five session group intervention will focus on helping carers develop positive strategies to manage psychological and behavioural problems associated with dementia, while incorporating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, an approach which has proven to be effective in helping people to handle difficult thoughts and feelings, and improving quality of life.
Participants will be recruited from carer organisations or through contact with NHS clinicians, and will be allocated to two group. One will receive the intervention straight away, while the other has a few weeks wait. Both groups will complete four questionnaires at the same time points, in order to assess whether more positive change occurs for those receiving the intervention. Follow-up questionnaires will also be completed three months later.REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
14/SS/1107
Date of REC Opinion
31 Dec 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion