A Marriott1, C Donaldson, N Tarrier, A Burns. 1. Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Central Manchester Healthcare Trust, Manchester Royal Infirmary.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The majority of patients with Alzheimer's disease live outside institutions and there is considerable serious psychological morbidity among their carers. AIMS: To evaluate whether family intervention reduces the subjective burden of care in carers of patients with Alzheimer's disease and produces clinical benefits in the patients. METHOD: A prospective single-blind randomised controlled trial with three-month follow-up in which the experimental group received family intervention and was compared with two control groups. RESULTS: There were significant reductions in distress and depression in the intervention group compared with control groups at post-treatment and follow-up. There were significant reductions in behavioural disturbance at post-treatment and an increase in activities at three months in patients in the intervention group. Based on an improvement on the General Health Questionnaire resulting in a carer converting from a case to a non-case, the number to treat was three immediately post-treatment and two at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS:Family intervention can have significant benefits in carers of patients with Alzheimer's disease and has a positive impact on patient behaviour.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: The majority of patients with Alzheimer's disease live outside institutions and there is considerable serious psychological morbidity among their carers. AIMS: To evaluate whether family intervention reduces the subjective burden of care in carers of patients with Alzheimer's disease and produces clinical benefits in the patients. METHOD: A prospective single-blind randomised controlled trial with three-month follow-up in which the experimental group received family intervention and was compared with two control groups. RESULTS: There were significant reductions in distress and depression in the intervention group compared with control groups at post-treatment and follow-up. There were significant reductions in behavioural disturbance at post-treatment and an increase in activities at three months in patients in the intervention group. Based on an improvement on the General Health Questionnaire resulting in a carer converting from a case to a non-case, the number to treat was three immediately post-treatment and two at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Family intervention can have significant benefits in carers of patients with Alzheimer's disease and has a positive impact on patient behaviour.
Authors: Richard Schulz; Alison O'Brien; Sara Czaja; Marcia Ory; Rachel Norris; Lynn M Martire; Steven H Belle; Lou Burgio; Laura Gitlin; David Coon; Robert Burns; Dolores Gallagher-Thompson; Alan Stevens Journal: Gerontologist Date: 2002-10