Heather L Menne1, Carol J Whitlatch. 1. Margaret Blenkner Research Institute, Benjamin Rose Institute, 11900 Fairhill Road, Suite 300, Cleveland, OH 44120-1053, USA. hmenne@benrose.org
Abstract
PURPOSE: Research underscores how autonomy and decision-making involvement may help to enhance the quality of life of older adults; however, individuals with dementia are often excluded from decision making that is related to their daily functioning. In this study we use a modified version of the Stress Process Model to consider the stress process of individuals with chronic illness, and in particular to explore the predictors of decision-making involvement among individuals with dementia (n = 215). DESIGN AND METHODS: We collected data from individual with dementia (IWD)-family caregiver dyads. Relying primarily on data from the IWD, we used hierarchical multiple regression analysis to determine the predictors of the IWD's decision-making involvement. RESULTS: Results indicate that individuals who report more decision-making involvement are younger, female, have more education, have a nonspousal caregiver, have fewer months since their diagnosis, exhibit fewer problems with activities of daily living and fewer depressive symptoms (based on caregiver report), and place more importance on autonomy/self-identity. IMPLICATIONS: In our discussion we examine the importance of autonomy and impairment levels for understanding the decision-making involvement of persons with dementia.
PURPOSE: Research underscores how autonomy and decision-making involvement may help to enhance the quality of life of older adults; however, individuals with dementia are often excluded from decision making that is related to their daily functioning. In this study we use a modified version of the Stress Process Model to consider the stress process of individuals with chronic illness, and in particular to explore the predictors of decision-making involvement among individuals with dementia (n = 215). DESIGN AND METHODS: We collected data from individual with dementia (IWD)-family caregiver dyads. Relying primarily on data from the IWD, we used hierarchical multiple regression analysis to determine the predictors of the IWD's decision-making involvement. RESULTS: Results indicate that individuals who report more decision-making involvement are younger, female, have more education, have a nonspousal caregiver, have fewer months since their diagnosis, exhibit fewer problems with activities of daily living and fewer depressive symptoms (based on caregiver report), and place more importance on autonomy/self-identity. IMPLICATIONS: In our discussion we examine the importance of autonomy and impairment levels for understanding the decision-making involvement of persons with dementia.
Authors: A Lynn Snow; Cashuna Huddleston; Christina Robinson; Mark E Kunik; Amber L Bush; Nancy Wilson; Jessica Calleo; Amber Paukert; Cynthia Kraus-Schuman; Nancy J Petersen; Melinda A Stanley Journal: Aging Ment Health Date: 2012-02-28 Impact factor: 3.658
Authors: Eric Jutkowitz; Courtney H Van Houtven; Brenda L Plassman; Vincent Mor Journal: Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord Date: 2020 Jan-Mar Impact factor: 2.703