OBJECTIVES: This article describes results of a randomized controlled trial comparing a time-limited early-stage memory loss (ESML) supportgroup program conducted by a local Alzheimer's Association chapter to a wait-list (WL) control condition. METHODS:One hundred and forty-two dyads were randomized in blocks to ESML (n = 96) or WL (n = 46). Mean age of participants was 74.9 years, and mean Mini-Mental State Examination was 23.4. The primary outcome was participant's quality of life; secondary outcomes included mood, family communication, and perceived stress. RESULTS: On the intent-to-treat (ITT) pre-post analysis, significant differences were seen in participant quality of life (p < .001), depression (p < .01), and family communication (p < .05). Within the care partner groups, there was no significant difference between ESML and WL in the ITT analysis. A post hoc exploratory examination of changes that were associated with improved quality of life in ESML participants revealed significant reductions of depressive symptoms and behavior problems (p < .05), improved family communication (p < .05), self-efficacy (p < .01), Medical Outcomes Study short form (SF-36) role-emotional (p < .05), SF-36social functioning (p < .05), and SF-36 mental health components (p < .01) in improvers. DISCUSSION: These results support the efficacy of ESML support groups for individuals with dementia.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVES: This article describes results of a randomized controlled trial comparing a time-limited early-stage memory loss (ESML) support group program conducted by a local Alzheimer's Association chapter to a wait-list (WL) control condition. METHODS: One hundred and forty-two dyads were randomized in blocks to ESML (n = 96) or WL (n = 46). Mean age of participants was 74.9 years, and mean Mini-Mental State Examination was 23.4. The primary outcome was participant's quality of life; secondary outcomes included mood, family communication, and perceived stress. RESULTS: On the intent-to-treat (ITT) pre-post analysis, significant differences were seen in participant quality of life (p < .001), depression (p < .01), and family communication (p < .05). Within the care partner groups, there was no significant difference between ESML and WL in the ITT analysis. A post hoc exploratory examination of changes that were associated with improved quality of life in ESML participants revealed significant reductions of depressive symptoms and behavior problems (p < .05), improved family communication (p < .05), self-efficacy (p < .01), Medical Outcomes Study short form (SF-36) role-emotional (p < .05), SF-36 social functioning (p < .05), and SF-36 mental health components (p < .01) in improvers. DISCUSSION: These results support the efficacy of ESML support groups for individuals with dementia.
Authors: Linda Teri; Glenise McKenzie; Rebecca G Logsdon; Susan M McCurry; Salli Bollin; Jennifer Mead; Heather Menne Journal: Gerontologist Date: 2012-01-12
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