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Can behavioral management training improve psychiatric symptoms in individuals with dementia?
Selam Yoseph
Addis Ababa University
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Background
Studies have shown that behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia such as apathy, depression, anxiety, and sleep difficulties can occur early during Alzheimer’s development. Non-medication-based approaches to managing these symptoms including behavioral management training for caregivers, coping strategies, and communication skills training are preferred for individuals with dementia over medication-based approaches. However, these approaches can be challenging to implement in low- and middle-income countries. Dr. Selam Yoseph proposes a project to implement a supplemental care program to reduce psychiatric symptom burden for individuals with dementia and their caregivers in Ethiopia.
Research Plan
For this study, Dr. Yoseph and colleagues will recruit 100 individuals with dementia who are receiving psychiatric care at the Zewditu Memorial Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia as well as their caregivers. Half of the individuals will receive the standard psychiatric care and half will receive the standard care and supplemental education on how to manage the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Additionally, the researchers will evaluate psychiatric medication use in both groups to assess the impact of the new supplemental care program on behavioral and psychological symptom burden on individuals with dementia.
Impact
If successful, the findings from this study may highlight how a supplemental care program for behavioral management training could improve quality of life for individuals with dementia and their caregivers in Ethiopia.
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