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Centre for Policy on Ageing | |
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| Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in developing countries | | Corporate Author | 10/66 Dementia Research Group |
| Journal title | International Psychogeriatrics, vol 16, no 4, December 2004 |
| Pages | pp 441-460 |
| Source | http://journals.cambridge.org |
| Keywords | Dementia ; Symptoms ; Behaviour disorders ; Evaluation ; Developing countries. |
| Annotation | Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are hypothesised as independent predictors of caregiver strain in developing countries. In this study, individuals diagnosed as having dementia according to DSM-IV criteria (mild and moderate cases as defined by the Clinical Dementia Rating scale only), together with their main caregiver, were recruited from 21 centres (all members of the 10/66 Dementia Research Group) in 17 developing countries. Those with dementia were directly assessed with the Community Screening Interview for Dementia and the Geriatric Mental State schedule (GMS). GMS data were processed by the AGECAT computer program to yield diagnostic information on 8 psychiatric syndromes. Caregivers answered direct questions about behavioural symptoms of dementia (BSD) and completed the Zarit Burden Inventory. At least one BSD was reported in 70.9% of the 555 participants. At least one case-level AGECAT psychiatric syndrome (not including the organic syndrome) was exhibited by 49.5% of people with dementia. Depression syndromes (43.8%) were most common, followed by anxiety neuroses (14.3%) and schizophreniform or paranoid psychoses (10.9%). Caregivers were more likely to report BSD in those with dementia who were married, younger and better educated. More advanced dementia, poorer functioning and the presence of depression or anxiety were each associated with BSD. BSD and psychiatric syndromes (anxiety neurosis and schizophreniform or paranoid psychoses) predicted caregiver stress after controlling for cognitive impairment. BPSD are poorly understood, leading to shame and blame, and are common in people with dementia in developing countries, though with marked regional variations. Representative population studies are needed to clarify prevalence and impact, but the present research suggests considerable unmet need, with much scope for intervention. Raising awareness of the problem should be the first step. (RH). |
| Accession Number | CPA-050216206 A |
| Classmark | EA: CT: EP: 4C: 7B |
Data © Centre for Policy on Ageing |
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| ...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing. |
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