Creativity During COVID-19: Evaluating an Online TimeSlips Storytelling Program for People Living With Dementia During Quarantine in Colombia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Since its first implementation in 1998, evidence has been presented of the positive impact of the TimeSlips storytelling method for people with dementia in long-term care (LTC) settings. This article extends this evidence in important new directions: it is the longest TimeSlips study to date and the first to evaluate the feasibility of online delivery of the method (in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19] quarantine) and the impact of this on the personhood, quality of life, and psychological well-being of Spanish-speaking participants in non-LTC settings in the Global South. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Trained facilitators provided weekly, 1-hr TimeSlips sessions via Zoom over 32 consecutive weeks to 8 participants with dementia. Semistructured interviews of participants and care partners were conducted within 1 week of the final intervention. Thematic analysis evaluated the resultant qualitative data. RESULTS: This online implementation of the TimeSlips creative expression (CE) method reinforced key facets of participants' personhood (self-expression and self-perception, which led in turn to increased care partner appreciation), had a positive impact on key domains of quality of life (mood, energy levels, and cognitive function), and stimulated a key aspect of psychological well-being (the formation and maintenance of social ties). DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: The online delivery of the TimeSlips method to participants who remain in their own homes is feasible and effective. Future research should compare the benefits of online versus face-to-face delivery of this CE method.

"In the flesh": Narratives of family caregivers at risk of Early-onset Familial Alzheimer's Disease.

In the growing body of literature dealing with the consequences of family caregiving amongst people with dementia, there are few studies examining the impact of Early-onset Familial Alzheimer's Disease on caregivers. This study exposes the subjective experience of a group of family caregivers who themselves possess a genetic susceptibility to develop this form of dementia. We interviewed and analyzed the accounts of 27 caregivers belonging to family lineages carrying the E280A mutation for Early-onset Alzheimer's Disease. We utilized a phenomenological method to analyze these accounts, initially tracking seven theoretical categories (Anxiety, Depression, Burden, Resilience, Self-efficacy, Social Support, and Coping Strategies) and then subsequently two additional categories which emerged (Conceptions about the Disease and Other Vital Experiences Interfering with Caregiving). The results show that caring for a loved one while simultaneously running the risk of developing the same form of Alzheimer's Disease permeates the caregivers' experience both in a negative and a positive way. The continuous exposition to emotional stress in these caregivers should be seriously considered as they may be at risk of accelerating the onset of symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease, while simultaneously, early psychological symptoms of dementia may be masked by the emotional sequelae of caregiving, interfering with early diagnosis. Certainly, support services for the entire family group are suggested.

Experiencias de apego en madres de niños con retraso madurativo: análisis de contenido / Attachment experiences in mothers of children with developmental delay: content análisis

El objetivo de este estudio es elaborar un perfil de percepciones, emociones y opiniones en torno a experiencias de apego de un grupo de madres de niños con retraso madurativo, a través del análisis de contenido de un foro virtual. A partir de los datos se extraen tres dimensiones de análisis: sistema de conductas del niño, sistema de cuidados y crianza mediada por profesionales. Los resultados permiten detectar como temas recurrentes de preocupación en las madres los siguientes: incertidumbre por el diagnóstico; dificultades para interpretar la conducta de sus hijos y responder consecuentemente; búsqueda de intimidad afectiva, y predominio del aprendizaje guiado durante las primeras etapas del diagnóstico. Se concluye que la categoría retraso madurativo, al ser provisional, dificulta el proceso de aceptación, lo cual impacta negativamente en el sistema de cuidados materno. Al respecto, la terminología, actitudes y prácticas de los profesionales de apoyo parecen jugar un papel importante. El deseo de lograr intimidad afectiva, las emociones positivas y un adecuado acompañamiento profesional serían factores protectores para establecer vínculos de apego más favorables entre las figuras parentales y sus hijos

The aim of this study is to develop a profile of attachment experienc¬es through the analysis of content shared in a virtual forum by a group of mothers who have children with developmental delay. Three categories were extracted from the data: behavioural system, care system, and professional parenting assistance. The results allowed the identification of the mothers' emotional states associated with the uncer¬tainty about diagnosis, difficulty interpreting their children behaviour, and responding consequently, seeking emotional intimacy, and prevalence of guided learning during the early stages of diagnosis. It is concluded that the diagnosis "developmental delay", being provisional, makes the acceptance process difficult, which impacts the maternal care system negatively. Terminology, attitudes, and practices of support professionals seem to play an important role. The desire for emotional intimacy, positive emotions, and appropriate professional support would be protective factors to establish a more favourable attachment between parents and children