Caregiver Thrive, Learn, & Connect: Testing the Efficacy of an Online Psychoeducational Program for Family Caregivers.

OBJECTIVES: Research reports that providing care to a relative or friend with a chronic health condition or significant neurocognitive disorders, such as dementia is a demanding job. Caregiving often leads to higher risk for adverse mental health outcomes. In this study, we examine the short-term efficacy of the CaregiverTLC online psychoeducational program to caregivers of adults with chronic health or significant memory troubles. METHOD: Using pre-post data from the CaregiverTLC randomized controlled trial (n = 81) we examined differences between the intervention and control conditions on caregivers' psychosocial outcomes for depressive symptoms, self-efficacy, burden, anxiety, and caregiver gains. RESULTS: Data analyses indicated significant decrease in self-reported depressive symptoms, burden, anxiety, and significant increases in self-efficacy and caregiver gains for caregivers in the active intervention compared to those in the control condition. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that regardless of whether caregivers care for a person with a chronic illness or significant neurocognitive disorder, they can benefit from participation in this online psychoeducational program. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The CaregiverTLC program may be an effective method to teach skills to reduce depression, burden, and anxiety, and improve self-efficacy and personal gains among caregivers of older adults with chronic illnesses.

Cultural Competency in Dementia Care: An African American Case Study.

Age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia. The older population in the United States is growing, and within this demographic ethnic and racial diversity is also on the rise. This article introduces Stanford Health Care's Memory Support Program (MSP) as a model for culturally competent dementia care that spans inpatient and outpatient settings. The case study of an African American patient and family dealing with an Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and comorbid conditions is presented and explored to illustrate the MSP model. The authors make recommendations for the implementation of similar continuum of care services in other institutions. As research continues to show, the cultural competence of medical professionals can impact patient quality of care and health outcomes. More research is needed to appropriately support positive outcomes for patients and families of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds.

The Impact of Latino Values and Cultural Beliefs on Brain Donation: Results of a Pilot Study to Develop Culturally Appropriate Materials and Methods to Increase Rates of Brain Donation in this Under-Studied Patient Group.

OBJECTIVES: Increasing the number of Latino persons with dementia who consent to brain donation (BD) upon death is an important public health goal that has not yet been realized. This study identified the need for culturally sensitive materials to answer questions and support the decision-making process for the family. METHODS: Information about existing rates of BD was obtained from the Alzheimer's Disease Centers. Several methods of data collection (query NACC database, contacting Centers, focus groups, online survey, assessing current protocol and materials) were used to give the needed background to create culturally appropriate BD materials. RESULTS: A decision was made that a brochure for undecided enrollees would be beneficial to discuss BD with family members. For those needing further details, a step-by-step handout would provide additional information. CONCLUSIONS: Through team collaboration and engagement of others in the community who work with Latinos with dementia, we believe this process allowed us to successfully create culturally appropriate informational materials that address a sensitive topic for Hispanic/Latino families. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Brain tissue is needed to further knowledge about underlying biological mechanism of neurodegenerative diseases, however it is a sensitive topic. Materials assist with family discussion and facilitate the family's follow-through with BD.

Dementia Awareness Campaign in the Latino Community: A Novel Community Engagement Pilot Training Program with Promotoras.

OBJECTIVES: To create a curriculum about Alzheimer's disease and dementia, and to train Promotoras affiliated with a local community education and health advocacy organization, in order to raise awareness and knowledge of what dementia is, and how it can be recognized, in persons of Hispanic/Latino descent. METHODS: Community based participatory research (CPBR) model was used to create materials, implement training, and engage/empower Promotoras to educate the local community. RESULTS: Pre-post findings indicated a positive learning experience for the Promotoras and willingness to share new dementia information with their community. One year post-evaluative survey with a subset showed outreach to an average of 15-25 community members, indicating positive reception of this new information. CONCLUSIONS: CPBR model is a successful education and outreach tool with Latino communities. Our Dementia Awareness Campaign was a success with the first 20 Promotoras trained; at present we plan to train additional groups in nearby communities with significant Hispanic/Latino populations. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: In order to get Latinos to seek early detection, we need to first educate them about dementia, win trust, and encourage treatment-seeking. Early intervention, diagnosis, and prevention will benefit from educational campaigns using the CBPR model.