Gottfries' Cognitive Scale for Staff Proxy Rating of Cognitive Function Among Nursing Home Residents.

BACKGROUND: For research purposes, there is a need for tools to assess an individual's level of cognitive function. For survey-based investigations in nursing home contexts, proxy ratings allow the assessment also of individuals with severe cognitive impairment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the feasibility and psychometric properties of Gottfries' cognitive scale when used in a nursing home context for proxy rating of cognitive function. METHOD: The psychometric properties of Gottfries' cognitive scale were investigated in a sample of 8,492 nursing home residents in Västerbotten County, Sweden, using item response theory and classic scale theory-based approaches. RESULTS: Cognitive function could be scored in 97.1% of the assessed individuals. The scale had a negligible floor effect, it had items with a large spread in difficulties, it appeared linear, and it distributed the assessed individuals equally over the scale. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.967, and an exploratory factor analysis revealed three factors of the scale - interpreted to represent orientation to time, to place, and to person. CONCLUSION: Gottfries' cognitive scale is a feasible tool for grading cognitive function among nursing home residents using staff proxy ratings. The scale has excellent psychometric properties with a very high internal consistency, a favorable distribution of item difficulties producing an almost rectangular distribution of scores, and a negligible floor effect. The scale thus can be recommended for use in survey-based investigations in nursing home contexts.

Prevalence of pain and pharmacological pain treatment among old people in nursing homes in 2007 and 2013.

PURPOSE: Many elderly people living in nursing homes experience pain and take analgesic medication. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of pain and pharmacological pain treatment among people living in nursing homes in Sweden, in two large, comparable, samples from 2007 to 2013. METHODS: Cross-sectional surveys were performed in 2007 and 2013, including all residents in nursing homes in the county of Västerbotten, Sweden. A total of 4933 residents (2814 and 2119 respectively) with a mean age of 84.6 and 85.0 years participated. Of these, 71.1 and 72.4% respectively were cognitively impaired. The survey was completed by the staff members who knew the residents best. RESULTS: The prescription of opioids became significantly more common while the use of tramadol decreased significantly. The staff reported that 63.4% in 2007 and 62.3% in 2013 had experienced pain. Of those in pain, 20.2% in 2007 and 16.8% in 2013 received no treatment and 73.4 and 75.0% respectively of those with pain, but no pharmacological treatment, were incorrectly described by the staff as being treated for pain. CONCLUSIONS: There has been a change in the pharmacological analgesic treatment between 2007 and 2013 with less prescribing of tramadol and a greater proportion taking opioids. Nevertheless, undertreatment of pain still occurs and in many cases, staff members believed that the residents were prescribed analgesic treatment when this was not the case.

Prevalence of constipation among persons living in institutional geriatric-care settings - a cross-sectional study.

RATIONAL: The current state of knowledge about the prevalence of constipation among persons living in institutional geriatric-care settings is limited. AIM: The aim was to investigate the prevalence of constipation among institutional geriatric-care residents and identify resident characteristics related to constipation. METHODOLOGICAL DESIGN: In a cross-sectional study of all the institutional geriatric-care settings in a county in northern Sweden, 2970 residents were assessed. The member of staff who knew each resident best used the Multi-Dimensional Dementia Assessment Scale and the resident's records of prescribed medication to monitor cognitive function, activities in daily life, behavioural and psychological symptoms, physical restraints, speech ability, nutrition and pharmacologic agents. The study was approved by the Regional Ethical Review Board. RESULT: The prevalence of constipation was 67%. The mean age was higher among those with constipation. A significantly higher proportion of the constipated had cognitive and/or physical impairments, physical restraints, impaired speech, problems with nutrition, and higher numbers of drugs for regular use. Of those with constipation, 68% were prescribed laxatives for regular use. Twenty-three per cent of the constipated residents were prescribed opioid analgesics (n = 465), and 29% (n = 134) of these were not prescribed any laxatives. STUDY LIMITATION: Due to the cross-sectional design, the results should be interpreted with caution in terms of causal reasoning, generalisation and conclusions about risk factors. Another limitation is the use of proxy assessments of constipation. CONCLUSION: The results show that constipation is common among residents in institutional geriatric-care settings in Sweden, which is in line with previous studies from other Western countries. Despite being constipated when having prescribed opioid analgesics, a large number did not have prescribed laxatives. The results indicate the urgency of finding strategies and implementing suitable interventions to improve bowel management in residents in institutional geriatric-care settings.

Behavioral and psychological symptoms and psychotropic drugs among people with cognitive impairment in nursing homes in 2007 and 2013.

PURPOSE: The use of psychotropic drugs to treat behavioral and psychological symptoms among people with dementia has been widely questioned because of its limited efficacy and risk of harmful side-effects. The objectives of this study was to compare the prevalence of behavioral and psychological symptoms and the use of psychotropic drug treatments among old people with cognitive impairment living in geriatric care units in 2007 and 2013. METHODS: Two questionnaire surveys were performed in 2007 and 2013, comprising all those living in geriatric care units in the county of Västerbotten in northern Sweden. A comparison was made between 1971 people from 2007 and 1511 people from 2013. Data were collected concerning psychotropic and antidementia drug use, functioning in the activities of daily living (ADL), cognition, and behavioral and psychological symptoms, using the Multi-Dimensional Dementia Assessment Scale (MDDAS). RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2013, the use of antipsychotic drugs declined from 25.4 to 18.9 %, and of anxiolytic, hypnotic, and sedative drugs from 35.5 to 29.4 %. The prevalence of people prescribed antidepressant drugs remained unchanged while antidementia drug prescription increased from 17.9 to 21.5 %. When controlled for demographic changes, 36 out of 39 behavioral and psychological symptoms showed no difference in prevalence between the years. CONCLUSIONS: The use of antipsychotic, anxiolytic, hypnotic, and sedative drugs declined considerably between 2007 and 2013 among old people with cognitive impairment living in geriatric care units. Despite this reduction, the prevalences of behavioral and psychological symptoms remained largely unchanged.

Effect evaluation of a heated ambulance mattress-prototype on thermal comfort and patients' temperatures in prehospital emergency care--an intervention study.

BACKGROUND: The ambulance milieu does not offer good thermal comfort to patients during the cold Swedish winters. Patients' exposure to cold temperatures combined with a cold ambulance mattress seems to be the major factor leading to an overall sensation of discomfort. There is little research on the effect of active heat delivered from underneath in ambulance care. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an electrically heated ambulance mattress-prototype on thermal comfort and patients' temperatures in the prehospital emergency care. METHODS: A quantitative intervention study on ambulance care was conducted in the north of Sweden. The ambulance used for the intervention group (n=30) was equipped with an electrically heated mattress on the regular ambulance stretcher whereas for the control group (n=30) no active heat was provided on the stretcher. Outcome variables were measured as thermal comfort on the Cold Discomfort Scale (CDS), subjective comments on cold experiences, and finger, ear and air temperatures. RESULTS: Thermal comfort, measured by CDS, improved during the ambulance transport to the emergency department in the intervention group (p=0.001) but decreased in the control group (p=0.014). A significant higher proportion (57%) of the control group rated the stretcher as cold to lie down compared to the intervention group (3%, p<0.001). At arrival, finger, ear and compartment air temperature showed no statistical significant difference between groups. Mean transport time was approximately 15 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: The use of active heat from underneath increases the patients' thermal comfort and may prevent the negative consequences of cold stress.

Reduction in the use of potentially inappropriate drugs among old people living in geriatric care units between 2007 and 2013.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to investigate trends in the prevalence of potentially inappropriate drug use among old people living in geriatric care units in the county of Västerbotten between 2007 and 2013 using six national quality indicators and to assess the impact of medication reviews on those quality indicators. METHODS: Data were collected concerning potentially inappropriate drug use, function in the activities of daily living (ADL) and cognitive function, using the Multi-Dimensional Dementia Assessment Scale (MDDAS). A comparison was made between the years 2007 and 2013, comprising 2772 and 1902 people, respectively, living in geriatric care in the county of Västerbotten, Sweden. We conducted a parallel investigation of a separate corresponding population in Västerbotten County from 2012, where potentially inappropriate drug use was measured before and after 895 medication reviews which involved a clinical pharmacist. RESULTS: After controlling for age, sex, ADL and cognitive impairment, there was a significant improvement in five out of six quality indicators between 2007 and 2013. While 44% of the people were exposed to one or more potentially inappropriate medications in 2007, this number had declined to 26% by 2013. In the separate population from 2012, the frequency of potentially inappropriate drug use was significantly reduced amongst the people who had a medication review performed. CONCLUSION: The extent of potentially inappropriate drug use declined between 2007 and 2013 according to the quality indicators used. Medication reviews involving clinical pharmacists might be an important factor in reducing potentially inappropriate drug use and improving drug treatment among old people.

A person-centred intervention for providing information to parents of children with cancer. Experiences and effects.

PURPOSE: The aim of this paper is to describe the experiences of participating in a person-centred information intervention aimed at parents of children with cancer. METHODS: Eight parents participated in the intervention, beginning two months after their child's diagnosis. The intervention was based upon the representational approach to patient education and a mixed method approach was employed in the study. The experiences of parents and intervention nurses were captured via qualitative interviews and the effects of the intervention on parental psychosocial measures, primarily perceived stress, were evaluated using a single-case design with web-based questionnaires. RESULTS: Parents expressed high satisfaction with the intervention, as reported in the follow-up interviews and on the scale measuring satisfaction. However, no changes were seen in the quantitative measures of psychosocial distress. The nurses performing the intervention felt it was useful and feasible. CONCLUSIONS: A representational approach to providing person-centred information to parents of children with cancer was appreciated and considered feasible by both the parents and the intervention nurses. However, further research is needed considering the lack of effect on the parents' perceived stress.

Effect evaluation of a heated ambulance mattress-prototype on body temperatures and thermal comfort--an experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to cold temperatures is, often, a neglected problem in prehospital care. One of the leading influences of the overall sensation of cold discomfort is the cooling of the back. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a heated ambulance mattress-prototype on body temperatures and thermal comfort in an experimental study. METHOD: Data were collected during four days in November, 2011 inside and outside of a cold chamber. All participants (n = 23) participated in two trials each. In one trial, they were lying on a stretcher with a supplied heated mattress and in the other trial without a heated mattress. Outcomes were back temperature, finger temperature, core body temperature, Cold Discomfort Scale (CDS), four statements from the state-trait anxiety--inventory (STAI), and short notes of their experiences of the two mattresses. Data were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. A repeated measure design was used to evaluate the effect of the two mattresses. RESULTS: A statistical difference between the regular mattress and the heated mattress was found in the back temperature. In the heated mattress trial, the statement "I am tense" was fewer whereas the statements "I feel comfortable", "I am relaxed" and "I feel content" were higher in the heated mattress trial. The qualitative analyses of the short notes showed that the heated mattress, when compared to the unheated mattress, was experienced as warm, comfortable, providing security and was easier to relax on. CONCLUSIONS: Heat supply from underneath the body results in increased comfort and may prevent hypothermia which is important for injured and sick patients in ambulance care.

Marginal and internal fit of cobalt-chromium fixed dental prostheses generated from digital and conventional impressions.

Objectives. Digital impressions are increasingly used and have the potential to avoid the problem of inaccurate impressions. Only a few studies to verify the accuracy of digital impressions have been performed. The purpose of this study was to compare the marginal and internal fit of 3-unit tooth supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) fabricated from digital and conventional impressions. Methods. Ten FDPs were produced from digital impressions using the iTero system and 10 FDPs were produced using vinyl polysiloxane (VPS) impression material. A triple-scan protocol and CAD software were used for measuring and calculating discrepancies of the FDPs at 3 standard areas: mean internal discrepancy, absolute marginal gap, and cervical area discrepancy. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for analyzing the results. Results. For conventional and digital impressions, respectively, FDPs had an absolute marginal gap of 147 µ m and 142 µ m, cervical area discrepancy of 69 µ m and 44 µ m, and mean internal discrepancy of 117 µ m and 93 µ m. The differences were statistically significant in the cervical and internal areas (P < 0.001). Significance. The results indicated that the digital impression technique is more exact and can generate 3-unit FDPs with a significantly closer fit compared to the VPS technique.

Psychotropic drug use among people with dementia--a six-month follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Psychotropic drugs are widely used among old people with dementia but few studies have described long-term treatment in this group of patients. The purpose of this study was to explore the long-term use of psychotropic drugs in old people with dementia. METHODS: Data on psychotropic drug use, functioning in the activities of daily living (ADL), cognitive function and behavioral and psychological symptoms were collected at baseline and six months later, using the Multi-Dimensional Dementia Assessment Scale (MDDAS). The data were collected in 2005-2006. Detailed data about the prescribing of psychotropic drugs were collected from prescription records. This study was conducted in 40 specialized care units in northern Sweden, with a study population of 278 people with dementia. RESULTS: At the start of the study, 229 of the participants (82%) were prescribed at least one psychotropic drug; 150 (54%) used antidepressants, 43 (16%) used anxiolytics, 107 (38%) used hypnotics and sedatives, and 111 (40%) used antipsychotics. Among the baseline users of antidepressants, anxiolytics, hypnotics and sedatives and antipsychotics, 67%, 44%, 57% and 57% respectively, still used the same dose of the same psychotropic drug after six months. Associations were found between behavioral and psychological symptoms and different psychotropic drugs. CONCLUSION: Psychotropic drug use was high among people with dementia living in specialized care units and in many cases the drugs were used for extended periods. It is very important to monitor the effects and adverse effects of the prescribed drug in this frail group of people.

Solubility and strength of zirconia-based dental materials after artificial aging.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Advanced high-strength dental ceramics based on zirconium oxide are widely used for dental restorations. However, their durability in liquids has been questioned. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the flexure strength of zirconium dioxide materials designed for different sintering techniques before and after surface exposure to an acidic solution and to correlate the dissolution of the materials with strength data. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An accelerated aging test, immersion in hot (80°C) 4 vol% acetic acid was used to study the solubility of elements from the surface and the effect on the strength of 3 dental zirconia products: DY: Y-TZP material, milled in HIPed state (Denzir); DM: Mg-PSZ material, milled in dense-sintered state (Denzir M); and CY: Y-TZP material, milled from presintered block and then dense-sintered (Cercon base). Disks were prepared with a surface conditioning as for copings provided for dental restorations. After immersion for 1 week, the liquid was analyzed for a range of elements with ICP-MS. Biaxial flexure strength was measured for 3 samples (n=15) of each material: ground on a 20 µm diamond disk without immersion; after 1 week's immersion in acetic acid; and after 1 week's immersion, grinding, and 1 more week in acid. Fracture probability was analyzed by maximum likelihood attribution of individual measurements to 1 or 2 Weibull distributions, each with 2 free parameters. RESULTS: Dissolution was found to be limited. The total mass loss was less than 0.7 µg/cm(2) for Y-TZP and 3.5 µg/cm(2) for Mg-PSZ. The mean strength was reduced for all materials after immersion in the fluid. Weibull statistics revealed 2 fracture mechanisms in Y-TZP milled in fully sintered condition. For DY only, 2 distributions significantly (P>.99) improved the description of individual treatment data. CONCLUSIONS: Y-TZP materials showed the highest biaxial flexure strength. Immersion for 1 week in hot 4 vol% acetic acid weakened all 3 zirconia materials by 100 to 200 MPa. Milling in the presintered state resulted in less variability than milling in the HIPed state. Mg-PSZ exhibited the least variability.

Association between behavioral and psychological symptoms and psychotropic drug use among old people with cognitive impairment living in geriatric care settings.

BACKGROUND: Behavioral and psychological symptoms are common among cognitively impaired individuals and psychotropic drugs are widely used for their treatment. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and associated factors of psychotropic and anti-dementia drug use among old people with cognitive impairment living in geriatric care settings. METHODS: The study comprised 2,019 cognitively impaired people living in geriatric care units in the county of Västerbotten, Sweden. Data concerning psychotropic and anti-dementia drug use, function in activities of daily living, cognitive function, and prevalence of behavioral and psychological symptoms were collected, using the Multi-Dimensional Dementia Assessment Scale. RESULTS: Of the study population, 1,442 individuals (71%) were prescribed at least one psychotropic drug (antidepressants (49%), anxiolytics, hypnotics, and sedatives (36%), antipsychotics (25%)). Furthermore, 363 individuals (18%) received anti-dementia drugs. Associations between various behavioral and psychological symptoms were found for all psychotropic drug classes and anti-dementia drugs. Verbally disruptive/attention-seeking behavior was associated with all psychotropic drugs. Use of antipsychotics was associated with several behavioral and psychological symptoms, including aggressive behavior. CONCLUSION: The associations between behavioral and psychological symptoms and psychotropic drug use found in this study indicate that these drugs are prescribed to treat behavioral and psychological symptoms among cognitively impaired individuals despite limited evidence of their efficacy. Given the significant risk of adverse effects among old people with cognitive impairment, it is important to ensure that any medication used is both appropriate and safe.

Patients' experiences of cold exposure during ambulance care.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to cold temperatures is often a neglected problem in prehospital care. Cold exposure increase thermal discomfort and, if untreated causes disturbances of vital body functions until ultimately reaching hypothermia. It may also impair cognitive function, increase pain and contribute to fear and an overall sense of dissatisfaction. The aim of this study was to investigate injured and ill patients' experiences of cold exposure and to identify related factors. METHOD: During January to March 2011, 62 consecutively selected patients were observed when they were cared for by ambulance nursing staff in prehospital care in the north of Sweden. The field study was based on observations, questions about thermal discomfort and temperature measurements (mattress air and patients' finger temperature). Based on the observation protocol the participants were divided into two groups, one group that stated it was cold in the patient compartment in the ambulance and another group that did not. Continuous variables were analyzed with independent sample t-test, paired sample t-test and dichotomous variables with cross tabulation. RESULTS: In the ambulance 85% of the patients had a finger temperature below comfort zone and 44% experienced the ambient temperature in the patient compartment in the ambulance to be cold. There was a significant decrease in finger temperature from the first measurement indoor compared to measurement in the ambulance. The mattress temperature at the ambulance ranged from -22.3°C to 8.4°C. CONCLUSION: Cold exposure in winter time is common in prehospital care. Sick and injured patients immediately react to cold exposure with decreasing finger temperature and experience of discomfort from cold. Keeping the patient in the comfort zone is of great importance. Further studies are needed to increase knowledge which can be a base for implications in prehospital care for patients who probably already suffer for other reasons.

Inappropriate long-term use of antipsychotic drugs is common among people with dementia living in specialized care units.

BACKGROUND: Antipsychotic drugs are widely used for the treatment of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD), despite their limited efficacy and concerns about safety. The aim of this study was to describe antipsychotic drug therapy among people with dementia living in specialized care units in northern Sweden. METHODS: This study was conducted in 40 specialized care units in northern Sweden, with a total study population of 344 people with dementia. The study population was described in regard to antipsychotic drug use, ADL function, cognitive function and BPSD, using the Multi-Dimensional Dementia Assessment Scale (MDDAS). These data were collected at baseline and six months later. Detailed data about antipsychotic prescribing were collected from prescription records. RESULTS: This study showed that 132 persons (38%) in the study population used antipsychotic drugs at the start of the study. Of these, 52/132 (39%) had prescriptions that followed national guidelines with regard to dose and substance.After six months, there were 111 of 132 persons left because of deaths and dropouts. Of these 111 people, 80 (72%) were still being treated with antipsychotics, 63/111 (57%) with the same dose. People who exhibited aggressive behavior (OR: 1.980, CI: 1.515-2.588), or passiveness (OR: 1.548, CI: 1.150-2.083), or had mild cognitive impairment (OR: 2.284 CI: 1.046-4.988), were at increased risk of being prescribed antipsychotics. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of antipsychotic drug use among people with dementia living in specialized care units was high and inappropriate long-term use of antipsychotic drugs was common.

Aspects of body image after mastectomy due to breast cancer - a two-year follow-up study.

PURPOSE: This 2-year follow-up study explores aspects of body image after mastectomy due to breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This population-based study included 76 women living in northern Sweden who, during November 2006 to October 2007, underwent mastectomy due to breast cancer. The women completed a questionnaire entitled "Life After Mastectomy (LAM)" 10 months after the mastectomy and again 2 years later. We used SPSS version 18.0 for data processing and analysis. RESULTS: The findings indicate that few significant changes in body image had taken place during the 2-year interval between the first and second completion of the questionnaire. An exception was a significant decrease in feelings of sexual attractiveness and comfort during sexual intimacy. At follow-up, 21% of the women had undergone breast reconstruction (BR). They were significantly younger than the women who had not had BR (53 vs. 63 years). Besides being younger, no other significant differences could be found between those women who had undergone BR and those who had not. The fact that the decrease in sexual attractiveness and feelings of comfort during sexual intimacy also applied to the subgroup of women who had had BR may therefore be surprising. A better understanding of issues related to breast cancer treatment and sexual function is vital. CONCLUSION: It is important for health care professionals to be aware of problems related to sexual intimacy and to be prepared not just to provide information about these, but also to reflect on expectations vs. reality together with the women.

Physical restraint use in institutional care of old people in Sweden in 2000 and 2007.

BACKGROUND: Physical restraint use is common in institutional care for old people and mainly used to prevent falls, despite the fall-preventive effect of physical restraints being questioned in previous research. The aim of the study was to investigate the use of physical restraints in Sweden in 2000 and 2007. METHODS: Data were collected from two comparable census surveys conducted in all institutional care units for old people in 2000 (n = 3,669) and 2007 (n = 2,914). Information on residents' characteristics and physical restraint use was collected using the Multi-Dimensional Dementia Assessment Scale (MDDAS). RESULTS: In 2000 16.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 14.8%-17.2%) of the residents were restrained compared to 18.2% (95% CI 16.8%-19.6%) in 2007 (p = 0.017). Adjusting for residents' characteristics showed that residents in 2007 were more likely to be physically restrained, relative to the residents in 2000 (odds ratio (OR) 1.031, 95% CI 1.005-1.058, p = 0.017). In 2007 the residents had been restrained longer, and a higher proportion were restrained for unknown reasons. CONCLUSIONS: Physical restraint use is still common. Moreover, the findings of this study suggest a small increase (OR 1.031) in the prevalence of physical restraint use from 2000 to 2007 adjusted for residents' characteristics.

Porous titanium granules in the surgical treatment of peri-implant osseous defects: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Porous titanium granules (PTG) may have potential as an osteoconductive bone graft substitute to treat peri-implant osseous defects. The aim of this study was to analyze clinical and radiographic outcomes of peri-implant osseous defects after treatment with PTG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, randomized, case-control, clinical 12-month study compared open-flap debridement and surface decontamination with titanium curettes and 24% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid gel (n = 16) to the same protocol but with the addition of PTG (n = 16). One-, two-, and three-wall infrabony defects were included. Patients were given amoxicillin and metronidazole 3 days before surgery and for 7 days afterwards. Implants were submerged and allowed to heal for 6 months. Probing pocket depths, bleeding on probing, implant stability using resonance frequency analysis, and radiographic evaluation were performed at baseline and at 12 months. The threshold for significance was set at .05. RESULTS: Change in radiographic defect height and percent fill of the peri-implant osseous defect significantly favored patients treated with PTG. Both treatment modalities demonstrated significant improvements in probing pocket depth, but significant differences between groups were not observed. The PTG-treated implants showed an increase in implant stability quotient (ISQ) of 1.6 units, compared with a decrease of 0.7 ISQ for the control group. No adverse effects were associated with PTG treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction with PTG resulted in significantly better radiographic peri-implant defect fill compared with controls; however, the results do not necessarily imply reosseointegration or osseointegration of PTG particles. Improvements in clinical parameters were seen in both groups, but no differences between groups were demonstrated.

Experiences of a high-intensity functional exercise programme among older people dependent in activities of daily living.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the experience of participating in a high-intensity functional exercise programme among older people dependent in activities of daily living (ADL) and living in residential care facilities. Interviews were conducted with nine older people, aged 73-91, and dependent in ADL who had participated in a high-intensity functional exercise programme. Qualitative content analysis was used in analysing the interviews. The findings show that the informants, despite extensive impairments, multiple diagnoses, and advanced age, displayed a belief in the positive effects of the programme, a strong desire to be active, and the will to strive to avoid further loss of capacity. They were struggling with failing bodies that constituted barriers to exercise. Support from the supervisors and belief in personal success facilitated performance of the exercises. The informants related physical and mental improvements that affected their daily life positively and that exercising in a group was stimulating and created a sense of togetherness. The effort was seen as worthwhile because participating in strenuous exercise could imply that they might overcome bodily limitations to achieve increased vitality and improved quality of life.

Comparison of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia and psychotropic drug treatments among old people in geriatric care in 2000 and 2007.

BACKGROUND: Behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as verbal or physical aggression, aberrant motor behaviors, psychotic symptoms, anxiety, depressive symptoms and apathy are common among people with dementia. The aim of the present study was to compare the one-week prevalence of behavioral and psychological symptoms and psychotropic drug treatment among people with cognitive impairment living in institutional care, in two large, comparable samples from 2000 and 2007. METHODS: A comparison was made between two cross-sectional samples, collected in 2000 and 2007, comprising 4054 participants with cognitive impairment living in geriatric care units in the county of Västerbotten, Sweden. The Multi-Dimensional Dementia Assessment Scale (MDDAS) was used to assess cognitive impairment and behavioral and psychological symptoms. The use of psychotropic drugs was recorded. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2007, 15 out of 39 behavioral or psychological symptoms had become less common and no symptoms had become more common, after controlling for demographic changes. Four out of six behaviors within the cluster of aggressive behaviors had declined in prevalence. Patients prescribed anti-dementia drugs increased from 5.1% to 18.0% and antidepressant drug use increased from 43.2% to 49.1%, while anxiolytic, hypnotic, sedative and antipsychotic drug use remained largely unchanged. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of many behavioral symptoms had declined from 2000 to 2007, and among these changes, the decline in aggressive behaviors probably has the greatest clinical impact.

Physically violent behaviour in dementia care: Characteristics of residents and management of violent situations.

OBJECTIVE: Physically violent behaviour (PVB) is common among residents with dementia and often complicates nursing care. This study aims to explore types of caring situations, resident characteristics related to PVB and professional caregivers' management of PVB. METHODS: The study included 40 group homes for 309 residents with dementia. Data was gathered by means of structured interviews, the Multi-Dimensional Dementia Assessment Scale and the Geriatric Rating Scale. RESULTS: Ninety-eight of the residents (31.7%) were assessed as showing PVB during the preceding week. Three factors were independently associated with PVB: male gender, antipsychotic treatment and decline in orientation. Violent residents were more likely to have impaired speech, difficulties understanding verbal communication and prescribed analgesics and antipsychotics than were non-violent residents. PVB occurred mainly in intimate helping situations and was managed by symptom-oriented approaches, such as distraction, medication and isolation. The working team also held frequent discussions about the residents with PVB. CONCLUSION: This study shows that PVB is frequently displayed among residents in group homes for persons with dementia and the caregivers mainly manage PVB in a symptom-oriented way. To enhance the quality of care for patients with dementia, there is a need for interventions that aim to understand and manage the residents' physical violent behaviour.