International journal of geriatric psychiatry
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Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Sep 2008
Coping strategies, anxiety and depression in caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease.
There have been few longitudinal studies investigating the impact of coping on psychological morbidity in caregivers of people with dementia. Findings have been inconsistent and little attention has been paid to anxiety in caregivers. We explored the hypothesis that the relationship between caregiver burden and anxiety and depression is mediated by coping style. ⋯ Using emotion-focussed coping strategies in response to caregiver burden seemed to protect caregivers from developing higher anxiety levels a year later; however using problem-focussed strategies did not. Our results suggest that a psychological intervention package to emphasise emotion-focused coping may be a rational approach to reduce anxiety in dementia caregivers. Studies are needed to test such interventions.
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Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Sep 2008
Pre-operative inflammatory markers and the risk of postoperative delirium in elderly patients.
Pathophysiological mechanisms leading to delirium are not clear. Age is a known risk factor and hypothesised to be accompanied by a low-grade inflammatory state. Previous studies have shown an association between delirium and circulating proinflammatory markers in acutely ill and postoperative patients. In light of the ageing/inflammation theory, we investigated the association of these markers with delirium in not acutely ill, elderly patients. ⋯ In the present study no relationship was found between levels of pre-operative circulating pro-inflammatory markers and post-operative delirium in elderly patients, who were free from acute or severe disease.
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Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Sep 2008
Assessment of the severity of dementia: validity and reliability of the Chinese (Cantonese) version of the Hierarchic Dementia Scale (CV-HDS).
With the rapid growth of the older population, early detection of cognitive deficits is crucial in slowing down functional deterioration of the elderly persons. ⋯ The CV-HDS is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing severity of cognitive impairment in Cantonese speaking Chinese people with dementia. It facilitates treatment planning to optimize the effects of functional training and rehabilitation.