International journal of geriatric psychiatry
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Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Oct 1999
Comparative StudyShort versions of the geriatric depression scale: a study of their validity for the diagnosis of a major depressive episode according to ICD-10 and DSM-IV.
To determine the validity of short Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) versions for the detection of a major depressive episode according to ICD-10 criteria for research and DSM-IV. ⋯ GDS-15, GDS-10 and GDS-4 are good screening instruments for major depression as defined by both the ICD-10 and DSM-IV. The shorter four- and one-item versions are of limited clinical value due to low reliability and failure to monitor the severity of the depressive episode. General practitioners may benefit from the systematic use of short GDS versions to increase detection rates of depression among the elderly. (c) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Aug 1999
Comparative StudyEUROCARE: a cross-national study of co-resident spouse carers for people with Alzheimer's disease: I--Factors associated with carer burden.
The challenges presented by the increasing public health and social impact of caring for people with dementia have become clear in recent years. Previous research has identified that, while there are positive as well as negative elements to the caring role, carers are at high risk of mental health problems and that the comprehensive burden of caring has social, economic and health based elements. Co-resident carers, especially spouses, are of primary importance in maintaining people with dementia in their own homes in the community rather than in institutional settings which may be both more costly and have greater environmental poverty. There have, however, been few studies which have sought to investigate factors associated with carer burden and differences and similarities between countries. In this study we aimed to produce a cross-national profile of co-resident spouse carers across the European Community, with particular attention to: living arrangements; formal and informal support; service satisfaction; perceived burden; and psychological well-being. ⋯ This study confirms the high level of burden and mental distress in spouse carers for people with Alzheimer's disease in the European Community. It suggests that there are elements of burden which may vary by country but also elements which have a common effect in all. These data suggest avenues for the primary and secondary prevention of burden by addressing clinical issues (e.g. behavioural disturbance); public attitudes and education (e.g. negative social reactions); economic support for carers (e.g. financial dissatisfaction); and higher risk groups (e.g. younger spouse carers).
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Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Jul 1999
Geriatric Depression Screening Scale (GDS) in patients hospitalized for physical rehabilitation.
To determine the prevalence of symptoms of depression and the factors affecting their presence in an elderly population at the start of rehabilitation. To assess changes in the severity of these symptoms during rehabilitation and the correlation between these changes and corresponding changes in the patient's functional state. ⋯ Symptoms of depression are common in elderly patients beginning rehabilitation. These symptoms are affected independently, and almost exclusively, by the functional state of the patient, both prior to the event and after its occurrence. The depressed condition improves towards the end of hospitalization and the degree of improvement is correlated with the corresponding change in the patient's functional state.
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Int J Geriatr Psychiatry · Apr 1999
Comparative StudyDementia carer education and patient behaviour disturbance.
To evaluate the impact of a dementia Carer Education Programme on carer quality of life (QoL), burden, and well-being. ⋯ The programme increased carers' knowledge about dementia, but had no significant impact on QoL, burden, or well-being. Increased patient behaviour disturbance appeared to be a major factor when the carer's situation worsened over time. Despite high carer satisfaction the efficacy of a group-based education approach to the management of behaviour disturbance in dementia appears limited. More intensive or individually tailored interventions may be necessary alternatives.
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Nine policy preoccupations have been identified in a recent study of dementia care policies in all European countries. These are used to structure a set of issues which researchers might usefully address to assist service planners and policy-makers. ⋯ It is suggested that service planners and policy-makers march to some distant drum which is only remotely related to research, if at all. However, the importance of a research base is stressed with the suggestion that research in related fields could usefully be transferred.