Articles: dementia.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Comparison of risperidone and placebo for psychosis and behavioral disturbances associated with dementia: a randomized, double-blind trial. Risperidone Study Group.
We report the findings from the first large, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of risperidone in the treatment of psychotic and behavioral symptoms in institutionalized elderly patients with dementia. ⋯ Risperidone significantly improved symptoms of psychosis and aggressive behavior in patients with severe dementia. Results show that 1 mg/day of risperidone is an appropriate dose for most elderly patients with dementia.
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To determine the level of agreement between the primary caregiver's report on patient activities of daily living (ADLs) and ADLs assessed directly in a sample of patients affected by very mild and mild dementia and to assess whether this agreement is influenced by the caregiver's depressive symptoms and burden. ⋯ With the exception of motor performance (walking), the caregiver's report and the performance-based assessment of functional status measure different aspects of a patient's functional status. Contrasts between the caregiver's report and observed ADL performance in mildly and very mildly demented patients are influenced by the caregiver's burden.
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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.