Abstract
AbstractBackgroundIrregular sleep‐wake patterns are common in persons living with dementia, pose a great burden to caregivers, and are the principal causes of distress and institutionalization. A growing body of research supports the importance of activity‐based interventions to reduce the frequency and intensity of sleep wake disruption, enhance personhood and dignity, and improve quality of life (QOL).MethodA two‐arm RCT was conducted with 170 dyads of persons living at home with dementia and with symptoms of sleep‐wake disruption, and their family caregiver. Specific components of the Healthy Patterns intervention include: 1) assessing health/functional status and preferences/interests; 2) educating caregivers on environmental cues to promote activity and sleep; and 3) training caregivers in using timed morning, afternoon, and evening activities based on circadian needs. Outcomes included: QOL, function, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and actigraphic and proxy‐reported measures of sleep‐wake patterns.ResultAt 4 weeks, the intervention group showed significantly greater improvement than the control group in QOL (p=.01) and sleep efficiency (p=.04).ConclusionResults provide new fundamental knowledge regarding the nature and timing of activities for persons with dementia. It has the potential to change how and when activities for persons with dementia are provided.
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