Modifying Repetitive Verbalizations of Community-Dwelling Patients with AD

Abstract

Seven caregivers of a home-dwelling spouse with Alzheimer's disease were trained during 12weekly home visits to implement behavior management programs including written cuing procedures in response to repetitive verbalizations. Data from 7 trained caregivers and 7matched control caregivers who only tracked repetitive behavior were compared. Results revealed that trained caregivers were successful at decreasing patient repetitions using written cues. Patients of control subjects showed no systematic changes in behavioral disturbancesdue to behavior tracking. In addition, intervention effects lasted for 16 weeks or longer and several caregivers reported applying the cuing intervention to other, nontargeted behaviors.Trained caregivers' perceptions of their efficacy in managing difficult patient behavior improved significantly at the 3-month follow-up assessment when program staff were nolonger visiting them weekly.