Dementia-Related Behaviors

Discussing Dementia-Related Behaviors During Medical Visits for People With Alzheimer's Disease

seeks to assess the frequency of discussion about dementia-related behaviors (DRB's) during PCP visits. In turn, this frequency is then compared to the caregiver's report of these same behaviors on the Revised Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist (RMBPC). Findings show that memory-related behaviors were discussed three times more often, and that while disruptive behaviors were reported by 80% of caregivers on the RMBPC, they were discussed in only 23% of medical visits. This discussion occurred most frequently with caregivers who reported significantly higher DRB frequency and an increased level of behavior-related burden.

As DRB's have been shown to have a stronger relationship to caregiver burden than other dementia symptoms, and to significantly decrease the quality of life of the person with dementia, it is important that these behaviors are addressed. The differences between reports on the RMBPC and in-office discussion of the DRB's may signify a perception by caregivers that these behaviors are not important enough to be raised during a primary care visit. Overall, the results of this study indicate that both health care providers and caregivers may benefit from training on how to successfully discuss sensitive topics like DRB's in a primary care setting.