Main description:

With the goal of alleviating the paucity of knowledge about advanced dementia, and helping to improve the care and services that are increasingly needed for the growing numbers of people living with dementia-type diseases, this book provides evidence-based measurement scales for use by researchers and care providers who are seeking to improve our understanding of the final stages of this disease. Now collected in a single place are the best available research tools for use with this unique population, accompanied by knowledgeable reviews by the book's internationally recognized authors and by the original journal articles that explain each scale s development and validity.

All scales presented in this unique resource have been proven effective in eliciting meaningful data from study subjects, patients, and long-term care residents whose communication difficulties reduce their ability to self-report or respond in traditionally measured ways. These customized scales are useful for assessing the following domains in late-stage or end-of-life dementia care: Dementia severity, Satisfaction with care, Symptom management, Comfort during dying, Quality of life, Activity involvement, Discomfort, Pain, Quality of visits, Agitation, Rejection of care

Contents:

I. Research Issues in Advanced Dementia

1. Methodological Considerations
2. Severity of Dementia
3. End-of-Life with Dementia
II. Assessing Outcomes of Interventions to Promote Well-Being
4. Quality of Life in Late-Stage Dementia
Myron F. Weiner, M.D.
Linda S. Hynan, Ph.D.
5. Engagement in Dementia
Cameron J. Camp, Ph.D.
Michael J. Skrajner, M.A.
Gregg J. Gorzelle
6. Comfort in Advanced Dementia
7. Pain in Dementia
8. Quality of Family Visits with Residents Who Have Dementia
III. Evaluation of Interventions to Alleviate Troublesome Symptoms
9. Behavioral Symptoms of Dementia
10. Agitation in Dementia
11. Rejection of Care in Dementia
with Ellen K. Mahoney, R.N., Ph.D.
Index