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American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias logoLink to American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias
. 2011 May;26(3):218–226. doi: 10.1177/1533317511399570

The Memory Club: Providing Support to Persons with Early-Stage Dementia and Their Care Partners

Joseph E Gaugler 1, Karen Gallagher-Winker 2, Kathy Kehrberg 3, Angela M Lunde 4, Connie M Marsolek 5, Kathryn Ringham 6, Gerise Thompson 7, Michelle Barclay 8
PMCID: PMC10845559  PMID: 21362755

Abstract

There is a growing emphasis on delivering services for persons with early-stage dementia (ie, ‘‘persons with memory loss,’’ or PWMLs) and their family members (care partners). The goal of this evaluation was to determine whether participation in the Memory Club, a 10- to 13-session joint support group, would result in decreased distress, enhanced preparation for care, and improved feelings of confidence managing the challenges of early-stage dementia. The single group, pre-/post-test evaluation included 63 PWMLs and 61 care partners who participated in three Memory Club sites in Minnesota. Paired T-test results found that care partners reported significant (P < .05) increases in preparation activities, feelings of preparation, and confidence in managing memory loss. The results suggest that the Memory Club can fill an important gap in early-stage dementia care by offering care partners the opportunity to plan, prepare, and increase coping skills in the face of early dementia progression.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving, early stage, cognitive impairment, caregiver intervention, support group

Full Text

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Contributor Information

Joseph E. Gaugler, Center on Aging, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA, gaug0015@umn.edu .

Karen Gallagher-Winker, Center for Senior Services, Park-Nicollet Clinic, St. Louis Park, MN, USA.

Kathy Kehrberg, Memory Loss Program, Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, St. Paul, MN, USA.

Angela M. Lunde, Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, The Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.

Connie M. Marsolek, Center for Senior Services, Park-Nicollet Clinic, St. Louis Park, MN, USA.

Kathryn Ringham, Memory Loss Program, Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, St. Paul, MN, USA.

Gerise Thompson, Alzheimer's Association Minnesota/North Dakota, Rochester, MN, USA.

Michelle Barclay, Alzheimer's Association Minnesota/North Dakota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.

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