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American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias logoLink to American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias
. 2010 May;25(3):248–254. doi: 10.1177/1533317509357734

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

Amanda E Hunsaker 1, Karen Schmidt 2, Jennifer H Lingler 3
PMCID: PMC3055741  NIHMSID: NIHMS275366  PMID: 20147601

Abstract

Research suggests that caregivers appreciate support from primary care physicians (PCPs) regarding dementia care; however, there remains a need for studies examining the role that PCPs play in behavior management. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively characterize the discussion on dementia-related behaviors (DRBs) during PCP visits and compare findings to an independently administered assessment of DRBs exhibited within a period of 4 weeks prior to the PCP visit. Twenty-five PCP visits of persons with dementia, in which caregivers coattended the visit, were audio-recorded and analyzed for occurrence of DRB discussion. Disruptive behaviors were reported by 80% of caregivers via independent assessment, yet discussed in 23% of medical visits. Dementia-related behavior discussion occurred in visits where caregivers independently reported significantly higher behavior frequency and behavior-related burden. Implications of findings for ways PCPs can assist the caregiver in behavior management are discussed.

Keywords: dementia-related behaviors, primary care, caregivers, Alzheimer’s disease

Full Text

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Contributor Information

Amanda E. Hunsaker, School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, aeh30@pitt.edu .

Karen Schmidt, Department of Oral Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

Jennifer H. Lingler, Department of Health and Community Systems, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

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