P4‐152: A clinic‐based intervention to address hearing loss and communication difficulties in patients with dementia and their caregivers
Year: 2015
Type: article
Abstract: Communication difficulties related to age-related peripheral hearing loss can contribute to increased stress and fatigue for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. However, current treatment options for hearing loss in older adults require 4-5 dedicated visits to an audiologist's office and ∼$2000-4000 in out-of-pocket expense. The purpose of this exploratory study is to test an affordable and accessible hearing rehabilitative intervention to improve communication, social engagement, and reduce caregiver burden for individuals with dementia. Participants with cognitive impairment and dementia and their caregivers participated in a two-hour intervention that involved provision of hearing loss education, communication strategies, and a low-cost, over-the-counter amplification device. The intervention and instruction centered on patient/caregiver communication goal(s) determined at the beginning of the intervention session. Outcomes included measures of depression, communication, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and caregiver burden assessed at baseline and one-month post-intervention. To date, three participant/caregiver dyads have completed the one-month follow-up. Patients ranged from 79-97 years (caregivers 65-71 years) with baseline MMSE scores (serial 7’s) ranging from 13-21. Qualitative feedback at one-month post-intervention indicated that caregivers reported improved communication and less frustration due to communication difficulties. Preliminary data from the Cornell Depression Scale suggest reduction in depressive scores from baseline to one-month post-intervention. Continued recruitment and data collection are in progress. Preliminary results from this on-going pilot investigation suggest improved communication and reduced depressive symptoms with the implemented hearing loss intervention. Recruitment and data collection continue as well as efforts to further refine and manualize the intervention protocol to allow for dissemination and scalability.
Source: Alzheimer s & Dementia
Institution: Johns Hopkins University
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2410465533