Original Articles
Impact of Underlying Depression on Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Older Adults with Dementia

Research in Gerontological Nursing  Vol. 3 No. 3 July 2010

By Linda L. Buettner, PhD, LRT, CTRS; Suzanne Fitzsimmons, MS, ARNP; William N. Dudley, PhD

ABSTRACT

This article examines the moderating effect of depression on interdisciplinary treatment approaches for behaviors in dementia. A secondary analysis of data collected on tailored treatment of 105 long-term care residents with dementia found a significant relationship between treatment and passivity (p < 0.001), treatment and agitation (p = 0.001), and the mediating effect of change in passivity on change in agitation (p < 0.001). The moderating effect of depression was found as a significant factor. For participants with depression and agitation, a significant change in passive behavior was related to significant change in agitated behavior. Thus, by focusing treatment on passivity, both types of neuropsychiatric behaviors improved. The implications of thoroughly assessing not only a behavior problem such as agitation but also other neuropsychiatric symptoms that complicate the delivery of the intervention are discussed.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Dr. Buettner is Professor, Recreation Therapy and Gerontology, Ms. Fitzsimmons is Adjunct Professor, and Dr. Dudley is Professor and Associate Dean for Research, Office of Research, School of Health and Human Performance, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina. Ms. Fitzsimmons is also CEO, Sunset Hills Aging & Wellness, Inc., Greensboro, North Carolina.

The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity. This study was funded by an investigator-initiated Alzheimer’s Association grant 2000-2003.

Address correspondence to Linda L. Buettner, PhD, LRT, CTRS, Professor, Recreation Therapy and Gerontology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, HHP 420A, Walker Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27412; e-mail: llbuettn@uncg.edu.

Received: October 20, 2009; Accepted: March 22, 2010; Posted: June 30, 2010

doi:10.3928/19404921-20100601-02