[Reinforced accommodation units and the management of patients with dementia].

Dementia is frequently associated with behavioural disorders that can be difficult to manage. In regards to these symptoms, psychoactive drugs are not very effective and have many potential side effects. In order to take care of patients with such severe disorders, specific units called "reinforced hosting units" ("UHR; Unités d'Hébergement Renforcées" in French) have been developed within long term care units.

Group and individual cognitive therapies in Alzheimer's disease: the ETNA3 randomized trial.

Background: Although non-drug interventions are widely used in patients with Alzheimer's disease, few large scale randomized trials involving a long-term intervention and several cognitive-oriented approaches have been carried out. ETNA3 trial compares the effect of cognitive training, reminiscence therapy, and an individualized cognitive rehabilitation program in Alzheimer's disease to usual care.

Methods: This is a multicenter (40 French clinical sites) randomized, parallel-group trial, with a two-year follow-up comparing groups receiving standardized programs of cognitive training (group sessions), reminiscence therapy (group sessions), individualized cognitive rehabilitation program (individual sessions), and usual care (reference group).

The 2008-2012 French Alzheimer plan: a unique opportunity for improving integrated care for dementia.

The 2008-2012 French Alzheimer plan has proposed measures to improve care for dementia patients in a more personalized and graduate approach owing to patients and caregivers needs. A key measure of the plan is the nationwide implementation of the MAIA (French acronym for Maison pour l'Autonomie et l'Intégration des malades d'Alzheimer). The main goal is to implement a process of integration through a network of partners involved in elderly care, assistance, or support.

[Non pharmacologic intervention therapy in Alzheimer's disease].

Actually, no curative treatment is available to fight against Alzheimer's disease. Previous non pharmacologic intervention trials had promising findings. However the lack of scientific validation and standardized modelling restrict their use.

Non-pharmacological management of behavioural symptoms in nursing homes.

Background: Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are often reported in institutions for the elderly.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a staff education intervention to manage BPSD in older people with a diagnosis of dementia.

Methods: The trial was conducted in 16 nursing homes; 306 patients with a diagnosis of dementia and presenting BPSD were selected.

[Prevention of health risks linked to extreme heat].

The prevention of the health risks linked to the excess of heat comprises 5 axes: the sensitisation of fragile persons, families and health personnel to the danger that extreme heat represents; informing and educating about the measures to take before summer and during the scorching heat, identification of persons at risk, protecting, surveilling and alerting them. Two messages predominate: refresh oneself at least 2 hours per day in a cool place (less than 26 degrees C), and drink before being thirsty and beyond the thirst. The efficacity of the measures depend upon the level of general awareness when faced with the health risk that is associated with extreme heat.

[Disorders caused by prolonged exposure to heat].

France has suffered last summer an unprecedented heat wave that led to an exceptional short-term surge of mortality. Cumulative deaths between August 1st to 14th are estimated at 14,800. Epidemiological studies carried out by the Institute de Veille Sanitaire will show the circumstances and risk factors leading to heat-related pathologies.