Publications by authors named "Ignacia Azocar"
Background: Apathy is frequent and persistent in Alzheimer's disease (AD), associated with poor prognosis and carer distress; yet our knowledge of risk factors remains limited.
Aims: To identify risk factors associated with apathy incidence and progression in AD over time.
Methods: We systematically reviewed evidence based on longitudinal studies assessing risk factors for apathy in AD up to June 2021.
Article Synopsis
- National dementia guidelines exist to enhance care by offering effective diagnosis and intervention strategies, but they may not cater to the unique needs of certain minority groups.
- A systematic review was conducted to identify national dementia guidelines across 196 countries, focusing on recommendations that consider protected characteristics outlined in the UK Equality Act 2010.
- Out of 46 guidelines reviewed, 85% addressed at least one protected characteristic, with age and race being the most commonly referenced, highlighting the necessity for more inclusive approaches in dementia care.
Supporting independence at home for people living with dementia: a qualitative ethnographic study of homecare.
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol
December 2021
Purpose: The aim of this ethnographic study was to investigate how homecare workers support or inhibit independence in people living with dementia.
Methods: We undertook 100 h of participant observations with homecare workers (n = 16) supporting people living with dementia (n = 17); and 82 qualitative interviews with people living with dementia (n = 11), family carers (n = 22), homecare managers and support staff (n = 11), homecare workers (n = 19) and health and social care professionals (n = 19). We triangulated data and analysed findings thematically.
Impaired awareness of cognitive and functional deficits is a common feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although a lack of awareness has been suggested to be a protective factor against experiencing affective symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and apathy which are common in AD, there is conflicting evidence about the links between them. This systematic review examines the evidence for an association between impaired awareness and depressive, anxiety, and apathy symptoms in mild to moderate AD.
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