The Columbia University Scale for Psychopathology in Alzheimer's disease.

The Columbia University Scale for Psychopathology in Alzheimer's disease is a new screening instrument developed for use by clinicians or trained lay interviewers. Interrater reliability was established between a psychiatrist and a lay interviewer in 20 patients. In an independent sample of 91 outpatients with very mild to moderate probable Alzheimer's disease, caregiver informants reported that depressed mood was common (46.

Low dose oral haloperidol and blood levels in Alzheimer's disease: a preliminary study.

Nineteen patients with probable Alzheimer's disease who manifested psychosis or behavioral disturbance received 0.5 to 5 mg per day of oral haloperidol, with blood levels drawn on a stable daily dose. Oral dose correlated strongly with haloperidol blood levels assessed by radioimmunoassay (r = 0.

Cost effectiveness of a training program for dementia carers.

An intensive 10-day residential training program for dementia carers has previously been shown to be associated with increased patient survival at home and decreased psychological morbidity in carers (Brodaty & Gresham, 1989). Results from a further follow-up, about 39 months after entry into the trial, were even more impressive. Patients whose carers had trained in the program had much higher adjusted rates of survival at home (53% versus 13%) and, unexpectedly, fewer deaths (20% versus 41%) than those whose carers did not have training.

A survey of dementia carers: doctors' communications, problem behaviours and institutional care.

A survey of carers belonging to the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Society (ADARDS) had three aims: (i) to investigate the process of health professionals providing information to patients and carers: (ii) to determine the nature of problems burdening carers; and (iii) to examine factors associated with institutional placement. Carers reported on deficiencies in the provision of information and indicated their preferences as to how the information should be given. ADARDS, general practitioners and other health professionals were reportedly helpful, with each appearing to have a role in providing information about dementia.

Psychosocial effects on carers of living with persons with dementia.

A survey of members of the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Society confirmed high rates of psychological morbidity, though not of depression, and social isolation in family carers of persons with dementia. Psychological morbidity in carers was associated with having an affected person at home, the carer being a spouse, demanding problem behaviours, poor physical health in the carer, social isolation, dissatisfaction with social supports, greater use of psychotropic medication, and a deteriorated marital relationship. Carers and patients had high rates of consultations with doctors and other health professionals.

Effect of a training programme to reduce stress in carers of patients with dementia.

Objective: To reduce the psychological stress and improve the skills in coping of people who care for relatives with dementia.

Design: Assessment and suitability of carers by questionnaire; assessment of patients and carers in a hospital outpatient clinic; allocation to groups according to date of application to study. Linkage of groups of four carers and programme coordinator by telephone conference calls over 12 months after programmes.