title: Participation in a dementia evaluation program: perceptions of family members.
abstract: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic, disabling, eventually fatal condition that affects approximately 4 million adults in the United States. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore several issues from the caregiver's perspective: the experience of having a family member diagnosed with AD, participating in a dementia evaluation program, and complying with that program's recommendations. Interview data from 18 family members revealed (a) a pivotal event led to medical intervention, (b) obtaining the diagnosis was a surprise, and (c) dementia evaluation program recommendations were in place at least marginally 6 months after diagnosis. These caregivers desire assistance from healthcare professionals regarding recommendationsfor appropriate and routine medical and social support and follow-up care. As the population ages and the incidence of AD increases, the perspective of caregivers who make healthcare decisions becomes increasingly important.
authors.affiliation: University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Nursing, 2220 Holmes, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. wardsmithp@umkc.edu
authors.forename: Peggy
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ward-Smith
authors.forename: Dana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Forred
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016223:Advance Directives; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D003657:Decision Making; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D018450:Disease Progression; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008923:Missouri; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012866:Skilled Nursing Facilities; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires