title: Delusions and underlying needs in older adults with Alzheimer's disease: influence of earlier life experiences and the current environment.
abstract: Delusions are one of the most severe psychiatric symptoms of individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD), which often increase the stress experienced by caregivers. The purpose of this study was to understand the influences of earlier life experiences and the current environment on delusions, as well as the underlying needs of older adults with AD who experience delusions. Using an exploratory research design with a qualitative approach and purposive sampling, 20 family caregivers were interviewed. Two psychosocial types of attributes of delusion were categorized: Type A, the influence of earlier life experiences; and Type B, current environmental influences. The underlying needs of those with delusions include physical comfort, a desire to be secure, and a sense of belonging. The contents of delusions are easily influenced by patients' earlier negative experiences and responsibilities, whereas the current environment exerts a crucial influence on the occurrence, frequency, and severity of specific delusions. These results can facilitate planning for patient-centered care by enhancing health care providers' understanding of the psychosocial and environmental attributes and needs behind delusions.
authors.forename: Jing-Jy
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Wen-Yun
authors.initials: WY
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: Pei-Ru
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Lai
authors.forename: Ming-Chyi
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Pai
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D003702:Delusions / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012931:Social Environment