Effects of the tailored activity program in Brazil (TAP-BR) for persons with dementia

Marcia M.P.C. Novelli, Styfany C.B. Machado, Gabriela B. Lima, Lais Cantatore, Barbara P. Sena, Renata S. Rodrigues, Camila I.B. Rodrigues, Mariana B.F. Canon, Catherine V. Piersol, Ricardo Nitrini, Monica S. Yassuda, Laura N. Gitlin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of the Tailored Activity Program - Brazilian version (TAP-BR), on behavioral symptoms and the quality of life (QOL) in persons with dementia, as well as on their caregivers, and on caregiver burden. Materials and Methods: A 2-group randomized controlled trial with 30 dyads was conducted: the experimental group (n=15) received TAP-BR over 4 months, and a wait-list control group (n=15) received usual care. Dyads were recruited from the community of Santos City, Brazil. Results: For persons with dementia, 50% were female individuals, the average age was 81.37 (±7.57), and the educational level was 9.97 (±5.32) years. For caregivers, 83.33% were female, the average age was 65.97 (±10.13), and the educational level was 12.10 (±4.44) years. At posttest, in comparison with the wait-list control group, experimental group caregivers reported greater reductions in number (P<0.001; Cohen d=0.93), frequency (P<0.001; Cohen d=1.12), and intensity (P<0.001; Cohen d=0.77) of the behavioral psychological symptoms of dementia, and caregiver distress (P<0.001; Cohen d=0.87). Caregivers also reported improvement in their own QOL (P<0.05; Cohen d=0.57) and that of the person with dementia (P<0.01; Cohen d=0.56); no differences were found in the ratings of QOL by the person with dementia themselves. Conclusions: The results provide compelling evidence that the TAP-BR is an effective strategy to support dementia caregivers in other cultures (cross-validation).

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)339-345
Number of pages7
JournalAlzheimer disease and associated disorders
Volume32
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018

Keywords

  • caregivers
  • dementia
  • occupational therapy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Gerontology
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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