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A Systematic Evidence Review of Interventions for Non-professional Caregivers of Individuals with Dementia

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Systematic Review of Women Veterans Health Research 2004-2008

Investigators: Elizabeth Goy, PhD, Devan Kansagara, MD, MCR, and Michele Freeman, MPH.

Evidence-based Synthesis Program (ESP) Center, Portland VA Medical Center

Washington (DC): Department of Veterans Affairs; October 2010.

Download PDF: Complete Report, Executive Summary, Report, Appendices

Summary / Overview

In 2004, the Office of the Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Policy and Planning estimated that the total number of Veterans with dementia would be as high as 563,758 in FY 2010.1 Individuals with dementia are frequently cared for at home by a friend or family member. The progressive nature of the illness and the intensity of care that may be required in caring for a loved one with dementia have physical, emotional, and psychological impacts on the CG. The purpose of the report is to review systematically the evidence on the effects of CG interventions on CG burden, mood (including depression and anxiety), and ability to manage problematic behavior, as well as the effects on the CR.

In this systematic literature review, the following key questions were addressed:

Key Question #1: Do CG interventions affect the CG's knowledge and ability to manage problematic behavior, psychosocial burden, health and health behaviors, or outcomes in the individual with dementia? Key Question #2: What are adverse effects of CG interventions?

See also

A Synthesis of the Evidence: Interventions for Non-professional Caregivers of Individuals with Dementia, November 2010, Issue 31 (VA HSR&D Management e-Brief)

Cyber Seminar on A Systematic Evidence Review of Interventions for Non-professional Caregivers of Individuals with Dementia


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