Dementia, Mild, Depressive Disorder
Conditions
Keywords
Psychotherapy, Dignity, Family
Brief summary
Developed by Harvey M. Chochinov in 2005, Dignity Therapy (DT) invites individuals with life-limiting illnesses to reflect on matters of importance to them and compiles them in a narrative document for the patient to share. DT has shown to improve quality of life and a sense of dignity, as well as supporting relatives in the process of grievance. Featuring a gradual loss of memories of the past, decline of cognitive functions and awareness of self, dementia can be regarded as a life-limiting or life-changing illness, which is often accompanied by significant psychological stress. DT may help patients and their relatives reduce this stress. Yet, no studies have been conducted to determine the benefits of DT in patients with early stage dementia (ESD). This study investigates the feasibility and acceptance of DT by patients with (very) mild dementia (CDR: 0.5 - 1.5) and their relatives, as well as their overall satisfaction. This study further seeks to determine the effects of DT on sense of dignity, quality of life, dyadic coping, and levels of anxiety and depression in a randomized controlled design.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALDignity Therapy
Dignity Therapy (DT) invites individuals with life-limiting illnesses to reflect on matters of importance to them and compiles them in a narrative document for the patient to share.
Sponsors
Waid City Hospital, Zurich
University of Zurich
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Signed Informed Consent * Diagnosis of very mild dementia * older 18 years of age * Study partner (life partner, relative, close friend) available
Exclusion criteria
* Unable to speak and read German * Physical or cognitive incapacity to participate
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Participation and refusal rate of Dignity Therapy among Patients with an early stage dementia | 10 days post randomization | Acceptance based on the participation and refusal rate and dropout rate. |
| Overall satisfaction of patients and their relatives | 10 days post randomization | Overall satisfaction is indicated by answers to the Dignity Therapy Evaluation Questionnaire (DTEQ), which includes 10 items. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Psychological distress | 10 days post randomization | as measured by the Distress Thermometer (DT), which measures psychological stress using a numerical rating scale from 0 (no) to 10 (max. stress) Anxiety and Depression, as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). |
Countries
Switzerland
Outcome results
None listed