Counseling and Support for Alzheimer's Article Review

Longitudinal trajectories for individual participants were used at one level, while a second level included the effects of between-subjects predictors at the higher order. To construct the models, 4,193 observations were used over time, with 3,055 of these conducted ruing community caregiving and 1,148 in the nursing home.

Presentation of Data

Data are presented by means of two figures and three tables. The data appear to be very clearly explicated. The axes in the figures are all clearly marked, and the lines differentiated to indicate the data of concern. The tables clarify the information narrated in the document.

Limitations of Statistical Methods

Limitations include the lack of ethnic diversity in the sample population. Different cultures would respond differently to the burden of care and to counseling intervention. Furthermore, only spouse caregivers were targeted for the research, which limits the application of the data to households where children or other family members act as caregivers.

Study Outcomes

The outcome of the study was significant, as it revealed that institutionalizing patients with Alzheimer's disease has a positive effect upon the depression and relief levels of the caregivers involved. Counselling proved to have a positive effect in terms of making caregivers aware of the possibilities and benefits relating to institutionalization for patients who need it.

As mentioned generalizability is compromised by the homogeneous nature of the population sample. What I would do in subsequent studies is to collect population samples from several sectors of society, with the only requirement being caregiver capacity for patients with Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, I might also investigate samples of populations who have already institutionalized their family members to obtain a more global result.

Conclusion: Lessons Learned

I learned several interesting things, particularly regarding the technical side of the study involved. Each procedure seems to be very well constructed and thought through, as well as being related to the statistical procedures for measurement.

What I found most interesting was the three measurements implemented as a basis for the study. These instruments help greatly towards establishing a sound basis for the study and to implement further statistical analyses of the results. In general, I was impressed with the study and I find it very relevant in a profession where the aim is to reduce suffering.

Source

Gaugler, J.E., Roth, D.L., Haley, W.E., & Mittleman, M.S. (2008). Can counseling and support reduce burden and depressive symptoms in caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease during the transition to institutionalization? Results from the New York University Caregiver Intervention Study. Journal…