Effects of a caregiver intervention on negative caregiver appraisals of behavior problems in patients with alzheimer's disease: Results of a randomized trial

Citation Mittelman, M., Roth, D., Haley, W. & Zarit, S. (2004). Effects of a caregiver intervention on negative caregiver appraisals of behavior problems in patients with alzheimer's disease: Results of a randomized trial. Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences, 59B(1), 27-34.

Design Randomized controlled study

Participants The participants were N=406 spouse caregivers of patients of Alzheimer's disease

Outcome / Dependent Variables The dependent variable was caregiver report of frequency of problem behaviors and appraisal of these behaviors.

Procedure Intervention consisted of 2 individual and 4 family counseling sessions tailored to cg's situation, support group participation and continuous availability of ad hoc telephone counseling

Outcomes Caregiver's reaction to care receiver's troublesome behaviors was significantly related to depression. Intervention did not affect the frequency of care receiver behavioral problems but it did significantly reduce caregiver's reaction ratings. Results suggest psychosocial intervention can provide caregivers with strategies to help them manage their reactions to behavior problems more effectively.

Author Mittelman, M., Roth, D., Haley, W. & Zarit, S.