Data_Sheet_1_Dyadic influences on awareness of condition in people with dementia: findings from the IDEAL cohort.docx

IntroductionThe discrepancy between caregiver-ratings and self-ratings of abilities is commonly used to assess awareness in people with dementia. We investigated the contribution of caregiver and dyadic characteristics to the difference in perspective between caregiver-informants and people with dementia about difficulties experienced, when considering awareness of condition.MethodsWe conducted exploratory cross-sectional analyses using data from the IDEAL cohort. Participants were 1,038 community-dwelling people with mild-to-moderate dementia, and coresident spouse/partner caregivers. The Representations and Adjustment to Dementia Index (RADIX) checklist reporting difficulties commonly experienced in dementia was completed by 960 caregiver-informants and 989 people with dementia. Difference in scores was calculated for 916 dyads. Demographic information, cognition, informant-rated functional ability and neuropsychiatric symptoms were recorded for the person with dementia. Self-reported data were collected on mood, comorbidity, religion, importance of religion, relationship quality, and caregiver stress.ResultsFor most dyads, caregivers reported more RADIX difficulties than people with dementia. Caregiver RADIX ratings were more closely associated with informant-rated functional ability and neuropsychiatric symptoms than with cognition. More RADIX difficulties and higher stress were reported by female caregivers. Greater RADIX difference was associated with more caregiver stress, and older age but less depression in people with dementia.ConclusionFew dyadic characteristics were important, but caregiver stress was higher where caregivers reported more RADIX difficulties and/or the difference in perspective was greater, whereas partners with dementia reported better mood. In addition to offering information about awareness of condition, the caregiver rating and difference in perspectives could indicate where more support is needed.</p

Combined education and skin antisepsis intervention for persistently high blood-culture contamination rates in neonatal intensive care

Contaminated blood cultures represent challenges regarding diagnosis, duration of hospitalization, antimicrobial use, pharmacy and laboratory costs. Facing problematic neonatal blood culture contamination (3.8%), we instigated a successful intervention combining skin antisepsis using sterile applicators with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropanol prior to phlebotomy (replacing 70% isopropanol) and staff education. In the six months prior to intervention, 364 neonatal peripheral blood samples were collected. Fourteen (3.8%) were contaminated. In the post-intervention six months, 314 samples were collected. Three (0.96%) were contaminated, representing significant improvement (Fisher’s exact test: P= 0.0259). No dermatological sequelae were observed. The improvement has been sustained

Confidence in selecting the most appropriate neuroimaging modality.

<p>Confidence in selecting the most appropriate neuroimaging modality.</p

Counties included in the European Regional Development Fund INTERREG Ireland Wales programme area.

<p>Counties included in the European Regional Development Fund INTERREG Ireland Wales programme area.</p

Importance of neuroimaging for the diagnosis of dementia.

<p>Importance of neuroimaging for the diagnosis of dementia.</p

Reported availability of neuroimaging modalities for direct referral.

<p>Reported availability of neuroimaging modalities for direct referral.</p

Importance of furthering knowledge about neuroimaging in dementia.

<p>Importance of furthering knowledge about neuroimaging in dementia.</p

Supplemental Material - Longitudinal Predictors of Informant-Rated Involvement of People with Dementia in Everyday Decision-Making: Findings from the IDEAL Program

Supplemental Material for Longitudinal Predictors of Informant-Rated Involvement of People with Dementia in Everyday Decision-Making: Findings from the IDEAL Program by Serena Sabatini, Anthony Martyr, Laura D. Gamble, Rachel Collins, Fiona E. Matthews, Robin G. Morris, Jennifer M. Rusted, Claire Pentecost, Catherine Quinn, and Linda Clare on behalf of the IDEAL study team in Journal of Applied Gerontology</p