Dignity Therapy for Patients With Early Dementia and Their Family

University of Zurich54 enrolled

Overview

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.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Dementia, Mild Depressive Disorder

Interventions

Dignity TherapyBEHAVIORAL

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.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

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

Locations (1)

University of Zurixh

Zurich, Switzerland

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Participation and refusal rate of Dignity Therapy among Patients with an early stage dementia

Acceptance based on the participation and refusal rate and dropout rate.

Time frame: 10 days post randomization

Overall satisfaction of patients and their relatives

Overall satisfaction is indicated by answers to the Dignity Therapy Evaluation Questionnaire (DTEQ), which includes 10 items.

Time frame: 10 days post randomization

Secondary Outcomes

Psychological distress

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).

Time frame: 10 days post randomization

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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