A latest Mayo Clinic study printed in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association investigated lucid episodes in folks residing with later phases of dementia, offering insights into how these occurrences reveal themselves.
The findings confirmed that 75% of individuals having lucid episodes have been reported to have Alzheimer’s Disease versus different types of dementia.
Researchers outline lucid episodes as sudden, spontaneous, significant and related communication from a person who’s assumed to have completely misplaced the capability for coherent interactions, both verbally or by way of gestures and actions.
Family caregivers of individuals residing with dementia have been surveyed and asked about witnessing lucid episodes. Researchers then labeled the episodes into varieties.
The research aimed to find out if there have been distinct patterns or forms of lucid episodes that could possibly be used to know why or once they occur.
“We determined the types of episodes based on the circumstances surrounding the episode, the quality of the communication during the episode, how long it lasted, the level of cognition of the person living with dementia before the episode and the proximity to death,” says Joan Griffin, Ph.D., lead writer of the research.
The findings revealed that of these having lucid episodes, 61% have been women, with 31% residing in the identical family because the caregiver who responded to the survey.
“We know these lucid episodes are happening, but we didn’t know if there are different types of episodes that happen at different times or under different circumstances,” says Dr. Griffin. “This study helped clarify that different types of episodes likely exist.”
Contrary to findings from earlier analysis, the conclusions of this research problem the concept lucid episodes could sign impending dying.
“It’s important for people to know that these are not necessarily harbingers for death,” says Dr. Griffin. “I believe folks can get anxious once they occur, so it is good to know that there are completely different sorts of episodes that don’t essentially imply dying is imminent.”
Dr. Griffin notes that researchers now are conducting a longitudinal research to raised perceive lucid episodes and the way caregivers react to them and take that means from them. Longitudinal research permit researchers to trace adjustments or behaviors over time and to establish any relationships between these adjustments.
“With this new study, we’ll be able to understand better what patterns exist and determine the consequences of the episode over time,” explains Dr. Griffin.
Showing compassion for caregivers and their family members
Dr. Griffin underscores the necessity to perceive these episodes to assist caregivers with their work and remind them of the cognitive and emotional potential of individuals residing with dementia.
“Caregivers of people living with dementia must manage a long list of challenges and it can be overwhelming,” says Dr. Griffin. “Perhaps understanding these episodes can help lighten that load.”
“We have found in our research and stories from caregivers that these kinds of episodes change how they interact with and support their loved ones — usually for the better,” she provides. “These episodes can serve as reminders that caregiving is challenging, but we can always try to care with a little more humanity and grace.”
The Mayo Clinic Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery supported this analysis. Review the study for an entire record of authors, disclosures and funding.
About Mayo Clinic Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery
The Mayo Clinic Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery collaborates with scientific areas throughout Mayo to create and consider data-driven options to rework the expertise of health and healthcare for sufferers, employees, and communities. It drives steady enchancment of Mayo Clinic as a studying health system, enabling at all times protected, evidence-based, high-quality care.
