Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions (Jan 2021)

Investigating the effects of impairment in non‐verbal communication on neuropsychiatric symptoms and quality of life of people living with dementia

  • Zunera Khan,
  • Miguel Vasconcelos Da Silva,
  • Kayleigh‐Marie Nunez,
  • Chris Kalafatis,
  • Steven Nowicki,
  • Zuzana Walker,
  • Ingelin Testad,
  • Paul Francis,
  • Clive Ballard

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/trc2.12172
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 1
pp. n/a – n/a

Abstract

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Abstract Introduction People living with dementia in nursing homes have complex needs; impairments in cognition, communication, and daily function; neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS); and poor quality of life (QoL). The current study examines impairments in non‐verbal communication as a potential driver of NPS and QoL. Methods One hundred nursing home residents with dementia were assessed using the Emory Dyssemia Index (EDI), Neuropsychiatric Inventory Nursing Home version (NPI‐NH), Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease (QoL‐AD) at baseline, 12‐, and 24‐week follow‐up. Results The quantile regression (0.5) model indicated that impairment of non‐verbal communication was independently associated with the severity of NPS (P = .001) and proxy reported QoL (P < .05), levels of agitation (P < .05), and professional caregiver burden (P < .05). Discussion These results highlight a novel potential approach to improve NPS and QoL using retained elements of non‐verbal communication, particularly for people with severe dementia.

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