The Landscape of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Caregiver Communication Research

Chair(s)

• 

  Debra Dobbs, PhD, FGSA

  Associate Professor, Academic Director, Center for Hospice, Palliative and End-of-Life Studies
  School of Aging Studies
  University of South Florida
  Tampa, Florida, United States

Co-Chair(s)

• JY

  Jessica Yauk, M.S.

  Doctoral Student
  School of Aging Studies
  University of South Florida
  Tampa, Florida, United States

Discussant(s)

• HB

  Harleah Buck, PhD, RN

  Sally Mathis Hartwig Professor in Gerontological Nursing; Co-Director of the Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence
  College of Nursing
  Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence
  Iowa City, Iowa, United States

Individual Symposium Abstract First Author(s)

• 

  Debra Dobbs, PhD, FGSA

  Associate Professor, Academic Director, Center for Hospice, Palliative and End-of-Life Studies
  School of Aging Studies
  University of South Florida
  Tampa, Florida, United States
• JY

  Jessica Yauk, M.S.

  Doctoral Student
  School of Aging Studies
  University of South Florida
  Tampa, Florida, United States
• PI

  Pilar Ingle, MSW, LCSW

  PhD Candidate
  Graduate School of Social Work
  University of Denver
  Lakewood, Colorado, United States
• 

  Karen Moss, PhD, RN, CNL

  Assistant Professor
  College of Nursing
  The Ohio State University
  Columbus, Ohio, United States

Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) affect one in nine adults aged 65 and over. Past research has demonstrated the need for services that improve quality of care for those with ADRD and their caregivers. Those with ADRD are at a greater risk for negative health outcomes. Therefore, it is crucial that those with ADRD receive care consistent with their preferences. However, more research is needed to shed light on effective tools available and patterns of advance care planning (ACP) when it comes to those with ADRD and their caregivers. This symposium highlights the landscape of ACP communication among those with ADRD and their caregivers. The session begins with a study that explored experiences of apathy and preferences for dyadic-communication via mobile health (mHealth) among adults with mild cognitive impairment and their care-partners. The second presentation demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of a palliative care education in assisted living program for nurses and administrators on increasing ACP discussions with family caregivers of residents with dementia. The third presentation investigates ACP among African Americans with ADRD and their caregivers and the critical role the community can play in facilitating communication. The final presentation explores how ACP differs by race, ethnicity and ADRD status using data from the 2018 Wave of the Health and Retirement Study. Future directions for implementation of these innovations for improving ACP communication among caregivers and persons with ADRD will be discussed.

Presentations:

• 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM ET

  Effectiveness of a PC Education Program in Assisted Living in Improving Discussions With Dementia Family Caregivers
  

  Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Debra Dobbs, PhD, FGSA – University of South Florida
• 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM ET

  Differences in Advance Care Planning Among Racial and Ethnic Minorities and Persons With ADRD
  

  Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Jessica Yauk, M.S. – University of South Florida
• 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM ET

  Experiences With Apathy and mHealth Preferences Among Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment
  

  Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Pilar Ingle, MSW, LCSW – University of Denver
• 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM ET

  Embracing Community: Advance Care Planning for African American Older Adults Living With Dementia
  

  Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Karen O. Moss, PhD, RN, CNL – The Ohio State University