The Memory Club: Providing support to persons with early-stage dementia and their care partners

Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2011 May;26(3):218-26. doi: 10.1177/1533317511399570. Epub 2011 Mar 1.

Abstract

There is a growing emphasis on delivering services for persons with early-stage dementia (ie, ''persons with memory loss,'' or PWMLs) and their family members (care partners). The goal of this evaluation was to determine whether participation in the Memory Club, a 10- to 13-session joint support group, would result in decreased distress, enhanced preparation for care, and improved feelings of confidence managing the challenges of early-stage dementia. The single group, pre-/post-test evaluation included 63 PWMLs and 61 care partners who participated in three Memory Club sites in Minnesota. Paired T-test results found that care partners reported significant (P < .05) increases in preparation activities, feelings of preparation, and confidence in managing memory loss. The results suggest that the Memory Club can fill an important gap in early-stage dementia care by offering care partners the opportunity to plan, prepare, and increase coping skills in the face of early dementia progression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Aged
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Cost of Illness
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Dementia / diagnosis
  • Dementia / psychology*
  • Dementia / therapy
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder / therapy
  • Home Nursing / psychology
  • Humans
  • Memory Disorders / diagnosis
  • Memory Disorders / psychology*
  • Memory Disorders / therapy
  • Minnesota
  • Needs Assessment
  • Self Efficacy
  • Self-Help Groups*
  • Stress, Psychological / complications
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology
  • Treatment Outcome