The Course of Quality of Life and Its Predictors in Nursing Home Residents With Young-Onset Dementia

AbstractObjective To explore the course of quality life (QoL) and possible resident-related predictors associated with this in institutionalized people young-onset dementia (YOD). Design An observational longitudinal study. Setting Participants A total 278 residents YOD were recruited from 13 special care units Netherlands. Methods Secondary analyses conducted data Behavior Evolution Young-ONset Dementia (BEYOND)-II QoL was assessed proxy ratings, using Quality Life (QUALIDEM) questionnaire at 4 assessment points over 18 months. Predictors included age, gender, subtype, length stay, severity, neuropsychiatric symptoms, psychotropic drug use baseline. Multilevel modeling used to adjust for correlation measurements within clustering nursing homes. Results The QUALIDEM score (range: 0-111) decreased months a small change 0.65 (95% confidence interval ?1.27, ?0.04) per 6 increase several domains regarding relationship, positive self-image, feeling home seen time, whereas decline observed subscales affect, social relations, having something do. Residents higher levels more advanced baseline showed progressive time. Sensitivity indicated who died during follow-up. Conclusion Implications This study shows that although overall relatively stable months, there multidirectional changes could be clinically relevant. Higher stages predicted More studies are needed verify factors influencing YOD.