Sömn, depressionssymtom, livskvalitet och Alzheimers sjukdom

Sammanfattning: Background: Sleep-disturbances in persons with Alzheimer´s disease are prevalent. They are characterized as increased frequency and duration of awakenings, decreased slow-wave sleep, REM-sleep and increase of day-time napping. Depression and lower quality of life are associated with sleep-disturbances. Altogether a significant source of stress for caregivers and an important factor in institutionalization. Non-pharmacological treatment alternatives are rare. Method: Single-case A-B-C design, with non-concurrent multiple baselines, a pilotstudy. Aim: To explore if an educational program on sleep, sleep disturbances and behavioural change directed towards caregivers improved sleep, depression and quality of life in persons with Alzheimer´s disease living at home. A second aim was to test program and method. Result: Three patients/cases were included and in one case sleep was improved. Depression and quality of life outcome varied in all cases. The program and method has the potential of being useful after some adjustments. Conclusion: Non-pharmacological treatments are needed and this study shows that a behavioural program is a feasible way to improve sleep in patients with Alzheimer´s disease. More research is needed to develop method and increase overall knowledge within the area. Knowledge of sleep and non-pharmacological treatments for sleep problems are scarce in clinical environment and nurses have an important task.