Evaluation of an Education and Support Program for Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease

This study evaluated an existing education and support program specifically designed for early stage Alzheimer's disease (AD). The Taking Control of Alzheimer's Disease series is an Alzheimer's Association-sponsored, four-session program that combines didactic and interactive activities for both persons with early-stage dementia and their care-partners. Seventy-four participants across nine series (37 persons with dementia, 37 care-partners) provided data. Participants expressed a high degree of satisfaction with the program (e. g., 71% gave it a letter grade of A, 99% found it helpful). No significant changes from baseline were observed in AD knowledge, coping self-efficacy, or psychosocial adjustment to illness. At 3-month follow-up, participants were more likely than at baseline to be engaged in numerous AD-related coping and health behaviors, including participation in a support group (68% vs. 17%) and legal/financial planning (66% vs. 31%). Findings suggest numerous potential benefits from education and support programs specifically designed for early-stage AD.