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Biomedical subjects

S Leger-Krall

Publications and source records attributed to S Leger-Krall.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1997

Early probable Alzheimer's disease and awareness context theory.

The purpose of this research was to explore the explanatory value of Awareness Context Theory for social interactional issues in early probable Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Glaser and Strauss's Awareness Context Theory [Glaser and Strauss (1965) Awareness of Dying, Aldine, New York] served as the framework for the analysis of interview data from 14 early probable AD clients and 14 family caregivers, a written autobiographical account, a fictionalized account, observations of a family care-giver focus group, and excerpts that focused on early AD from field notes recorded during two years of participant observation at a specialized AD daycare center and a family caregiver support group. Initial open-ended study questions focused on the experience of early AD from the diverse perspectives represented in the data. After preliminary analysis of data suggesting emergent fit with Awareness Context Theory, questions were refocused to address awareness contexts. Data were coded and analyzed for fit with the theory. Awareness Context Theory provided a useful heuristic for thinking about the nuances and complexities of social interaction in early AD. Attention to awareness contexts should enable health care providers to suggest interventions to improve caregiver-client interactions.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1996

Toileting: a biobehavioral challenge in Alzheimer's dementia care.

As the trajectory of Alzheimer's disease (AD) progresses, problems with toileting become evident. This research addresses the range and variation of toileting problems, management strategies used by family and employed caregivers, and interactive and contextual conditions associated with toileting. Qualitative ethology was used to analyze data from over 120 hours of participant observation at an Alzheimer's Day Care Center, in clients' homes, and support groups; and interviews with families (n = 16) and staff members (n = 13). Toileting emerged as a complex event with many stages, as unaesthetic and unpleasant for caregivers and clients, and as occasionally resulting in catastrophic reactions. Caregivers read cues and interpret toileting behaviors. They provide physical and cognitive assistance while attempting to avoid accidents and catastrophic events. Client, staff member, and contextual variables affect toileting events. Recommendations for practice and research are proposed.

Alzheimer Disease↗
PubMed1993

Wandering in Alzheimer's dementia patients.

The purpose of this research was to describe wandering behaviors of institutionalized patients with Alzheimer's disease in their natural environment. Such descriptive information is necessary before successful product and/or nursing intervention programs can be developed. Videotaped behavioral observations yielded detailed data descriptive of patients with middle and late dementia. These patients have the physical ability to perform various functions, activities, or actions; the individual's mental ability is less supportive of physical ability. The degree of task simplicity required to enable the patient to complete unsupervised tasks depends on the level of dementia. The need for interventions is greatest during unstructured periods of the day.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Products for Alzheimer's self-stimulatory wanderers.

The objective of this study was to develop a variety of sensory stimulation products for the behavioral intervention of patients with Alzheimer's type dementia. Many caregivers have relied on physical and chemical restraints as the primary method of patient intervention due to the lack of appropriate dementia management products. This significantly lowers the sufferer's quality of care and life. As the age group most susceptible to Alzheimer's disease (65 and older) is the fastest growing segment of our society, an appropriate care solution must be sought. The specific aim of this study was to develop products that are sensory satisfying for the Alzheimer's patient that exhibits self-stimulatory wandering behavior. Sensory satisfying objects for product development would be determined through structured observations of self-stimulatory wanderers in an institutionalized setting. Variations of product design and mounting would be pursued in order to develop products that are not only safe and effective for patient use, but are easy for the caregiver to implement and maintain. Such products would have widespread commercial application in both the institutional and private care settings such as nursing homes, adult day care facilities, Alzheimer's care facilities, convalescent homes, mental health institutions, and assisted-living facilities.

Activities of Daily Living↗