#63
How a dementia diagnosis and gender influence the interpretation of workplace behaviours: A randomized vignette study
Judith Godin1,2, Jocelyn Brown3, Jasmine Mah4, Nicholas Roulin3, Katie Aubrecht5, Melissa Andrew4
1Nova Scotia Health. 2Geriatric Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax. 3Department of Psychology, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax. 4Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax. 5Sociology Department, Saint Francis Xavier University Antigonish.
Workplace behaviours may be misinterpreted, shaping how individuals are viewed and treated. Understanding how workplace behaviours are interpreted when viewed through dementia diagnosis and gender lenses may help inform effective interventions to reduce stigma towards dementia in the workplace. We aimed to examine how dementia diagnosis and gender influence perceptions of counter-productive workplace behaviours. In preparation for a larger representative study of employed Nova Scotians, we piloted an online randomized vignette study with university students. Participants judged the behaviour of an employee who engaged in counter-productive workplace behaviour. We examined how different information about the employee’s dementia diagnosis (no diagnosis, at-risk, diagnosis of dementia) and gender (male pronouns, female pronouns, no pronouns) influenced perceptions of the employee’s behaviour. The majority of the 126 participants were women (79%). Mean age was 22 years (SD=5.2). The vignette employee’s cognitive health was rated lower in the “diagnosis” than the “no diagnosis” condition (M=2.2, SD=0.5 vs. M=2.8, SD=0.8, p<.001). They were perceived as less able to complete work tasks in the “diagnosis” (M=3.8, SD=0.7) and the “at-risk” conditions (M=3.5, SD=0.9) than the “no diagnosis” condition (M=2.8, SD=0.9; p<.01). The employee’s physical health was rated higher in the “male pronouns” than the “no pronouns” condition (M=4.0, SD=0.6 vs. M=3.6, SD=0.8). Results from the larger study of Nova Scotian employees will also be presented. Perceptions of workplace behaviours may depend on cognitive health and gender. Our results will be used to inform the development of an intervention to reduce stigma towards dementia in the workplace.
#74
Importance of technology on the wellbeing of seniors living with dementia
Lois Kamenitz1, Noor Din2, Quanbin Zhang2
1York Centre for Asian Research, York University, Toronto. 2Human Endeavour, Vaughan.
For seniors with early dementia or memory issues, ensuring that they remain engaged, active, healthy, and safe in the comfort of their homes can be challenging. Carers also face challenges. Recognizing the need for innovative solutions, a charitable organization serving older adults leveraged technology to enhance their well-being.
Smart, individually customized tablets were provided to 110 seniors in Ontario and Alberta, along with training and support. The tablets receive voice commands and send voice reminders/prompts for important daily activities (medication, meals, socializing etc.) in one of the 15 programmed languages. They interact with carers for potential intervention when tasks are not completed. Illustrative multilingual manuals are provided along with a telephone helpline for real-time assistance. There is also an optional location tracker.
An evaluation of the tablet and the tracker and its impact on those seniors living with memory issues or early dementia is being conducted through a community-academic collaboration, The tablet’s impact on the seniors’ safety, independence, social, emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being is being evaluated both from the seniors and the carers perspective. The tablet’s impact on the well being of the carers themselves and the impact of the tablet on the organizations participating in the project are also being evaluated. Survey and interview data will be shared.
The research will demonstrate the significance of technology at the user level both for the well-being of seniors and carers and the improvement of the care system’s efficiency. Recommendations for policy makers and funders will be shared.
#56
The use of day programs in York Region, Ontario – Lessons from research and practice
Hung Nguyen1, Andrea Ubell2, Matthias Hoben1
1York University, Toronto. 2Alzheimer Society of York Region, Ontario
Background: Day programs provide social interaction, recreational activities, and respite for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers (ILWD/CG). However, research on the effects of these programs remains inconclusive. Developing evidence-based approaches to enhance these programs presents ongoing challenges. This study aims to generate knowledge about the effects of day programs on ILWD/CG, with the goal of improving the use and effectiveness of adult day programs in the York region of Ontario.
Methods: We conducted a realist review of the literature on the effects of day programs on the health and well-being of ILWD/CG. In addition, employing an integrated knowledge translation approach, we consulted with thirty-one experts—including program directors, managers, social workers, caregivers, and staff—from various day programs across York Region, Ontario. Over a nine-month period (September 2023 to May 2024), we explored how the theoretical frameworks derived from the literature aligned with the lived experiences of these partners.
Results: Our findings indicate that (1) day programs can have positive effects on the health and well-being of ILWD/CG, (2) certain service models effectively enhance the health and well-being of ILWD/CG; and (3) obstacles to the use of day programs include unclear regulations, inconsistent admission criteria, limited operational capacity, and challenges with physical accessibility and transportation.
Implications: This study underscores critical insights for research, policy, and practice. Key recommendations include addressing gaps in program funding, staffing, and operational guidelines, as well as improving the accessibility and service provision of day programs for ILWD/CG.
#99
Cognitive Impairment and Oral Health – An Interim Analyses
Violet D’Souza1, Shauna Hachey1, Rebecca Affoo1, Elaine Moody2, Deborah Matthews1, Tanya Cook1, Mark Filiaggi1, Ferne Kraglund1, Yuqi Wang1, Olga Theou3, Ken Rockwood4, Mark Taylor5, May McNally1
1Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie University, Halifax. 2School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax. 3School of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax. 4Geriatric Medicine, Dalhousie University. 5Dept. of Otolaryngology, Nova Scotia Health.
Study Objective: This study aimed to assess the oral health, oral care needs, and frailty status of individuals with cognitive impairment living in long-term care (LTC) facilities in Nova Scotia (NS).
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving individuals with cognitive impairment living in three LTC facilities in NS. Oral health was assessed through clinical exams, frailty was evaluated using the Clinical Frailty Index, and dental care-seeking behaviors and healthcare utilization were collected from caregivers.
Results: The interim analysis included 30 participants, 63% of whom were female, with a mean age of 78.4 ± 10.3 years. Approximately 61% had caries and 22% required tooth extraction. The mean number of missing and decayed teeth was 12.9 ± 10.8 and 2.5 ± 3.0, respectively. The mean number of posterior teeth in functional occlusion was 4.2 ± 3.3. Oral hygiene was poor, and 26% had severe periodontal disease with ≥6 mm clinical attachment loss. The mean frailty score was 6.7 ± 0.7.
Conclusion: These interim findings highlight the significant oral health needs of individuals with cognitive impairment living in LTC facilities, as evidenced by poor oral hygiene, a high number of missing and decayed teeth, limited functional occlusion, and high treatment needs—all of which can impact nutritional intake. The frailty levels of participants further indicate their increased vulnerability to poor oral health. To mitigate these risks, meticulous daily mouth care, caregiver training, and supportive oral health interventions are essential.