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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 02 February 2024
We want to assess the use of a telematics tool against the ordinary follow-up in consultations in the control of Behavioral and Psichological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) in a group of patients with dementia.
A randomized prospective clinical study with two parallel intervention groups Unicentro of the Geriatrics service of the General Hospital of Hospitalet (CSI). Two groups of patients/caregivers were compared: a control group (CG) that followed regular controls in the office and another telematic group (TG) that followed controls on the TECUIDE platform. The follow-up has been carried out for one year.
Data on age, gender, comorbidity, treatment received, analytical parameters, and functional, nutritional, and sensory status were collected, as well as the Reisberg GDS scale and the self-administered Cummings Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI).
72 CG patients. 76 TG patients. mean GDS of CG: was 4.5, and the mean GDS of TG: was 4.7.
Total group baseline SPCD: Delusions: 48.6%, hallucinations: 43.8%, agitation/aggression: 46.6%, depression 66.4%, anxiety 5.7%, euphoria: 12.3%, apathy: 76%, disinhibition: 39%, irritability: 57.5%, abnormal motor behavior: 43.2%, sleep disorder, 37%, eating disorder: 46.6%.
Mean NPI at the beginning of the study: GC: 5.3, TG: 6. Mean NPI at the end of the study: GC was 4.5 and GT was 4. That is, the average SPCD is higher in the TG than in the GC at the beginning of the study, while at the end of the study, the GC exceeds the TG.
When comparing the BPSD at the beginning and end of the study, a decrease is seen in all in general in the TG and an increase in hallucinations and sleep disturbances in the CG.
In the analysis of drugs, an increase in the consumption of neuroleptics in the CG was observed with a statistically significant difference (p 0.039).
The TECUIDE telematic program is an effective tool for the control of patients with dementia, reducing BPSD and the consumption of drugs (neuroleptics, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants).