Background Dementia is a condition characterized by a decline in cognitive abilities that exceeds what could normally be anticipated due to the natural process of ageing. This study assessed the association of serum lipoproteins with probable dementia among older people in Rukiga District, South-western Uganda. Methods This was a community-based cross-sectional study in Rukiga District, South-western Uganda. The study was conducted from February 15, 2025 to March, 29, 2025 among 272 individuals 60 years of age and above who were selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-administered questionnaire supplemented with information from participant’s medical records and a brief community screening instrument for dementia. Anthropometric measurements were taken and a blood sample was drawn for laboratory measurement of serum lipoproteins. Results Of 272 participants, 45 (16.5%) had probable dementia. Participants with probable dementia had significantly higher total cholesterol levels (median: 172 mg/dL, IQR: 140–199) compared to those without probable dementia (156 mg/dL, IQR: 134–183, p=0.019). In multivariable analysis, total cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol (TC/HDL-C) (aOR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.01–1.25, p=0.027), age;(aOR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.16–1.39, p<0.001) and low physical activity; (aOR: 3.55, 95% CI: 1.04–12.08, p=0.042) ratio were significantly associated with probable dementia. Conclusions Probable dementia was relatively common among community-dwelling older adults in Southwestern Uganda. TC/HDL-C ratio, advancing age, and low physical activity levels are potentially associated with probable dementia. We recommend future studies incorporating standardized clinical diagnostic criteria for dementia to confirm these findings.
Background The World Health Organization (WHO) developed iSupport, an online education and support program for family caregivers of people with dementia. This study aimed to translate and contextually adapt iSupport for Vietnamese caregivers, document key modifications, and explore caregivers’ and healthcare professionals’ perceptions of the adapted materials and proposed digital formats. Methods According to the WHO iSupport Adaptation and Implementation Guide, stage 1 involved forward translation, bilingual review, back-translation, reconciliation, content refinement, expert panel review, and a fidelity check with WHO. Stage 2 involved focus group discussions with family caregivers and healthcare professionals to assess the content and proposed delivery formats: short videos and an online virtual assistant. Results The Vietnamese translation was refined to incorporate familiar terminology, culturally relevant examples, and guidance aligned with local caregiving practices and healthcare services. Focus groups involving eight family caregivers and four healthcare professionals indicated that iSupport helped caregivers understand dementia and respond to behavioral changes. Participants recommended clearer language, easier navigation, and more practical, locally relevant examples. They favored brief, mobile-friendly videos and suggested stage-specific guidance and a virtual assistant for timely support. Limited time, internet access, and digital literacy were identified as potential barriers. Conclusion Adapting iSupport for Vietnam required linguistic, cultural, healthcare-contextual, and usability-related modifications beyond literal translation. Participants perceived the materials as helpful but emphasized the need for clearer language, locally relevant examples, and accessible support tailored to changing caregiving needs. Preferences for brief, mobile-friendly, and stage-specific formats provide directions for further development, although effectiveness remains to be evaluated.
Background Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD), including agitation, anxiety, depression, apathy, and psychosis, are common in people living with dementia and are associated with caregiver distress, reduced quality of life, and increased care needs. Non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) are widely used in dementia care. Methods A narrative review was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Searches were conducted between March and June 2025 and supplemented by reference-list screening. Eligible publications included randomized controlled trials, controlled intervention studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses addressing NPIs relevant to BPSD. Evidence was synthesized narratively, with BPSD-related outcomes considered primary and caregiver-related outcomes considered secondary. SANRA was used as a quality and reporting framework. Results Eighty-six publications were included. Evidence covered cognitive stimulation, person-centered and behavioral interventions, exercise, sensory and environmental approaches, caregiver interventions, and technology-assisted care. Effects varied across interventions and outcomes. Cognitive stimulation and person-centered approaches were associated with improvements in selected cognitive, behavioral, or psychosocial outcomes. Exercise-based interventions were associated with improvements in mood and selected neuropsychiatric outcomes. Caregiver-focused interventions were associated with reductions in caregiver burden and psychological distress. Digital and technology-assisted interventions showed promising but less mature evidence. Conclusions NPIs represent an important component of dementia care for BPSD and may also support caregivers. Interpretation is limited by heterogeneity in interventions, populations, outcomes, follow-up periods, and methodological quality. Future research should prioritize standardized BPSD and caregiver outcomes, longer follow-up, multicenter studies, implementation research, and cost-effectiveness evaluation.
