Abstract Details

Title Learning to PERSEVERE: Feasibility and Efficacy of Peer Mentor Support and Caregiver Education in Lewy Body Dementia

Topic Aging, Dementia, and Behavioral Neurology

Presentation(s) P18 - Poster Session 18 (5:30 PM-6:30 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 3-001

Background LBD is the second most common neurocognitive disorder. Compared to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), caregiver strain, unmet needs, and costs are higher, yet few interventions focus on LBD. In AD and other conditions, peer mentoring—where less experienced caregivers are paired with experienced caregiver ‘mentors’—has demonstrated success. We designed and piloted PERSEVERE, an LBD-specific peer mentoring program.

Objective To test the feasibility of peer mentoring for Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) family caregivers, and its effects on LBD knowledge, dementia attitudes, and mastery.

Design/Methods

We recruited mentors (current or former LBD family caregivers, ≥ 2 years’ experience) and mentees (current caregivers, <2 years’ experience) via online survey. Mentors completed a 5-hour training course and all participants received a handbook containing weekly mastery and support modules. Mentor-mentee dyads were encouraged to meet weekly (15-30 minutes) for 16 weeks. Feasibility outcomes: Frequency, duration, and utility of calls (biweekly surveys). Primary outcomes: Change in LBD knowledge (scored 0-100), Dementia Attitudes Scale, and Pearlin Mastery Scale pre-/post-training for mentors and pre-/post-mentoring for mentees.

Results We trained 35 mentors and matched them with 30 mentees. Dyads reported a median of 15 calls, mean duration: 45 minutes. Of 424 calls, mentees found 404 useful (95.3%) and100% would recommend PERSEVERE to another caregiver. Mentor training improved LBD knowledge (mean pre-training: 55.48 (SD 13.55) vs. post-training: 73.33 (12.59), p<0.0001) and dementia attitudes (122.06 (11.75) vs. 125.11 (10.69), p<0.001.) After 16 weeks, mentees improved their LBD knowledge (50 (10.14) vs. 56.85 (14.88), p=0.02) and dementia attitudes (104.25 (13.25) vs. 111.57 (9.38), p<0.001), without a change in mastery.

Conclusions A novel LBD family caregiver peer mentoring program was clearly feasible and well received. Mentors and mentees improved their LBD knowledge and attitudes. Future directions include testing the effects of this intervention among LBD caregivers and patients in a randomized, controlled trial.

Authors/Disclosures
Jori Fleisher, MD, MSCE, FAAN (Rush University Parkinson'S and Movement Disorders Program) PRESENTER	The institution of Dr. Fleisher has received research support from Parkinson's Foundation. The institution of Dr. Fleisher has received research support from NIH/NINDS. The institution of Dr. Fleisher has received research support from NIH/NINDS. The institution of Dr. Fleisher has received research support from NIH/NIA/Emory Roybal Center for Dementia Caregiving Mastery. Dr. Fleisher has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Fleisher has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as a Speaker with Parkinson's Foundation. Dr. Fleisher has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Speaker with Lewy Body Dementia Association. Dr. Fleisher has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as a Speaker with Davis Phinney Foundation. Dr. Fleisher has a non-compensated relationship as a Editorial Board Member with AAN Brain & Life Magazine that is relevant to AAN interests or activities.
Faizan Akram (RUSH)	Mr. Akram has nothing to disclose.
	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
Glenn T. Stebbins, PhD (Rush University Medical Center)	Dr. Stebbins has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Biogen. Dr. Stebbins has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Partners Healthcare System. Dr. Stebbins has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for CHDI. The institution of Dr. Stebbins has received research support from Department of Defense. Dr. Stebbins has received research support from Cleveland Clinic Health Systems. Dr. Stebbins has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Course Director with MDS.
Michelle H. Tosin, PhD, RN (Rush University Medical Center)	Dr. Tosin has nothing to disclose.
Bichum Ouyang	No disclosure on file
Joshua Chodosh, MD (NYU Langone Health)	The institution of Dr. Chodosh has received research support from NIH-NIA. The institution of Dr. Chodosh has received research support from NIH-NIMHD. The institution of Dr. Chodosh has received research support from NIH-NINR. The institution of Dr. Chodosh has received research support from SCAN Health Plan. The institution of Dr. Chodosh has received research support from New York State Department of Health.