What constitutes Quality of Life for People with Cognitive Impairment and Dementia?"
Ramona Lucas Carrasco, Institut de l'Envelliment., Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

Aimns: Dementia is a syndrome characterized by a progressive global deterioration in intellectual function; it is one of the major causes of disability in later life. In recent years there has been an increase in the literature on the topic of quality of life (QOL) and dementia, mainly in the US and the UK. Our objective is to study, using Focus Group (FG), aspects that contribute to the QoL of people with Dementia

Methods: This is a qualitative study, using FG with people with cognitive impairment (GDS 3) and dementia (GDS 4/5); carers and professionals. All patients attended a Day Centre; carers and professionals were invited through the Catalunya Alzheimer Association (Barcelona, Spain). Patients were asked to freely talk about factors, aspects that were important, could promote or reduce their QoL. Carers had to think about the QoL of their families; and professionals about their patients QoL. After a free discussion, participants reviewed the list of facets included on the existing WHOQOL-BREF measure and were asked if they had further comments. FG had 4-8 participants, lasted about two hours and were audio taped. All participants signed the inform consent.

Results:Twenty four subjects participated. Overall, all FG mentioned spontaneously all the facets included on the WHOQOL-BREF, but some differences were found. FG with patients with GDS 3 was more productive than FG with patients with GDS 4/5. Health, family relationships, love, dependency and home environment were the most frequently facets mentioned. Families emphasized aspects related to services, early diagnosis, information, support; psychological and financial aspects. Professionals highlight the scarcity of resources, need of an early diagnosis, the possibility to inform the patient and the possible implication of the patient in his/ her future care that might impact on QoL.

Conclusions: This information is similar to that reported by other authors. People with dementia are able to inform about their QoL. Further FG will be run that will complement these preliminary results in a non English speaking country