Margaret Perez Hattori‐Uchima’s research while affiliated with University of Guam and other places

Background Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) are not only characterized by a decline in memory and cognition, but also by marked difficulties in language, communication, and social functioning. As ADRD progresses, it becomes increasingly challenging for persons living with dementia to participate in social interactions with family, friends, and caregivers, adversely impacting their well‐being and quality of life. Despite impairment in social functioning, persons with dementia still enjoy interaction with others and respond positively to social contact even in advanced stages. Thus, there is a need to develop effective strategies for interacting with persons living with dementia in a meaningful way. Method A telehealth dementia care training initiative was developed in the Pacific island of Guam focused on teaching family and professional caregivers to make meaningful connections with persons with ADRD through a wide range of stimulating, culturally responsive activities adapted to meet their unique needs, interests, and abilities. Activities were designed to provide opportunities for social engagement and simultaneously to help persons with dementia remain mentally and physically active. Examples include: (1) making meaningful connections with persons with dementia during activities of daily living; (2) rediscovering Guam’s history and culture through family‐based virtual museum tours; (3) embracing the oral storytelling traditions of Pacific island cultures by sharing family memories; (4) employing culturally responsive bibliotherapy by reading indigenous stories and picture books together; (5) stimulating the mind through collaborative readings of poetry; (6) soothing the aches and pains that come with aging by providing therapeutic massage; and (7) integrating music, dance, and movement into each day. All trainings were conducted in virtual family caregiver support group sessions as part of a comprehensive telehealth outreach program designed to provide improved access to dementia care support services for persons with dementia and their caregivers in Guam. Result Approximately 60‐100 family and professional caregivers participate in the program each month. Conclusion Program outcomes indicate that telehealth training in activity‐based dementia care can be an effective way to help caregivers learn to make meaningful connections with persons living with dementia.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to heightened levels of isolation and loneliness for millions of individuals and families worldwide, resulting in adverse health and mental health outcomes. Persons with dementia and their family caregivers are particularly vulnerable due to the deleterious impact of social isolation on both dementia symptoms and caregiver burden. One of the greatest challenges for dementia patients has been accessing dementia care services during COVID-19 lockdowns. In the Pacific island of Guam, the pandemic quickly led to the closure of senior centers, adult day care centers, family caregiver support programs, and other social services for older adults and their families in March 2020. As a result, persons with dementia suddenly found themselves isolated at home and dependent upon family members to provide round-the-clock care. This presentation will describe the development of an innovative telehealth outreach program that was launched in Guam in the summer of 2020, three months after the first COVID-19 case had appeared on the island. The program was designed to provide improved access to social support and specialized community services for persons with dementia and their family caregivers. There are four components: (1) virtual family caregiver support groups where participants can share the stresses and challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia with others who are going through similar experiences; (2) virtual presentation and consultation sessions led by dementia care specialists from the community providing easy access to dementia care information and services; (3) 24/7 family caregiver support networks through mobile messaging apps to mitigate social isolation and ensure the availability of support in times of crisis; and (4) telehealth family counseling for persons with dementia and their family members employing narrative approaches that embrace the oral storytelling traditions of Pacific island cultures. The community response has been strong with approximately 50-60 family caregivers and persons with dementia participating in the program monthly. Project outcomes suggest that telehealth outreach services represent an effective and sustainable approach to connecting persons living with dementia and their family caregivers to community resources during times of isolation.