Summary: A new study explores lucid episodes in individuals with advanced dementia, revealing that these episodes are not confined to imminent death scenarios as previously thought. Surveying family caregivers, the researchers classified these episodes into types based on their quality and context, finding that 75% of those experiencing lucid moments had Alzheimer’s Disease.
The study aims to better understand these spontaneous episodes of clarity, offering reassurance to caregivers that these moments do not necessarily signal the end of life. This research is pivotal in improving caregiver interactions and the management of dementia care.
Key Facts:
- 75% of lucid episodes occurred in individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.
- The study identified different types of lucid episodes, debunking the myth that they foretell death.
- 61% of those experiencing lucid episodes were women, with 31% living in the same household as their caregivers.
Source: Mayo Clinic
A recent Mayo Clinic study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association investigated lucid episodes in people living with later stages of dementia, providing insights into how these occurrences reveal themselves.
The findings showed that 75% of people having lucid episodes were reported to have Alzheimer’s Disease as opposed to other forms of dementia.
Researchers define lucid episodes as unexpected, spontaneous, meaningful and relevant communication from a person who is assumed to have permanently lost the capacity for coherent interactions, either verbally or through gestures and actions.
Family caregivers of people living with dementia were surveyed and asked about witnessing lucid episodes. Researchers then classified the episodes into types.
The study aimed to determine if there were distinct patterns or types of lucid episodes that could be used to understand why or when they happen.
Joan Griffin, Ph.D., lead author of the study.
“We determined the types of episodes based on the circumstances surrounding the episode, the quality of the communication during the episode, how long it lasted, the level of cognition of the person living with dementia before the episode and the proximity to death,” says Joan Griffin, Ph.D., lead author of the study.
The findings revealed that of those having lucid episodes, 61% were women, with 31% living in the same household as the caregiver who responded to the survey.
“We know these lucid episodes are happening, but we didn’t know if there are different types of episodes that happen at different times or under different circumstances,” says Dr. Griffin. “This study helped clarify that different types of episodes likely exist.”
Contrary to findings from previous research, the conclusions of this study challenge the idea that lucid episodes may signal impending death.
“It’s important for people to know that these are not necessarily harbingers for death,” says Dr. Griffin. “I think people can get anxious when they happen, so it’s good to know that there are different kinds of episodes that don’t necessarily mean death is imminent.”
Dr. Griffin notes that researchers now are conducting a longitudinal study to better understand lucid episodes and how caregivers react to them and take meaning from them. Longitudinal studies allow researchers to track changes or behaviors over time and to identify any relationships between these changes.
“With this new study, we’ll be able to understand better what patterns exist and determine the consequences of the episode over time,” explains Dr. Griffin.
Showing compassion for caregivers and their loved ones
Dr. Griffin underscores the need to understand these episodes to help caregivers with their work and remind them of the cognitive and emotional potential of people living with dementia.
“Caregivers of people living with dementia must manage a long list of challenges and it can be overwhelming,” says Dr. Griffin. “Perhaps understanding these episodes can help lighten that load.”
“We have found in our research and stories from caregivers that these kinds of episodes change how they interact with and support their loved ones — usually for the better,” she adds.
“These episodes can serve as reminders that caregiving is challenging, but we can always try to care with a little more humanity and grace.”
The Mayo Clinic Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery supported this research.
About this dementia research news
Author: Megan Luihn
Source: Mayo Clinic
Contact: Megan Luihn – Mayo Clinic
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Open access.
“Developing and describing a typology of lucid episodes among people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias” by Joan Griffin et al. Alzheimer’s & Dementia
Abstract
Developing and describing a typology of lucid episodes among people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
INTRODUCTION
This study examined lucid episodes among people living with late-stage Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (PLWD) and then developed a typology of these episodes to help characterize them.
METHODS
Family caregivers of PLWD provided information about witnessed episodes, including proximity to death, cognitive status, duration, communication quality, and circumstances prior to lucid episodes on up to two episodes (caregiver N = 151; episode N = 279). Latent class analysis was used to classify and characterize empirically distinct clusters of lucid episodes.
RESULTS
Four lucid episode types were identified. The most common type occurred during visits with family and among PLWD who lived > 6 months after the episode. The least common type coincided with family visits and occurred within 7 days of the PLWD’s death.
DISCUSSION
Findings suggest that multiple types of lucid episodes exist; not all signal impending death; and some, but not all, are precipitated by external stimuli.
