Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Language

English

Publication Date

4-1-2024

Journal

Western Journal of Nursing Research

DOI

10.1177/01939459241237671

PMID

38456477

PMCID

PMC10955786

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

3-8-2024

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Abstract

Background: Managing medications for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias is challenging for caregivers. Information about caregivers' strategies to manage these challenges is needed to inform intervention development.

Objective: This study aimed to understand caregivers' medication management experiences by analyzing online community discussions.

Methods: Posts were extracted from the ALZConnected® Forum using keywords "medication" and "drug" via web scraping. The researchers applied thematic analysis.

Results: Four major themes emerged: (1) role transition of medication management responsibilities, (2) caregivers' uncertainty about medication purpose and values, (3) conflicts between the care recipients and caregivers, and (4) difficulty accessing and affording medications.

Conclusions: The experiences shared on a non-moderated, unstructured online forum indicate that medication management is challenging and overwhelming for caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Since this is a progressive disease with various stages and changing needs, caregivers' strategies vary and are often limited by available resources and support. Health care providers should offer training and support for caregivers to navigate the transfer of medication management responsibilities and changing care needs as the disease progresses.

Keywords

Humans, Alzheimer Disease, Medication Therapy Management, Caregivers, medication management, medication adherence, Alzheimer’s disease, caregiver, online support group

Published Open-Access

yes

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