95. SECONDARY ANALYSIS LINKS COMMUNICATION IMPAIRMENT IN ADULTS WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS TO ELEVATED CAREGIVER BURDEN AND SENSORY PROCESSING ABNORMALITIES

Abstract

Introduction

Declining communication is one of the hallmark symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Communication deficits contribute to distress in the person with ADRD, relational challenges, and can impact the ability to accomplish necessary care tasks. While hearing loss has been established to be strongly related to communication capacity, a lesser explored area related to communication is that of cortical-level sensory processing in ADRD. We hypothesized communication impairment would be positively correlated with caregiver burden and sensory processing abnormalities in older adults with ADRD.

Methods

Using data collected from a non-pharmacological randomized controlled trial aimed at behavior modification in ADRD (participants with ADRD confirmed by Clinical Dementia Rating Scale [CDR] score of 1+ and primary caregiver report), this study conducted secondary data analysis using Pearson correlation to assess relationships among communication impairment as indicated on the CDR, caregiver burden (as measured by the Zarit Burden Inventory), and sensory processing abnormalities (as measured by the Adult Sensory Profile). Demographic data were assessed using summary statistical assessment.

Results

Data were analyzed from 19 participants with ADRD. Participants consisted of 11 females, 8 males, x̄ age of 78.21 (SD=10.15), and x̄ Standard Global CDR of 1.625. All participants had functioning sensory acuity with or without aids (i.e., hearing aids). Care partners consisted of 16 females, 3 males, x̄ age of 62.32 (SD=11.56), and spouses were the most frequent care partners. Analyses indicated a significant strong positive correlation between communication impairment and caregiver burden (r =0.59, p=0.007). Additionally, communication impairment was significantly positively correlated with sensory processing abnormalities within the domains of sensory sensitivity (r=0.64, p=0.004) and sensory avoiding (r=0.49, p=0.037). There was no significant correlation between sensory processing abnormalities and caregiver burden.

Conclusions

Both receptive (hearing) and expressive (speech) communication is vital to encourage cooperative completion of care tasks. Communication impairment in ADRD is linked to increased caregiver burden as well as cortical-level sensory processing abnormalities beyond standard hearing loss. Additional exploration is warranted to determine causal mechanisms between sensory processing abnormalities and communication impairment in ADRD, especially since findings may have implications on care strategies.