A randomized controlled trial published in BMC Geriatrics examined the Tailored Activity Program (TAP), which is based on tailoring activities to a person with dementia based on their preserved abilities, interests, habits, home environment, and the caregiver’s communication style. The idea is simple but profound: not to offer “general dementia activities,” but to build activities that are truly appropriate for the person.

What did they investigate?
The researchers conducted a study of 250 pairs of people with dementia and their family caregivers. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the TAP group, which received up to 8 home visits over 3 months, versus a control group that received general information about dementia and home safety. In the TAP program, occupational therapists assessed the person with dementia’s abilities, interests, and environment, then designed three customized activities for them and taught caregivers how to perform them correctly.

What did they find?
A study found that the program did not significantly reduce symptoms of restlessness and aggression, which were the primary endpoint of the study. But it did find some very important results: People with dementia in the TAP group needed less help with basic and complex daily activities, and their caregivers reported improved personal well-being and more confidence in using activities as a therapeutic tool. In addition, within 6 months, fewer significant health events were recorded in the TAP group: fewer hospitalizations and medical events for the person with dementia, and fewer hospitalizations for the caregivers.

What are the conclusions?
Although the program did not solve the problem of restlessness and aggression, it did improve outcomes that are very important to families: better functioning, more involvement, less dependency, better caregiver well-being, and fewer health events. The researchers conclude that TAP has real value in dementia care, and that activities that are tailored to the person’s abilities and interests may improve important aspects of their quality of life.

What are the recommendations for the public?
Families and caregivers should think less in terms of “employing” and more in terms of adjustA good activity for a person with dementia is one that connects to what they used to enjoy, what they can still do, and something that won't overwhelm them. Sometimes it's music, sometimes it's folding laundry, sorting things, walking, gardening, chair exercises, or a simple puzzle. The key is that the activity is At the level of ability, with personal meaning, and in a supportive and not too busy environment.

The main message from the studies:
Personalized activities will not always reduce aggression or restlessness, but they may improve the daily lives of people with dementia and those who care for them: less dependence, more involvement, more well-being, and perhaps fewer hospitalizations.

The full article:

• • Link: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-021-02511-4

• Reference:

Gitlin, LN, Marx, K., Piersol, CV, Hodgson, NA, Huang, J., Roth, DL, & Lyketsos, C. (2021). Effects of the tailored activity program (TAP) on dementia-related symptoms, health events and caregiver well-being : A randomized controlled trial. BMC Geriatrics, 21, 581