A triangulated study on non-pharmacological management of Alzheimer’s disease in Mauritius

AbstractDementia is a neurodegenerative disease, with more than 50 million people worldwide. Nearly 60% are living in the low and middle-income countries [1]. Mauritius has a rising population of elderly people, of 7.5% above 65 years [2]. Currently 14,000 people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), show very modest improvements with pharmacological therapies. Alzheimer’s Association in Mauritius, the only NGO, which assist person with AD and offer multiple non-pharmacological therapies (NPT).ObjectivesThe main study aim is to find the outcomes of NPT in the management of AD and the correlation of data in mixed studies.SettingThe participants were recruited from Alzheimer’s Association Mauritius, the only NGO. The center provides NPT such as cognitive training, reminiscence therapy, socialization and group interactive games.Primary and secondary outcome measuresBoth quantitative and qualitative studies were triangulated to find similarities (matched) and unsimilar (unmatched) results.ResultQuantitative data (n=42) analysis showed a direct statistical decline in higher function (IADL) with respect to decreasing cognition. Qualitative study (n=20) emerged with 7 main themes among which ‘dependency in AD’ was a main theme. Mixed study results showed 6 out of 7 main themes were linked to/ matching to statistical results after triangulation.ConclusionNPT is an effective tool in the management of AD in Mauritius. Triangulated studies allowed in depth analysis of the patient.Strengths and limitations of the studyMixed study provides in depth analysisData speaks for itself, it is lived experienceMixed studies complement each otherHowever, it is a time consuming processParticipant unwillingness to participate