The REspectful Caring for AGitated Elderly (RECage) project is trying to tackle one of the most challenging symptoms of the clinical course of dementia: the so-called Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD). The major objective of RECage is to adapt and upscale the implementation of a particular intervention aimed at controlling BPSD, the special medical care unit for persons with dementia and BPSD (SCU-B), an intervention that has already been implemented in some European countries. The mission of the SCU-B is to have a positive impact on patients’ behaviour with the ultimate goal being to allow, when possible, their return home. The therapeutic approach in most existing SCU-Bs is a mix of cautious pharmacological treatment and non-pharmacological therapies, such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy, doll therapy, sensory rooms, etc.
The specific objectives of RECage are:
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To start a prospective cohort study, comparing the activity of the centres endowed with a SCU-B of both types, with that of the other centres lacking this structure.
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To adapt the model in accordance with the results of the cohort study, not only regarding the main endpoints, but also comparing the experience and the different working methods of participating centres and the different socio-political context in which they act
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To scale up the intervention in the countries taking part in the study, but where SCU-Bs are absent, or sporadic, such as Italy and Greece.
RECage is a three-year, prospective study enrolling 500 people with dementia. Particularly, 250 community-dwelling people presenting with severe BPSD will be recruited by five clinical centres across Europe, equipped with a SCU-B; while the second similar group of 250 people will be followed by six other centres without SCU-Bs. The endpoints include short and long-term SCU-B clinical efficacy, quality of life of patients and carers, cost-effectiveness of the SCU-B, psychotropic drug consumption, carers’ attitudes towards dementia, and time until nursing home placement. A first publication on the design and rationale of the study was recently published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease: Rationale, Design, and Methodology of a Prospective Cohort Study for Coping with Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: The RECage Project - IOS Press
