Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a progressive neurodegenerative brain condition clinically characterized by marked changes in behaviour that impact the individuals' relationships and community participation, and present challenges for families. Family carers of individuals with FTD find apathy and disinhibition particularly challenging leading to high levels of stress and burden. Positive behaviour support (PBS) as a behaviour intervention framework has never been trialled in FTD. This pilot study examined the functional basis of apathetic and disinhibited behaviours in four FTD dyads and explored the acceptability of a PBS intervention. The PBS programme was provided by an occupational therapist in the participants' homes. Measures collected at baseline and post-intervention (M = 3.9 months) assessed: function of behaviours, challenging behaviours, and qualitative outcomes pertaining to the acceptability of the PBS approach. PBS was an acceptable intervention for all four dyads. "Sensory" and "tangible" were the most common functions contributing to the maintenance of behaviour changes, and aspects of apathetic and disinhibited behaviours improved following intervention. This study demonstrates the acceptability and potential benefit of a PBS programme to provide support in FTD. A more rigorous trial will be an important next step in developing improved services tailored to the needs of this unique population.

中文翻译：

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额颞叶痴呆的积极行为支持：一项初步研究

额颞叶痴呆 (FTD) 是一种进行性神经退行性脑部疾病，其临床特征是行为的显着变化，会影响个人的关系和社区参与，并给家庭带来挑战。FTD 患者的家庭照顾者发现冷漠和去抑制特别具有挑战性，导致高水平的压力和负担。作为一种行为干预框架的积极行为支持 (PBS) 从未在 FTD 中进行过试验。这项初步研究检查了四个 FTD 对中冷漠和解除抑制行为的功能基础，并探讨了 PBS 干预的可接受性。PBS 计划由参与者家中的职业治疗师提供。评估在基线和干预后（M = 3.9 个月）收集的措施：行为功能，具有挑战性的行为，以及与 PBS 方法的可接受性有关的定性结果。PBS 是所有四个二元组可接受的干预措施。“感官”和“有形”是最常见的有助于维持行为改变的功能，干预后冷漠和解除抑制的行为方面有所改善。这项研究证明了 PBS 计划在 FTD 中提供支持的可接受性和潜在好处。更严格的试验将是开发针对这一独特人群需求的改进服务的重要下一步。是有助于维持行为改变的最常见功能，干预后冷漠和解除抑制的行为方面有所改善。这项研究证明了 PBS 计划在 FTD 中提供支持的可接受性和潜在好处。更严格的试验将是开发针对这一独特人群需求的改进服务的重要下一步。是有助于维持行为改变的最常见功能，干预后冷漠和解除抑制的行为方面有所改善。这项研究证明了 PBS 计划在 FTD 中提供支持的可接受性和潜在好处。更严格的试验将是开发针对这一独特人群需求的改进服务的重要下一步。