Regional Dementia Care Networks in Germany Results from the DemNet-D-Study Regarding the quality of life of their users

Background: Regional dementia care networks become more and more important in the care for community-dwelling persons with dementia (PwD). However, the quality of life of PwD, served by dementia care networks, has not been investigated yet. It also remains unclear if there are differences between urban and rural dementia care networks. This study therefore 'aims at investigating the quality of life of PwD using this care model, also regarding possible regional differences. Methods: Within the DemNet-D-Study, PwD and their primary caregivers were interviewed using typical outcome parameters (quality of life: QoL-AD, depression: GDS, challenging behaviour: CMAI, capacities of daily living: IADL, caregiver burden: BIZAD). In addition to these parameters, regional differences were analysed using multi-level-analysis. Results: In total, 560 PwD (79.7 years; 57.0 % female) and their caregivers participated in the study. Both self- and proxy-rated quality of life is on a moderate level. The analysis shows a sufficient explanation of the quality of life. (self: p < 0.001, R-2 = 0.493; proxy: p < 0.001, R-2 = 0.406). Higher quality of life was found for PwD living together with their care givers and for those PwD with higher capacities of daily living. Regional (urban vs. rural) differences could not be found. Conclusion: The quality of life of community-dwelling PwD using regional dementia care networks is comparable to those in other studies of outpatient dementia care. Further investigation should be carried out regarding different types of dementia care networks.