Additional research is needed to examine support for caregivers of patients with epilepsy who receive ketogenic diet therapy (KDT), according to findings published in Epilepsy & Behavior. Lindley McDavid, PhD, and colleagues note that, in pediatric patients with refractory epilepsy, “the ability of informal caregivers, typically family members, to maintain diet adherence is vital” for successful treatment. They identified 137 publications after screening for epilepsy, medical KDT, caregiver support, and education. Three of the studies examined potential underlying elements of effective caregiver support. The findings indicate that research on KDT caregivers “is in its infancy” and that future work is necessary to increase access “to quality support programming to foster KDT implementation, desirable patient outcomes, and caregiver wellbeing,” according to Dr. McDavid and colleagues. Specifically, KDT support groups provide additional opportunities for caregivers “to connect with their medical team and develop a mentoring network that facilitates interpersonal relationships among caregivers.” The researchers note that such relationships are also effective for sharing practical strategies for implementing KDT.
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