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Which psychosocial interventions for dementia are most effective, and how should they be implemented?
Maud Graff, Ph.D.
Radboud University
Nijmegen, Netherlands
Background
According to the 2023 Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures report, individuals aged 65 years and older who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s live an average of four to eight years after their diagnosis. Individuals with Alzheimer's disease are at increased risk for a host of medical and psychiatric conditions, and there is increasing evidence supporting the efficacy of psychosocial interventions for improving their mood, function, health, and quality of life. Evidence also exists that such interventions are likely to be most effective when they are implemented during the early stages of dementia. This is when individuals with Alzheimer's and their family members are coping with the initial diagnosis and associated changes in the Alzheimer's patients' abilities and activities. However, there are many potential psychosocial interventions, and questions remain about the most effective ways to develop, evaluate, and implement them.
Research Plan
Dr. Maud Graff and team will study psychosocial interventions for individuals impacted by dementia (including those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and informal caregivers). First, the researchers will conduct a comprehensive review of the scientific literature on designs and methodologies for psychosocial interventions in dementia care. Next, the team will work with a range of experts (including researchers, health and social care professionals, policy makers, individuals with dementia, and informal caregivers) to come to a consensus on which designs and methodologies are suitable in which specific contexts and why.
Impact
This study will gather and evaluate evidence on current research practices and future directions for psychosocial interventions in dementia. The findings may help identify which interventions are most effective when, and how they exert their effects.
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