Non-pharmacological interventions in dementia care: what is being implemented

Aims and method Non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) are recognised for their potential in treating dementia symptoms. However, little is known about the extent of their use. In this study, we conducted structured interviews with people with dementia and their family caregivers (n = 50), profe...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Sabrina D. Ross, Nadja Ziegert, Francisca S. Rodriguez
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press
Series:BJPsych Bulletin
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Online Access:https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2056469425101204/type/journal_article
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Summary:Aims and method Non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) are recognised for their potential in treating dementia symptoms. However, little is known about the extent of their use. In this study, we conducted structured interviews with people with dementia and their family caregivers (n = 50), professional caregivers (n = 42) and dementia care coordinators (n = 42) on the use of 14 NPIs. Results Cognitive stimulation/training, physical activity and occupational therapy were implemented by most participants, whereas neurofeedback, drama therapy and phototherapy were rarely used. Most NPIs were carried out weekly. People with dementia and their caregivers reported using significantly fewer NPIs than other participants (P < 0.001). Participants perceived effects for, on average, 90.3% (s.d. = 31.3%) of the NPIs that they used. Clinical implications Providing targeted support and funding might help to increase the use of NPIs by family caregivers as well as in institutional care settings.
ISSN:2056-4694
2056-4708