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Psychosocial interventions for people with young onset dementia and their carers: a systematic review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 April 2016

Angela Richardson
Affiliation:
Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Kingston University and St George's, University of London, UK
Gillian Pedley
Affiliation:
Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Kingston University and St George's, University of London, UK
Ferruccio Pelone
Affiliation:
Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Kingston University and St George's, University of London, UK
Farrukh Akhtar
Affiliation:
Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Kingston University and St George's, University of London, UK
Jacqueline Chang
Affiliation:
Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Kingston University and St George's, University of London, UK
Wilson Muleya
Affiliation:
Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Kingston University and St George's, University of London, UK
Nan Greenwood*
Affiliation:
Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Kingston University and St George's, University of London, UK
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Nan Greenwood, Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Kingston University and St George's, University of London, UK. Phone: +020 8725 4756. Email: nan.greenwood@sgul.kingston.ac.uk.

Abstract

Background:

Dementia in younger people, known as young (YOD) or early onset dementia (EOD), can pose significant challenges. YOD is often diagnosed in those in paid employment who have relatively young children, leading to different challenges to those for older people. It is therefore very important to provide support tailored to their specific needs. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the literature investigating the impact of psychosocial interventions for people with YOD and their family carers.

Method:

Eight electronic databases were searched and three key journals were also hand searched. Narrative synthesis of the selected articles was undertaken.

Results:

Of the 498 records identified, 495 were ineligible after application of the exclusion criteria. The final sample included three studies, all of which were employment-based. Two were qualitative and one used mixed methods. Study quality was mixed. People with YOD and their carers reported benefits from participating in work-based interventions designed for those with YOD, including improved self-esteem and sense of purpose. Social contact was highlighted. Despite cognitive decline, maintenance in well-being was also reported. Carers described benefits for people with YOD, which extended outside the intervention, e.g. enhanced sleep and mood. The impact of the interventions on carers was not assessed.

Conclusions:

This review suggests work-based interventions providing supported, meaningful work outside the home can be beneficial. However, the dearth of studies, the lack of focus on family carers and their mixed quality demonstrate the need for better quality, mixed methods research with larger sample sizes.

Type
Review Article
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2016 

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