1. The effects of carer-delivered individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for people with dementia on carer wellbeing
- Author
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Leung, B. P., Orrell, M., and Orgeta, V.
- Subjects
616.89 - Abstract
Background: Cognitive stimulation therapy has been developed to improve cognition and quality of life (QoL) for people with dementia. Little is known of the effects on carer wellbeing when individual cognitive stimulation therapy (iCST) is delivered by family carers. Aims: • To investigate the effects of carer involvement in cognition-based interventions (CBIs) for people with dementia on carer wellbeing • To assess the effects of iCST for people with dementia on carer wellbeing. Methods: A meta-analysis review was performed. A multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) recruited 356 dyads of people with dementia and their carers. Dyads in the intervention group received iCST three times weekly over 25 weeks. A qualitative study recruited a subgroup of 23 dyads who completed iCST to take part in semi-structured interviews. Results: The meta-analysis review indicates that carer involvement in CBIs may improve carers’ QoL with effect size Hedges’ g = 0.22; 95% CI of 0.02-0.42, p≤ 0.03 and reduce carers’ depressive symptoms with effect size Hedges’ g = 0.17; 95% CI of 0.02-0.32, p≤0.03. The findings of the RCT show that there are no effects of carer-delivered iCST on carers’ mental/physical health, mood and relationship quality with their relative. Carers randomised to receive iCST however reported an improvement in their health-related QoL with a mean difference of 0.06, 95% CI 0.01-0.10, p≤0.01 and less depressive symptoms when they completed more sessions. The qualitative results show that participating in iCST may be a useful tool that provides people with dementia and their carers with opportunities to enjoy mentally stimulating activities and stay active. Conclusion: Carer involvement in CBI for people with dementia may improve carers’ QoL and reduce their depressive symptoms when they complete more sessions with their relative. The findings have important implications for developing interventions to support people with dementia and their carers.
- Published
- 2017