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People with dementia and their care partners report a lack of support, treatment, and information, fragmented services, and a lack of inclusion in decisions about their care. Care planning may address these issues; however, there is scarce literature on the process or benefits of care planning for people with dementia. This review describes the literature on care planning for community-dwelling people with dementia and their care partners. A systematic scoping methodology was followed to identify the research questions, identify relevant documents, select relevant documents, chart the data, and collate, summarise, and report the results. 31 full-text documents published between 2010 and May 2020 were identified and reviewed. Seven were guidelines, seven were expert opinion pieces, 11 were intervention studies, and six were descriptive studies. The topics and process of care planning varied depending on the service context (e.g., memory clinic, home care, and primary care). Care planning was presented as a component of case management in 15 papers. Six of the 11 intervention studies reported positive outcomes, one showed no improvement, and one did not evaluate outcomes for people with dementia or their care partners. Of the six with positive outcomes, four evaluated care planning in the context of care management. There is limited evidence that care planning alone improves outcomes for people with dementia and their care partners. It is unclear whether it may have benefits when combined with care management.

Objective: To review studies reporting on the effectiveness of psychiatry service delivery for older people and people with dementia in hospital and residential aged care. Methods: A systematic search of four databases was conducted to obtain peer-reviewed literature reporting original research published since June 2004 evaluating a psychiatry service for older people (aged 60 years and over) or people with dementia in inpatient or residential aged care settings. Results: From the 38 included studies, there was consistent low-to-moderate quality evidence supporting the effectiveness of inpatient older persons’ mental health wards ( n = 14) on neuropsychiatric symptoms, mood, anxiety and quality of life. Inpatient consultation/liaison old age psychiatry services ( n = 9) were not associated with improved depression, quality of life or mortality in high-quality randomised studies. However, low-quality evidence demonstrated improved patient satisfaction with care and reduced carer stress. The highest quality studies demonstrated no effect of psychiatric in-reach services to residential aged care ( n = 9) on neuropsychiatric symptoms but a significant reduction in depressive symptoms among people with dementia. There was low-quality evidence that long-stay intermediate care wards ( n = 6) were associated with reduced risk for dangerous behavioural incidents and reduced costs compared to residential aged care facilities. There was no effect of these units on neuropsychiatric symptoms or carer stress. Conclusions and implications: The scarcity of high-quality studies examining the effectiveness of old age psychiatry services leaves providers and policy-makers to rely on low-quality evidence when designing services. Future research should consider carefully which outcomes to include, given that staff skill and confidence, length of stay, recommendation uptake, patient- and family-reported experiences, and negative outcomes (i.e. injuries, property damage) are as important as clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: The study aims to describe people with dementia and informal caregivers' respective experiences of support after diagnosis and compares these experiences. Additionally, we determine how people with dementia and informal caregivers who are satisfied with support differ from those dissatisfied. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey study in Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Poland, and United Kingdom was carried out to examine people with dementia and informal caregivers experience with support (satisfaction with information, access to care, health literacy, and confidence in ability to live well with dementia). The separate surveys contained closed questions. Analysis consisted of descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. RESULTS: Ninety people with dementia and 300 informal caregivers participated, and 69% of people with dementia and 67% of informal caregivers said support after diagnosis helped them deal more efficiently with their concerns. Up to one-third of people with dementia and informal caregivers were dissatisfied with information about management, prognosis, and strategies for living positively. Few people with dementia (22%) and informal caregivers (35%) received a care plan. People with dementia were more often satisfied with information, had more often confidence in their ability to live well with dementia, and were less often satisfied with access to care compared to informal caregivers. Informal caregivers who were satisfied with support were more satisfied with information and access to care compared to informal caregivers not satisfied with support. CONCLUSIONS: Experience of dementia support can be improved and people with dementia and informal caregiver differ in their experiences of support.

Australia is undergoing major aged care reforms, changing from the previous service provider-driven approach to consumer-directed care principles. In residential aged care, this has resulted in a significant reduction in government funding in order to support reform initiatives in home and community-based care. There has been limited research on the impact of structural aspects of the reforms such as the effect of changes in funding focus. Using a qualitative descriptive research methodology, this study explores the impact of the reforms on staff at various levels of operational responsibility in residential aged care. Issues identified by participants centered on the capacity to deliver care in three areas, the impact of funding reduction, challenges in meeting increasingly complex needs of residents and their families, and new requirements for care roles within current limitations. This paper provides an insight into how and why operational issues have informed the findings of the current Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. It identifies areas of support for the aged care workforce that are crucial in fulfilling consumer-focused care delivery.

Since 2012, Australia has been undertaking major aged care reforms, moving from a previously service provider-focussed approach to a more consumer-oriented policy direction. There is limited research examining consumer perspectives of residential care in the reform environment particularly with respect to both clients and their families. This study explores the lived experiences of clients and families in residential aged care facilities amid the reform implementation process.Using a qualitative descriptive research methodology, individual interviews were conducted with clients and family members (n = 10) about their expectations and experiences of residential care. Participants were drawn from two not-for-profit aged care providers.Two broad themes emerged: (i) entering residential aged care and related issues, with subthemes including reasons for entering, decision-making processes, choice of provider/facility and impact of entering care facilities; and (ii) expectations and experiences of care delivery, with subthemes including issues of staffing, service provision, communication and awareness of living in or through the reform environment. The discrepancy between the experiences of care delivered and expectations of initial and changing care needs being met was a major concern.This study presents a snapshot of the expectations and experiences of both the client and the family cohorts in residential care under the reform conditions. Adequately addressing the relational and interpersonal elements of care delivery is critical in fulfilling the reforms' consumer-oriented objectives.

Prior to implementing new programmes or practices, it is essential to understand the context, barriers and enablers to support successful use. The tailored activity programme (TAP) is an evidence-based intervention provided by occupational therapists to support community-dwelling people living with dementia and their carers. The programme was developed in the United States, and although it is not currently available for routine use in Australia, its implementation would address the needs of many Australians with dementia and their carers.The aim of the study is to understand the perspectives of occupational therapists and their managers regarding barriers and enablers to the delivery and implementation of the TAP in Queensland, Australia.A qualitative descriptive methodology was employed. Semistructured interviews were undertaken with occupational therapists (n = 18) who work with community-dwelling people with dementia and their carers, and their managers (n = 10). Participants were recruited from a range of organisations across Queensland, and they were asked about potential barriers and enablers to implementing TAP. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were mapped using framework analysis whilst remaining open to other themes.Themes were identified, and facilitating factors included the close alignment of TAP with occupational therapists' scope of practice; their acceptance of, and optimism about the programme and its perceived benefits including improved client outcomes; and an opportunity for occupational therapists to further develop their skills. Managerial support and carers' readiness and willingness to participate were also identified as important factors for success, whereas barriers were cost to clients and the capacity of the occupational therapy workforce to provide TAP.Occupational therapists and their managers expressed enthusiasm for TAP and awareness of its likely benefits, while also identifying barriers that will need to be addressed if implementation of the programme is to be successful in Australia.

While Trauma-informed care (TIC) has the potential to improve the quality of aged and dementia care, the challenge remains in translating the principles of TIC into practice. This study aimed to characterise what trauma-informed aged care looks like in practice, by learning from an aged care service acknowledged as delivering trauma-informed aged care effectively.We conducted an appreciative inquiry study within a residential aged care service catering for veterans and others with trauma histories. Observation of care behaviours, interviews with staff and residents, and organisational policy mapping were used to identify elements that maximised care safety and accessibility for trauma survivors. Data were analysed and triangulated using a framework analysis approach.The aged care provider embedded the principles of TIC into its staff training (i) to promote understanding of how trauma may affect experiences in care, and (ii) to adapt care when appropriate to promote safety. The service promoted a calm atmosphere where residents could make choices and felt safe. Uniforms and signage provided consistency, clarity, and transparency for residents. Staff behaviours demonstrated respect, fostered trust, and anticipated needs without unnecessarily imposing care. Staff consistently offered choices, used residents' names, sought permission before providing care, and offered reassurance. Staff reported high morale with a commitment to delivering high quality care, and feedback to management. Effective communication promoted information sharing and trust among staff.Trauma-informed practice was facilitated through organisational policy, a dignified environment, and thoughtful staff behaviour creating safety, choice, and control for residents.

Residents living with dementia in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) have reduced access to, and opportunities for, participation in meaningful activities. This leads to increased social isolation and disengagement. Intergenerational programs aim to overcome these issues. Allied health students piloted a live-intergenerational program (LIP), living onsite at a residential aged care facility (RACF) while volunteering for 30 h a month. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact and practicalities for implementing a LIP in an Australian RACF.This qualitative descriptive pilot study was undertaken to explore the diverse perspectives of various stakeholders. Qualitative data were collected during group discussions directed by the nominal group technique with live-in-students. Interviews were conducted with staff members, relatives, facility management and volunteers. All qualitative data were analysed thematically.Two overarching themes emerged. The first,The LIP highlighted the potential for new dimensions to person-centred care. The pilot study demonstrated intergenerational contact within aged residential care supported the evolvement of a collective and promoted a social approach for ageing well. Further research is needed to identify the long-term impact of the LIP and explore the feasibility of expanding the program.

This study aimed to conduct a feasibility pilot of the Dementia Lifestyle Coach program; an individual coaching and counselling program for people recently diagnosed with dementia, to help them to adjust to the diagnosis and live well.A randomised controlled pilot trial (n = 11) with wait-list control group was undertaken over 12 months. Intervention group participants received immediate personalised counselling from a registered psychologist and monthly support (face-to-face or by telephone) from a trained peer mentor living with dementia. The wait-listed control group commenced treatment 6 months after baseline.Recruitment and delivery of the Dementia Lifestyle Coach program was highly feasible. The program was acceptable, with nine of the 11 participants describing benefits including informational and emotional support, improving their outlook and mood, and family relationships. The planned program was adapted to participants' individual needs.This small pilot showed that it is feasible to recruit for and deliver a counselling and peer mentoring program for people recently diagnosed with dementia. A larger hybrid implementation randomised control trial should be conducted to evaluate efficacy and effectiveness.

Background: The association between gait and cognition, and their combined impact on postural stability may underlie the increased fall risk in older adults with dementia. However, there are few interventions to improve functional mobility and reduce fall risks in people with cognitive impairment. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a Safe Mobilisation Program for cognitively impaired older adults with higher level gait disorders. It also explores the potential effectiveness of the program on mobility and fall risks. Methods: Fifteen community-dwelling older adults participated in a 3-week pre-post intervention study. They were trained to take steady steps in transfers and mobilization using errorless learning and spaced retrieval teaching techniques. Results: The intervention program was feasible, all the participants completed the program and were able to mobilize safely. The program was acceptable and participants reported an increase in safety awareness, improvement in confidence while transferring and mobilising, and better quality of life. There was a trend of improvement in Falls Efficacy Scale-international (FES-I), 360° turn and Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), which may indicate improvement in balance and mobility. Conclusion: The Safe Mobilisation Program was feasible and acceptable in older adults with cognitive impairment and gait disorders and warrants further evaluation.

Background The number of people with dementia in multicultural Australia is rapidly increasing. Despite its culturally diverse population, there is limited research about how people from ethnic minority groups understand and approach help-seeking and support for dementia. The aim of this study is to understand the perceptions of dementia symptoms, help-seeking and support in the Australian Arabic-speaking community. Methods This study used a cross-sectional qualitative research design. Individual, semi-structured interviews using projective stimulus techniques were used. Participants were three Arabic-speaking people aged over 70 who were experiencing cognitive changes or dementia symptoms, six carers, and five health or social care practitioners experienced in working with Arab-Australians. Phone or video chat interviews were conducted in either Arabic or English. Interviews were audiotaped, translated when needed, transcribed verbatim and inductive thematic analysis was undertaken. Findings Seven themes were identified. Participants described dementia as relating to symptoms of confusion and memory loss. Carers and older people believe that when older people are experiencing these cognitive symptoms, they must be cared for primarily by ensuring their happiness and comfort. Barriers to help-seeking and support included a lack of help-seeking due to cultural norms of family orientated care, families are unsure of where to seek help and fear of community judgement. Two ways to facilitate help-seeking and support were to build trust through culturally appropriate support and to educate the community. Conclusion Family, trust and community were identified as central pillars of the Australian-Arabic-speaking community. There is a need to increase dementia literacy in this community particularly around help-seeking and decreasing stigma. Education should be promoted by trusted community members and religious leaders. As the first point of professional contact, general practitioners need to be upskilled to support Arabic-speaking Australians around dementia.

Objectives:The Tailored Activity Program (TAP) is an evidence-based occupational therapist-led intervention for people living with dementia and their care partners at home, developed in the USA. This study sought to understand its acceptability to people living with dementia, their care partners, and health professionals, and factors that might influence willingness to participate prior to its implementation in Australia.Methods:This study used qualitative descriptive methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with people living with dementia in the community (n = 4), their care partners (n = 13), and health professionals (n = 12). People living with dementia were asked about health professionals coming to their home to help them engage in activities they enjoy, whereas care partners’ and health professionals’ perspectives of TAP were sought, after it was described to them. Interviews were conducted face-to-face or via telephone. All interviews were recorded and transcribed. Framework analysis was used to identify key themes.Results:Analysis identified four key themes labelled: (i) TAP sounds like a good idea; (ii) the importance of enjoyable activities; (iii) benefits for care partners; and (iv) weighing things up. Findings suggest the broad, conditional acceptability of TAP from care partners and health professionals, who also recognised challenges to its use. People living with dementia expressed willingness to receive help to continue engaging in enjoyable activities, if offered.Discussion:While TAP appeared generally acceptable, a number of barriers were identified that must be considered prior to, and during its implementation. This study may inform implementation of non-pharmacological interventions more broadly.

Undertaking co-design with the end users of services has rapidly evolved as the best-practice approach to program design, development and implementation. Increased interest in using participatory co-design in dementia care has drawn attention to the need for evidence-informed methods for facilitating the meaningful involvement of people with dementia and their family carers in co-design activities. The aim of this paper is to describe the co-design framework used in the co-design of a dementia specialist training program for home care workers. The Promoting Independence Through quality dementia Care at Home program is a successful example of co-design methodology used across multiple project stages and with various stakeholder groups, including people living with dementia, family carers, home care workers, managers and researchers. Co-design methods were tailored to each stage, purpose, and stakeholder group, and to facilitate the involvement of people living with dementia. Findings provide unique insights into optimising input from co-design partners, including people living with dementia; the methodology, conditions and requirements for participants to co-design and implement ideas; and perspectives on the enablers and challenges of using co-design in this population. In this paper, we present a comprehensive approach for involving people living with dementia as active and equal contributors in inclusive and meaningful participatory co-design.

Background Our objective was to explore what people receiving and providing care consider to be ‘good’ in-home care for people living with dementia. Methods We conducted 36 in-depth interviews and two focus groups with key stakeholders in Australia in the first quarter of 2018. Participants included those receiving care (4 people living with dementia, 15 family carers) or providing care (9 case managers, 5 service managers, 10 home care workers). Qualitative thematic analysis was guided by Braun and Clarke’s six-step approach. Results Consensus was reached across all groups on five themes considered as important for good in-home dementia care: 1) Home care workers’ understanding of dementia and its impact; 2) Home care workers’ demonstrating person-centred care and empathy in their care relationship with their client; 3) Good relationships and communication between care worker, person with dementia and family carers; 4) Home care workers’ knowing positive practical strategies for changed behaviours; 5) Effective workplace policies and workforce culture. The results contributed to the co-design of a dementia specific training program for home care workers. Conclusions It is crucial to consider the views and opinions of each stakeholder group involved in providing/receiving dementia care from home care workers, to inform workforce training, education program design and service design. Results can be used to inform and empower home care providers, policy, and related decision makers to guide the delivery of improved home care services. Trial registration ACTRN 12619000251123.

Background Older people with cognitive impairment are at increased risk of falls; however, fall prevention strategies have limited success in reducing fall risks in this population (Fernando E, Fraser M, Hendriksen J et al. Physiotherapy Canada. 2017; 69: 161–170). We aim to present a model of factors contributing to gait and falls in older adults with dementia. Methods The model was developed based on an in-depth review of literature on fall risk factors particularly in people with dementia, and the relationship between cognition and gait, and their joint impact on risk of falls. Results Cognitive and motor functions are closely related as they share neuroanatomy (Rosso AL, Studenski SA, Chen WG et al. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2013; 68: 1379–1386). This close relationship has been confirmed by imaging, observational and interventional studies. Executive function is the cognitive domain most commonly associated with gait dysfunction (Cohen JA, Verghese J, Zwerling JL. Maturitas. 2016; 93: 73-77). The sub-domains of executive function(Sachdev PS, Blacker D, Blazer DG et al. Neurology. 2014; 10: 634-642) - attention, sensory integration and motor planning affect risk of falls through gait dysfunction; whereas other non-gait associated sub-domains of executive function - cognitive flexibility, judgement and inhibitory control affect risk of falls through risk taking behaviour. Conclusion Gait, cognition and falls are closely related. The comoridity and interaction between gait abnormality and cognitive impairment may be the underlying mechanism behind the high prevalence of falls in older adults with dementia. Gait and cognitive assessment with particular focus on executive function, should be integrated in fall risk screening. Assessment results should inform interventions developed by a multidisciplinary team and may include strategies such as customised gait training and behavioural modulation. A comprehensive multidisciplinary approach could be more effective in reducing fall risks in older adults with dementia.

Introduction Both genetic and nongenetic factors contribute to the risk profile of young onset dementia (YOD), but risk factors often co-occur. This matched case-control study examined whether nongenetic risk factors cluster together, to inform targeted prevention efforts. Methods Ninety-six participants with non-autosomal-dominant degenerative and/or vascular YOD and 175 controls were recruited to 2 Australian epidemiological studies. Risk exposure was retrospectively self-reported and/or informant-reported. Results Each additional exposure increased the risk for YOD, though only where vascular dementia was included in the analysis. Cluster analysis identified 4 risk groups, one of which reported a high probability of exposure to all risks and a significantly higher risk for YOD. Discussion Results suggest that combinations of nongenetic risk factors confer more risk for young onset vascular dementia, and possibly primary degenerative YOD, than a single factor on its own. Compared with their same-age peers, some people with YOD experience a lifetime of risk exposure starting from early in life.

Background Memory clinics (MCs) play a key role in accurate and timely diagnoses and treatment of dementia and mild cognitive impairment. However, within Australia, there are little data available on current practices in MCs, which hinder international comparisons for best practice, harmonisation efforts and national coordination. Here, we aimed to characterise current service profiles of Australian MCs. Methods The ‘Australian Dementia Network Survey of Expert Opinion on Best Practice and the Current Clinical Landscape’ was conducted between August-September 2020 as part of a larger-scale Delphi process deployed to develop national MC guidelines. In this study, we report on the subset of questions pertaining to current practice including wait-times and post-diagnostic care. Results Responses were received from 100 health professionals representing 60 separate clinics (45 public, 11 private, and 4 university/research clinics). The majority of participants were from clinics in metropolitan areas (79%) and in general were from high socioeconomic areas. While wait-times varied, only 28.3% of clinics were able to offer an appointment within 1-2 weeks for urgent referrals, with significantly more private clinics (58.3%) compared to public clinics (19.5%) being able to do so. Wait-times were less than 8 weeks for 34.5% of non-urgent referrals. Only 20.0 and 30.9% of clinics provided cognitive interventions or post-diagnostic support respectively, with 7.3% offering home-based reablement programs, and only 12.7% offering access to group-based education. Metropolitan clinics utilised neuropsychological assessments for a broader range of cases and were more likely to offer clinical trials and access to research opportunities. Conclusions In comparison to similar countries with comprehensive government-funded public healthcare systems (i.e., United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada), wait-times for Australian MCs are long, and post-diagnostic support or evidence-based strategies targeting cognition are not common practice. The timely and important results of this study highlight a need for Australian MCs to adopt a more holistic service of multidisciplinary assessment and post-diagnostic support, as well as the need for the number of Australian MCs to be increased to match the rising number of dementia cases.

A large proportion of nursing home residents in developed countries come from ethnic minority groups. Unmet care needs and poor quality of care for this resident population have been widely reported. This systematic review aimed to explore social conditions affecting ethnic minority residents' ability to exercise their autonomy in communication and care while in nursing homes. In total, 19 studies were included in the review. Findings revealed that ethno-specific nursing homes create the ideal social condition for residents to express their care needs and preferences in a language of choice. In nonethno-specific nursing homes, staff cultural competence and nursing home commitment to culturally safe care are crucial social conditions that enable this group of residents to fulfil their autonomy in communicating and in participating in their care. In contrast, social conditions that undermine residents' ability to express their care needs and preferences include low levels of staff cultural awareness and cultural desire, negative attitudes towards residents and limited organisational support for staff to improve culturally responsive and culturally safe care. In conclusion, it is important to optimise the social conditions to support ethnic minority residents to communicate their care needs and preferences.

Background In Australia, informal caregivers (family, friends and neighbours) play a crucial role in supporting people with dementia to remain at home. Within the community aged care policy, informal caregivers are acknowledged as assisting with managing care. However, they usually receive very limited dementia care education and training to support them in their role. The World Health Organization (WHO) developed iSupport for Dementia, a comprehensive online dementia education and skill training programme, to address the gap in supporting informal caregivers. Aim The aim of the study was to identify stakeholders’ perspectives regarding adapting the WHO iSupport for use by informal caregivers of people with dementia in Australia. Methods An interpretive description study design was used. Data were collected in focus groups with informal caregivers and care staff of dementia and aged care service providers conducted in May–July 2018. A thematic analysis was utilised to analyse data and identify findings. Results In total, 16 informal caregivers and 20 care staff participated in the study. Five themes were identified. First, informal caregivers perceived iSupport as an opportunity to provide an online one-stop shop to meet their education needs and their needs to manage care services. Second, both informal caregivers and care staff believed that an integrated caregiver network moderated by a health professional was much needed to enable informal caregivers to share learning experiences and enhance social support. Third, both informal caregivers and care staff strongly suggested that dementia and aged care service providers had a role to play in promoting the iSupport. Fourth, informal caregivers were concerned about the time commitment to participate in the iSupport programme. Finally, informal caregivers expected the iSupport to be user-friendly. Conclusion Stakeholders perceived the adaptation of the WHO iSupport in Australia would strengthen informal caregiver education and optimise support for informal caregivers.

The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link. Blanket and total bans of nursing home visitors were widespread at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic when governments and homes were unprepared to prevent and manage outbreaks. However, these visitor restrictions have been prolonged and often reinstated after having been lifted, despite increased home and health system readiness and mounting evidence of harms to residents. Further, in most nursing homes, visitor bans were introduced without discussion or consent from residents or their advocates, constituting a violation of the resident’s rights to have visitors.

The organisational, physical and social environment within residential aged care settings greatly influence its residents' sense of autonomy, choice and control and their ability to engage in meaningful occupations. Identifying to what extent these environmental contexts are supportive and well-coordinated could assist with promoting meaningful engagement of residents. The Residential Environment Impact Scale (REIS) was developed to measure the impact of the physical and social environment on residents. This study examined the benefits and barriers to implementing the REIS in four Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) and factors to consider during implementation. METHOD A multisite sequential mixed-methods study was conducted. Research participants included occupational therapists conducting the REIS and leadership staff examining the REIS reports in four facilities. Data consisted of formal observations of the REIS assessment process, an online survey of all participants and two research consensus groups. Qualitative findings were generated from field notes, open-ended survey questions and group discussions. Close-ended survey questions provided quantitative data. FINDINGS The REIS was considered a useful audit tool, generating a holistic overview of the RACF. It highlighted the quality of person-centred care and the potential role of occupational therapists to promote opportunities for meaningful occupational engagement. Barriers included administration time, personal characteristics of residents and limited resources to action recommendations. CONCLUSION The REIS has potential to be an audit tool for a whole-environment approach to facility assessment of residents' sense of autonomy, occupational choice and meaningful engagement. As such, it provides occupational therapists with scope to support RACFs meeting national quality standards.

Background/objectives Use of harmful and/or unnecessary medications in older adults is common. Understanding older adult and caregiver attitudes toward deprescribing will contribute to medication optimization in practice. The aims of this study were to capture the attitudes and beliefs of older adults and caregivers toward deprescribing and determine what participant characteristics and/or attitudes (if any) predicted reported willingness to have a medication deprescribed. Design Self-completed questionnaire. Setting Australia. Participants Older adults (n = 386), 65 years or older, taking one or more regular prescription medications and caregivers of older adults (n = 205) who could self-complete a written questionnaire in English. Measurements Older adult and caregiver versions of the validated revised Patients' Attitudes Towards Deprescribing (rPATD) questionnaire were completed. The rPATD includes two global questions and four factors: perceived burden of medications, belief in appropriateness of medications, concerns about stopping, and involvement in medication management. Participant characteristics, self-rated health, trust in physician, and health autonomy were also collected. Results Older adult participants had a median age of 74 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 70-81 y), and caregivers were aged 67 years (IQR = 59-76) and were caring for a person aged 81 years (IQR = 75-86.25 y). Most of both older adults (88%) and caregivers (84%) agreed or strongly agreed that they would be willing to stop one or more of their or their care recipient's medications if their or their care recipient's doctor said it was possible. In a binary logistic regression model, a low concern about stopping factor score was the strongest predictor of willingness to have a medication deprescribed in older adults (odds ratio [OR] = 0.12; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.04-0.34). Excellent/good rating of physical health was the strongest predictor in caregivers (OR = 3.71; 95% CI = 1.13-12.23). Conclusions Most older adults and caregivers are willing to have one of their or their care recipient's medication deprescribed, although different predictors (characteristics/attitudes) of this willingness were identified in these two groups.

Background: Older people with cognitive impairment are at increased risk of falls; however, fall prevention strategies have limited success in this population. The aim of this paper is to review the literature to inform a theoretical framework for fall prevention in older adults with dementia. Summary: A narrative review was conducted on fall risk factors in people with cognitive impairment, the relationship between cognition and gait, and their joint impact on the risk of falls. This was used to develop a theoretical framework for fall prevention for people with dementia. Executive function and motor function are closely related as they share neuroanatomy. This close relationship has been confirmed by observational studies including neuroimaging and intervention studies. Executive function is the cognitive domain most commonly associated with gait dysfunction. Attention, sensory integration, and motor planning are the sub-domains of executive function associated with risk of falls through gait dysfunction, whereas cognitive flexibility, judgement, and inhibitory control affect risk of falls through risk-taking behaviour. Key Messages: Gait, cognition, and falls are closely related. The comorbidity and interaction between gait abnormality and cognitive impairment may underpin the high prevalence of falls in older adults with dementia. Gait assessment and cognitive assessment, particularly executive function, should be integrated in fall risk screening. Assessment results should be interpreted and utilised using a multidisciplinary approach; specific strategies such as customised gait training and behavioural modulation should be considered as part of falls prevention for people with dementia.

Objectives To review intervention programs that measure gait to investigate what features of the intervention may contribute to improving gait in older adults with cognitive impairment or dementia. Design Systematic review using Medline, Cinahl, Scopus, PsychInfo, Amed, Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed for original research published in English between January 1, 2000, and July 23, 2018, to identify interventional controlled trials. Narrative synthesis was undertaken. Results Of 6,379 citations, 36 articles met inclusion criteria. Interventions were categorized as medication or medical devices (8 studies), exercise (19 studies), and exercise plus cognitive training (9 studies). Antidementia medication may improve gait variability in people with Alzheimer's disease. Exercise programs focusing on strength and balance training, especially when combined with functional mobility training, improve gait in people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Exercise plus cognitive training programs combining strength and balance training, functional mobility training, and training on attention and executive function also improve gait. Conlusion Physical and cognitive factors affect gait performance, and both should be addressed in intervention programs. Physical exercises including functional mobility training, especially walking, have better results than physical programs with only static, resistance, and flexibility training. Cognitive intervention should be concomitant with physical exercises rather than separate, with a focus on attention and executive function. Combining physical training with cognitive training in a functional context may assist older adults with cognitive impairment generalize from training to everyday activity. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:381–391, 2019.

Objectives:Modifiable factors associated with increased risk of cognitive decline include emotional (anxiety, depression), cognitive (low social and mental stimulation), and health factors (smoking, alcohol use, sedentary lifestyle, obesity). Older adults with anxiety and depression may be at heightened risk due to direct and indirect impacts of emotional distress on cognitive decline.Design:Randomized controlled trialSetting:Community sample attending a university clinic. Participants: 27 participants (female = 20) aged over 65 years (M = 72.56, SD = 6.74) with an anxiety and/or mood disorder. Interventions: two cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions (face-to-face or low intensity) that targeted emotional, health, and cognitive risks for cognitive decline.Measurements:Participants completed diagnostic interviews; self-report measures of anxiety, depression, quality of life, and lifestyle factors at baseline; post-treatment; and 3-month follow-up.Results:Both interventions resulted in significant and sustained improvements in depression, anxiety, quality of life, and physical and social activity. At post-treatment, face-to-face CBT demonstrated significantly greater improvements in emotional symptoms, alcohol use, and memory (exercise approached significance). At 3-month follow-up, gains were maintained and there were significantly greater increases in mental activity for face-to-face CBT, with social activity approaching significance. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the feasibility of CBT interventions to reduce emotional as well as lifestyle risk factors associated with cognitive decline in at-risk older participants. Large studies are needed to evaluate the long-term impact on cognitive decline. The trial was registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (Trial Registration No. ACTRN12618000939291).

Improving children’s understanding of people with dementia is essential for tackling societal stigma around dementia. Kids4Dementia is a teacher-led multimedia dementia education resource for 9–12 year olds (approximately 150 minutes duration). A non-randomised, waitlist-controlled, mixed-methods design examined whether Kids4Dementia was (1) efficacious in improving students” attitudes towards people with dementia and (2) engaging and acceptable for teachers and students. Students who completed Kids4Dementia (n = 136) showed improved scores on the Kids Insight into Dementia Survey, relative to the control school (n = 67), especially students who had not heard of dementia before (Time × Group × Dementia Familiarity interaction, F(1, 191) = 5.28, p = .023, partial η2 = .027). Qualitative reports indicated that the program was acceptable and engaging for teachers and students and corroborated improvement in student empathy and behavioural intentions towards people with dementia. The findings provide preliminary evidence for the efficacy of Kids4Dementia as an engaging, stakeholder-directed, curriculum-aligned dementia education program.

Introduction People with dementia have difficulties with memory, executive functions and behaviour which pose a challenge during diagnostic imaging. There is abundant literature on the radiographic diagnosis of dementia; however, there is little research on how to best to care for people with dementia during imaging procedures. The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of dementia care in imaging departments through the perspectives of people with dementia, carers, radiographers and student radiographers. Methods This was a cross-sectional qualitative study. Four people with dementia and six carers participated in individual semi-structured interviews; eight academic radiographers and 19 student radiographers participated in focus groups. Interviews and focus groups were transcribed and thematically analysed. Results Participants described positive and negative experiences during imaging procedures. Common themes existed among people with dementia, carers and radiographers. Findings were (1) People with dementia and carers had negative experiences such as distress and pain; radiographers experienced stigma and violence. (2) Negative experiences during imaging were associated with disrespected personhood, poor communication, insufficient knowledge of dementia, inappropriate time management, overly stimulating physical environments and exclusion of carers. (3) Departmental protocols that contributed to negative experiences included lack of preparation, lack of dementia protocols, and the use of restraints. Conclusion People with dementia and their carers can experience poor care in imaging departments and radiographers can find it difficult working with people with dementia. Radiographers need training about dementia, imaging services can improve their procedures and environment, and work in greater partnership with carers.