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Psychosocial intervention for carers of people with dementia: What components are most effective and when? A systematic review of systematic reviews

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Claire Dickinson, Dr Johanne Dow, Dr Grant Gibson, Dr Louise HayesORCiD, Shannon Robalino, Dr Louise Robinson

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Abstract

© International Psychogeriatric Association 2016. Background: Psychosocial interventions for carers of people with dementia are increasingly recognized as playing an important role in dementia care. We aim to systematically review the evidence from existing systematic reviews of psychosocial interventions for informal carers of people with dementia. Methods: Thirty-one systematic reviews were identified; following quality appraisal, data from 13 reviews, rated as high or moderate quality, were extracted. Results: Well-designed, clearly structured multi-component interventions can help maintain the psychological health of carers of people with dementia and delay institutionalization of the latter. To be most effective, such interventions should include both an educational and a therapeutic component; delivery through a support group format may further enhance their effectiveness. Conclusions: Successful translation of evidence into practice in this area remains a challenge. Future research should focus on determining the most cost-effective means of delivering effective multi-component interventions in real-world settings; the cost-effective potential of technology-based interventions is considerable.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Dickinson C, Dow J, Gibson G, Hayes L, Robalino S, Robinson L

Publication type: Review

Publication status: Published

Journal: International Psychogeriatrics

Year: 2017

Volume: 29

Issue: 1

Pages: 31-43

Print publication date: 01/01/2017

Online publication date: 26/09/2016

Acceptance date: 11/08/2016

ISSN (print): 1041-6102

ISSN (electronic): 1741-203X

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

URL: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610216001447

DOI: 10.1017/S1041610216001447


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