People with dementia often experience social isolation and stigmatization. Research shows that bringing generations together can be mutually beneficial. Although intergenerational dementia programs show promising results, specific successful elements remain unclear. A scoping literature review was performed to compare intergenerational dementia programs and identify successful elements and outcomes. Successful elements included (1) including buddy systems to foster relationship building, (2) dementia education to increase knowledge, positive attitudes and empathy among younger participants, (3) Montessori-based activities, (4) being considerate about activity set-up, (5) analyzing student-reflective journals, and (6) reminiscence programs. These findings can be used to develop successful intergenerational dementia programs. KEYWORDS Dementia; intergenerational programs; intergenerational relationships; aged care; scoping review
Background The increasing prevalence of dementia has promoted a move toward equipping people with the skills required for greater self-management of the condition to enable a better quality of life. Self-management encompasses numerous skills, such as goal setting and decision making, which aim to improve an individual’s physical and mental well-being when they live with long-term health conditions. Effective self-management may lead to increased well-being and quality of life. Reviews of web-based and app-based interventions have suggested that they have the potential to provide self-management support for people living with a range of conditions, including dementia. Objective The aim of this review is to explore the existing use of web-based or app-based interventions that facilitate or support self-management in dementia and discuss their effectiveness in promoting self-management and independence. Methods A total of 5 electronic databases were systematically searched for relevant articles published between January 2010 and March 2020. Included studies were appraised using the Downs and Black checklist and the Critical Appraisal Skills Program qualitative research checklist. A narrative synthesis framework was applied using tables and conceptual mapping to explore the relationships within and among studies. Results A total of 2561 articles were identified from the initial search, of which 11 (0.43%) met the inclusion criteria for the final analysis. These included 5 quantitative, 4 mixed methods, and 2 qualitative studies. All the included articles were of fair to high quality across the two appraisal measures. Interventions were delivered through a range of web-based and app-based technologies and targeted several self-management concepts. However, there was inconsistency regarding the domains, often affected by dementia, that were targeted by the interventions reviewed. Conclusions Web-based and app-based interventions for dementia can be delivered through a range of means and can target different aspects of self-management. The small number of studies included in this review report positive outcomes that seem to support the use of these interventions for people living with dementia. However, there is a clear need for more high-quality research into this type of intervention delivery and for studies that use a much larger number of participants across the dementia spectrum. Future research should consider the barriers to and facilitators of intervention adoption highlighted in this review and whether interventions can encompass the physical, social, cognitive, and emotional domains affected by dementia.
Background People with young onset dementia can experience stigmatization and social isolation. Peer support provides an opportunity for social connection and support. However, access to in-person peer support groups varies across the UK, and during the COVID-19 pandemic in-person peer support groups moved online. Objectives We explored the experiences of people with young onset dementia attending peer support meetings through online videoconferencing platforms, and identified barriers and facilitators. Methods A focus group study with existing peer support groups for people with young onset dementia that had their meetings online was conducted. Participants were people living with young onset dementia. Participants were recruited through convenience and purposeful sampling. Initial contact was made with the group facilitator to discuss the study purposes and assess eligibility of the group members. The data was analysed thematically by two independent researchers, using an inductive approach. Findings Four focus groups with UK-based peer support groups were conducted through the group’s usual platform, including 20 participants. Through online peer support people stayed connected during the pandemic. It provided opportunities to meet people from different places and be involved in research projects. People found it a convenient way of connecting with others without having to travel. However, some missed in-person interaction and digital exclusion and challenges to navigate different platforms were identified as barriers. Organisational skills of the facilitator and support with getting into meetings can help overcome these challenges. Conclusion Online platforms can make peer support more accessible for people with young onset dementia as it overcomes geographical barriers as well as barriers for those who feel uncomfortable attending an in-person group. Researchers and policy makers should explore how to implement and overcome barriers to online peer support, so that peer support is more widely accessible and clearly signposted to people with young onset dementia.
Background Parkinson disease (PD) significantly impacts the lives of people with the diagnosis and their families. In addition to the physical symptoms, living with PD also has an emotional impact. This can result in withdrawal from social roles, increasing the risk for social isolation and loneliness. Peer support is a way to stay socially connected, share experiences, and learn new coping skills. Peer support can be provided both in person and on the internet. Some of the advantages of online peer support are that it overcomes geographical barriers and provides a form of anonymity; moreover, support can be readily available when needed. However, the psychosocial impact of PD is still underresearched, and there is no systematic synthesis of online peer support for people with PD. Objective This review aims to explore the benefits and challenges of online peer support and identify successful elements of online peer support for people with PD. Methods The method selected for this systematic review is narrative synthesis. A total of 6 databases were systematically searched in April 2020 for articles published between 1989 and 2020. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative research checklist and the Downs and Black quality checklist. Results A total of 10,987 unique articles were identified through a systematic database search. Of these 10,987 articles, 8 (0.07%) were included in this review. Of the 8 studies, 5 (63%) were of good or high quality, 2 (25%) were of medium or fair quality, and 1 (13%) study was of poor quality. Web-based platforms included discussion forums, a web-based virtual world, and Facebook groups. Most papers reported on text-based communication. The included studies reported on sharing social support and personal experiences. Successful elements included increasing similarity between members and offering the opportunity to directly ask questions to a physician. Challenges included members leaving without a warning and PD symptoms hindering the use of technology. Conclusions Peer support can improve social support and help people with PD in living meaningful and satisfying lives. Peer support is unique and cannot be replaced by family members, friends, or health care professionals. Online peer support can be a solution for those who do not have access to an in-person support group or whose PD symptoms restrict them from travelling. However, research on the personal experiences of those who engage in online peer support and potential barriers in accessing it remains limited. Future research could use qualitative methods to explore these fields further.
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