Italian guidance on Dementia Day Care Centres: A position paper

Abstract

Dementia Day Care Centres (DDCCs) are defined as services providing care and rehabilitation to people with dementia associated with behavioural and psychological symptoms (BPSD) in a semi-residential setting. According to available evidence, DDCCs may decrease BPSD, depressive symptoms and caregiver burden. The present position paper reports a consensus of Italian experts of different disciplines regarding DDCCs and includes recommendations about architectural features, requirements of personnel, psychosocial interventions, management of psychoactive drug treatment, prevention and care of geriatric syndromes, and support to family caregivers. DDCCs architectural features should follow specific criteria and address specific needs of people with dementia, supporting independence, safety, and comfort. Staffing should be adequate in size and competence and should be able to implement psychosocial interventions, especially focused on BPSD. Individualized care plan should include prevention and treatment of geriatric syndromes, a targeted vaccination plan for infectious diseases including COVID-19, and adjustment of psychotropic drug treatment, all in cooperation with the general practitioner. Informal caregivers should be involved in the focus of intervention, with the aim of reducing assistance burden and promoting the adaptation to the ever-changing relationship with the patient.

Physical activity and exercise for the prevention and management of mild cognitive impairment and dementia: a collaborative international guideline

“…In people with MCI, mixed physical activity/exercise did not significantly change IADL scores compared to standard care (high risk of bias according to the ROBIS) [41], this effect was largely expected, since the functional aspect is one of the essential points for differentiating people with MCI and people with dementia [42]. The studies included in our guidelines did not report any information regarding quality of life or side effects.…”

Dementia Appraisal: Overview of Good Clinical Practices, Barriers, and Gaps for Integrated Care

“…Expert recommendations published immediately after the outbreak to address these challenges emphasized the use of electronic media for people at risk or living with dementia [168,169]. Psychoeducational interventions for informal caregivers through digital platforms were also recommended [170,171]. Since then, the paradigm has changed and many dementia care centers routinely adopted technological tools to improve social integration and provide clinical, psychosocial, and rehabilitative treatments [170].…”

“…Psychoeducational interventions for informal caregivers through digital platforms were also recommended [170,171]. Since then, the paradigm has changed and many dementia care centers routinely adopted technological tools to improve social integration and provide clinical, psychosocial, and rehabilitative treatments [170]. From the patients' perspective, the few available studies show their interest in using telemedicine during this period [172,173].…”