Rehabilitation for People Living with Dementia: A Scoping Review of Processes and Outcomes

Abstract

Objectives. The aim of this scoping review was to map intervention studies of rehabilitation for people living with dementia regarding processes and outcomes, with a particular focus on whether the intervention is person-centred, home-based, or organised adopting a multidisciplinary approach and measures outcomes relating to everyday functioning and well-being. Methods. A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, and Cochrane. Studies from 2005 to November 2018 were collected and screened for relevance and quality. Randomised control trials and prospective cohort trials reporting a statistically significant effect on one or more outcome measures were included. Included studies were mapped according to selected processes and outcome measures. Results. Twenty-six intervention studies were included and mapped. Nineteen of the interventions were person-centred, nine were home-based, and 14 reported a multidisciplinary approach. Twelve of the interventions had activities of daily living as an outcome measure, and 14 had quality of life as an outcome measure. Conclusion. Person-centredness appears in most rehabilitation interventions for people living with dementia. Other processes and outcomes are heterogeneously described in the research literature. Rehabilitation programmes can be home-based or take place at a centre. Although not exclusive, the organisation of rehabilitation can be multidisciplinary. Fewer than half of the intervention studies measure the impact on activities of daily living and quality of life. Future guidelines must take into account the weak evidence regarding these aspects.

The Impact of a Dementia-Friendly Exercise Class on People Living with Dementia: A Mixed-Methods Study

“…Another strength of the study is that it clearly identified key components that others who are wishing to implement exercise classes for people with dementia should consider for inclusion: being able to attend with the family, carer, friend or alone, being able to undertake different exercises at an individual pace supervised by a trained person who is knowledgeable in dementia care and exercise. This type of person-centred exercise has been recommended by others [39,40] and whilst it was not delivered by a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team as suggested by Ravn [40], the results of this study indicated that the participants created their own multidisciplinary programme by combining the exercise class with other activities.…”

Costs Related to Frontotemporal Dementia in Latin America: A Scoping Review of Economic Health Studies

“…Therefore, the costs reported by caregivers and family members for the support of patients with FTD represent a significant percentage of the TCs identified in a similar way as in other reports, highlighting their negative economic impact on household income ( 29 , 30 ). This percentage may be related to the special care and rehabilitation required by FTD patients to improve their functionality to provide well-being and better quality of life ( 31 , 32 ). Consequently, this suggests that an important part of the costs are for expenses for the daily support of FTD patients.…”

Navigating a Middle Ground - Exploring Health Professionals’ Experiences and Perceptions of Providing Rehabilitation in Outdoor Community Settings

“…However, the diverse groups and rehabilitation services, while affording patterns and themes, are limited in terms of transferability of the findings, and tailored interventions for advancing outdoor practices in specific institutions (World Health Organization, 2010). Based on a literature review (Ravn et al, 2019) and current practice in the Danish welfare context, we argue that occupational therapists and physiotherapists play a significant role providing rehabilitation for people living with dementia. Although dementia is a progressive disease causing gradual loss in functioning rehabilitation provided by occupational therapists and physiotherapists among others, is a relevant approach to support optimal functioning and an independent and meaningful life in one’s own home as long as possible despite dementia (Johansen et al, 2004; Ravn et al, 2019).…”