BPS publishes new guide to psychosocial interventions in the early stages of dementia

The new publication is the second edition of a guide first published in 2014 following consultations with people living with dementia in different areas of the UK.

It is aimed at people living through the early stages of dementia, and includes interventions that evidence suggests can help to improve memory and/or thinking skills, reduce anxiety, stress or depression, or increase wellbeing, communication or social inclusion.

These interventions are available to people who have received a diagnosis of dementia and their families, and can help with:

• coming to terms with a diagnosis of dementia
• maintaining a social life and relationships after diagnosis
• reducing stress and improving mood
• thinking and memory (cognitive function)
• living independently
• quality of life
• support for partners and family

Reinhard Guss, consultant clinical psychologist and chair of the guide's editorial team, said: 

"While there has been little progress in the development of new medication, the evidence base for the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in early stages of dementia has grown rapidly over the past few years.

This now includes interventions ranging from psychological therapies adapted and researched for use with people with dementia, such as cognitive behaviour therapy, compassion focussed therapy or family therapy via specialist music and arts therapies to dementia choirs and trained dementia dogs.

While availability remains patchy across the UK, the Guide will inform people with a new diagnosis and their families as well as commissioners of services, and includes information on where to check for availability."

Dr Tim Beanland, Head of Knowledge Management at Alzheimer's Society, said:

"We're delighted to endorse this second edition of a fantastic guide to direct people to good quality, person-centred support in an accessible and comprehensive way. Support after a dementia diagnosis is inconsistent and inadequate – as shown by our own recent report, three in five people affected by dementia did not feel they have received enough support over the last 12 months.

People living with dementia desperately need the right support from the moment of diagnosis – from talking therapies to support metal wellbeing to falls prevention or going to community groups. Alzheimer's Society are calling for more dementia support workers to signpost people to all the types of support explored in the guide."

Read the full guide, 'A guide to psychosocial interventions in early stages of dementia'.