Psychosocial interventions in dementia

The BPS has published a new guide to psychosocial interventions in the early stages of dementia which has been endorsed by the Alzheimer's Society.

Developed by the Division of Clinical Psychology's Faculty for the Psychology of Older People, the guide is the second edition of a 2014 document.

The guide includes interventions that evidence suggests can help to 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 dementia diagnosis, maintaining a social life and relationships, reducing stress and improving mood, thinking and memory, living independently, quality of life and support for partners and family.

Reinhard Guss, consultant clinical psychologist and chair of the guide's editorial team, said while there had been little progress in the development of medication for dementia, the evidence base for the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in early-stage dementia had grown rapidly in recent years.

'This now includes interventions ranging from psychological therapies adapted and researched for use with people with dementia, such as cognitive behaviour therapy, compassion-focused 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.'

Head of Knowledge Management at Alzheimer's Society, Dr Tim Beanland, said they were delighted to endorse the guide, which directs people to good quality, person-centred support in an accessible, 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 to psychosocial interventions in the early stages of dementia