Non-pharmacological interventions and dementia: a guide to understand and implement.
Problem
Non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) are essential for people living with dementia to reduce and/or compensate the impact of cognitive impairment on their daily lives. In 2021, the Fondation Médéric Alzheimer published a guide « »Psychosocial interventions and dementia: understanding, knowing, implementing”. This guide is dedicated to professionals and presents the theoretical and practical specificities of 10 NPIs. Given the success of this guide and to meet demand, the Fondation Médéric Alzheimer has decided to publish a new edition (1).
Method/Analysis
This new version was developed in two stages: 1. Firstly, an update of the initial content. Secondly, a call for contribution was launched in 2023 to provide new information. 29 submissions were received and reviewed by a jury of professionals and researchers in the field of NPIs and dementia.
Results/Discussion
The initial following chapters were updated: adapted physical activity, animal assisted interventions, art therapy, horticultural therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, cognitive stimulation therapy, dance-based interventions, multisensory stimulation, music therapy, and reminiscence therapy. The summary tables indicating which interventions have demonstrated effects on which symptoms have been updated considering the scientific literature between 2021 and 2023.
The new content includes focus sections about specific interventions and devices such as theatre-mediated interventions, tango therapy, Music Care and the robot PARO. A section is dedicated to digital devices, which are increasingly present in the implementation of NPIs. It is essential to understand what these devices are, how they are used and what they can provide for people living with dementia. An overview of three types of device is provided: virtual reality with head-mounted display, augmented reality and animaloid social robots.
Conclusion
This guide is the result of collaborative work between professionals and academics. It is not a substitute for the training required to provide these interventions but provides theoretical and practical knowledge to better implement them.