ACT for people with dementia experiencing psychological distress (1.0)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for people with dementia experiencing psychological distress: A hermeneutic single case efficacy design (HSCED) series
IRAS ID
288848
Contact name
Danielle De Boos
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
000, 000
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Research Summary
Dementia is a condition that causes cognitive decline beyond normal ageing. Anxiety and depression are very common in people with dementia, but their needs are often under-recognised and under-served. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can reduce anxiety and depression by increasing psychological flexibility, the ability to pursue a meaningful life, in spite of unpleasant thoughts or feelings. There is much to learn about if and how ACT works for people with dementia, and whether it could be an effective psychological therapy for this population.
Three participants with a dementia diagnosis and clinically-significant levels of anxiety and/or depression will be identified by their GP or Memory Assessment Service (MAS) in Nottinghamshire. Participants will attend 12 weekly, 90-minute sessions of ACT with the student, accompanied by their caregiver if they so wish. Therapy will take place on weekdays between 9am-5pm in a familiar, convenient location to the participant. In session, participants will complete several short questionnaires to measure their anxiety and depression, goals for therapy, psychological flexibility and relationship with the therapist. One week after the final session, an independent researcher will meet with participants and their carers to discuss their opinions of therapy and any changes to their anxiety and/or depression. One and three months after therapy, participants will be sent two short questionnaires to measure their current anxiety and depression.
Information gathered from the independent researcher and questionnaires will be used to develop a case record for each participant, which will be looked at by independent psychotherapy experts to see whether ACT was effective.
This research is being funded by Health Education England and is expected to last one year in total. Participant duration will last about 7 months. The study will form a Doctoral Thesis at the University of Nottingham and will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for distribution.
Summary of Results
Over the course of therapy, it was concluded that one client with dementia made positive changes, specifically reliable reductions in psychological distress, which were largely attributable to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Two clients remained unchanged. Where change was achieved, the ACT processes of values, committed action and acceptance, in combination with non-specific therapy factors including a strong client-carer relationship, existing client interests and individualised therapy adaptations, were facilitative of change. Hence, ACT may be feasible and effective by helping carers to better meet the needs of their loved ones with dementia. Future research to optimise ACT delivery in this population may be beneficial. Furthermore, the assessment of carer factors (e.g., the client-carer relationship) may strengthen the evidence-base for using ACT systemically.
REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
20/WA/0317
Date of REC Opinion
2 Dec 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion