Assessing Meaningful Engagement in Advanced Dementia v.1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Prototype Tool for Assessing Meaningful Engagement in Advanced Dementia (MEAD)
IRAS ID
340523
Contact name
Arlene Astell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Northumbria at Newcastle
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 4 days
Research summary
In the advanced stages of dementia, communication difficulties profoundly affect both people with the condition and their caregivers. This leads to significant challenges in engagement for people living with advanced dementia, which in turn reduces their care quality, quality of life, and well-being, while also increasing their social isolation. To address this, the current project aims to test the 'Meaningful Engagement in Advanced Dementia' (MEAD) prototype tool that evaluates meaningful engagement between people living with advanced dementia and their caregivers. The tool focuses on the fundamental aspects of communication, which are often overlooked in existing engagement measures.
This project will consist of two main groups of participants: i) caregivers for people living with advanced dementia and ii) people living with advanced dementia. Caregivers will first complete questionnaires about their background, confidence, and attitudes toward dementia. They will then attend a baseline session to familiarise themselves with the MEAD prototype tool. Over the next week, they will participate in engagement sessions with people living with advanced dementia and use the MEAD prototype tool. Afterward, they will complete follow-up questionnaires and take part in an interview to share their experiences using the MEAD prototype tool.
By testing the MEAD prototype tool, this project could provide a valid way to assess and enhance engagement, foster positive social interactions, and improve the care quality, quality of life, and well-being of people living with advanced dementia. Ultimately, the tool could significantly impact social-care policy and contribute to the development of educational programs that help caregivers obtain the necessary skills to assess meaningful engagement in people living with advanced dementia.REC name
Social Care REC
REC reference
25/IEC08/0015
Date of REC Opinion
31 Jul 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion