Learning disability and dementia - non-drug interventions
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Implementation of non-drug interventions with people who have a learning disability and dementia.
IRAS ID
244899
Contact name
Karen Watchman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Stirling
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 3 days
Research summary
Whilst research evidence is gradually increasing in relation to non-drug interventions and support in the general population of people with dementia (without learning disability), this is not yet inclusive of people who have a learning disability. This study, funded by an Alzheimer’s Society Implementation Grant, seeks to collaboratively implement non-drug interventions with people who have a learning disability and dementia.
This is based on the interventions included in ‘Jenny’s Diary’, a pictorial book developed by the Principle Investigator to support conversations about dementia with individuals who have a learning disability. Interventions will be personal to each person with dementia and decided at an initial ‘goal setting’ meeting with the person and their primary staff carer/welfare attorney/guardian/nearest relative. This may include (but it not restricted to) music, reminiscence-based activities, design or environmental changes or use of technology. Data will be collected from staff who support the person with dementia in one of two collaborating third sector learning disability social care organisations:
- Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q) with Resarch Fellow - a validated informant-based scale that is widely used in clinical research studies to evaluate dementia-related symptoms or changes.
- Semi-structured interviews with Research Fellow.
- Bespoke log to measure ‘in the moment’ changes during the intervention. This includes a log of what, when, for how long and at what time each intervention was implemented.The project concept was developed from workshops held by, and for, people with learning disabilities (some of whom had dementia) at the 2 collaborating social care organisation. Two people with learning disabilities (not dementia) are on the project advisory board and are named as co-researchers. Both have devised some of the project paper work to ensure it is accessible and in an easily understood format.
REC name
Scotland A: Adults with Incapacity only
REC reference
18/SS/0048
Date of REC Opinion
5 Jun 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion