Psychological support for people with dementia: an exploratory study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Psychological support for people with dementia: an exploratory study
IRAS ID
179023
Contact name
Kelly Birtwell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Manchester Mental Health & Social Care Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
This study will explore the attitudes to, and acceptability of psychological support for people with mild dementia, from the perspective of people with mild dementia. The term psychological support will include counselling, psychotherapy, other one-to-one psychological interventions (e.g. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), group interventions (e.g. mindfulness) and support from other sources such as Admiral Nurses.
There are 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia and the cost to the UK economy is over £26 billion (Alzheimer’s Society, 2014). A diagnosis of dementia can significantly affect self-esteem, and support to understand and make sense of the diagnosis, as well as making positive adjustments, is important.
Understanding the views of people with dementia in relation to psychological support, particularly counselling and psychotherapy, can help in the development and provision of services. It is essential that attitudes and acceptability are understood, as well as barriers that may prevent people with dementia from accessing services if they are available.
The rationale for this project is in line with statements 2 and 6 of the 10 quality statements for supporting people to live well with dementia (NICE):
2 Choice and control in decisions: People with dementia, with the involvement of their carers, have choice and control in decisions affecting their care and support.
6 Physical and mental health and wellbeing: People with dementia are enabled, with the involvement of their carers, to access services that help maintain their physical and mental health and wellbeing.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0327
Date of REC Opinion
24 Apr 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion