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Palliative care reduces caregiver burden, alleviates patient symptoms, and supports treatment decision-making. However, despite these benefits, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of palliative care interventions for caregivers of individuals with advanced dementia.
To integrate and analyze data on the effectiveness of palliative care interventions in improving caregiver outcomes in order to ensure that both patients and caregivers receive the support necessary for optimal care experiences, quality of life management, and advanced care planning.
A systematic search was conducted of six databases to identify relevant studies published from database inception to 12 December 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating palliative care interventions for caregivers of people with advanced dementia were included. Version 2 of the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess the risk of bias in the methodology of each study. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) between each intervention and control group were calculated. A random-effects DerSimonian and Laird model was applied to generate pooled SMD estimates for each outcome and assess its heterogeneity. A leave-one-out sensitivity analysis was performed to ensure the stability of the pooled effect sizes.
Eight RCTs were included in the final analysis. Palliative care interventions appeared to reduce conflict in decision-making among caregivers of people with advanced dementia.
Palliative care interventions were successful in reducing conflict in decision-making of caregivers of people with advanced dementia. However, the modality's effects on caregiver satisfaction and caregiver distress need further investigation.
Future palliative care interventions for caregivers of advanced dementia patients should focus on developing the contents of palliative care materials based on evidence-based evaluations and explore strategies to improve engagement between patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has demonstrated positive effects on emotional well-being and quality of life in individuals with dementia. Limited evidence constrains the generalisability of these findings.
This review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that implemented CBT and assessed cognitive function, depressive symptoms, anxiety and quality of life in individuals with dementia were included. Seven databases—APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed and Web of Science—were searched up to 10 October 2024. The Risk of Bias 2 (RoB-2) tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality of included studies. Pooled standardised mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models for each outcome.
A total of 10 RCTs, involving 1412 individuals with dementia and published between 2011 and 2024, were included in the analysis. CBT was associated with a reduction in anxiety (pooled SMD = −0.94; 95% CI = −1.33 to −0.55; I 2 = 0.00%; p < 0.04). No significant differences were found in cognitive function, depression or quality of life between those receiving CBT and those in the control groups.
This study suggests that CBT alleviates anxiety in people with dementia. However, further investigation is required to clarify its effects on cognitive function, depressive symptoms and quality of life. Future research should focus on the development of CBT protocols, alongside the exploration of relevant outcome measures.
CBT has shown potential in improving emotional well-being and quality of life in individuals with dementia. The findings inform healthcare professionals about its clinical utility and effectiveness in dementia care.
The findings suggest that traditional CBT may not fully address the needs of people with dementia, emphasising the importance of incorporating multisensory stimulation and caregiver involvement to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
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