References
The power of a cup of tea: psychosocial interventions in dementia
Abstract
Dementia is a condition that affects the psychological and emotional wellbeing of not only the person with the diagnosis but also those around them. Therefore, providing holistic support and care to the entire family is essential. Psychosocial interventions have a significant impact on families living with dementia. They are a broad category of strategies and approaches that support the whole person by recognising their inherent strengths, and acknowledging and addressing the challenges they face. These interventions can range from a simple conversation over a cup of tea to more structured forms of psychotherapy.
Dementia is a complex condition characterised by a loss of cognitive and social functioning caused by progressive neurological disorders (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2022). The causes of dementia are multifactorial, as are the needs of those affected by the condition (Vernooij-Dassen et al, 2021). People living with dementia and their carers are more likely to have additional comorbidities than their age-related peers (Public Health England, 2019; NICE, 2020). Behavioural and psychological changes such as agitation, anxiety and depression can occur in up to 90% of those living with dementia, causing distress for the person and their family (Altomari et al, 2022). Dementia is the leading cause of death in the UK (Alzheimer's Research UK, 2021) and disproportionately affects women due to mortality and carer roles (World Health Organization, 2023).
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