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Behavioral Sciences
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Psychosocial Care and Support in Dementia
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Psychosocial Care and Support in Dementia

A special issue of Behavioral Sciences (ISSN 2076-328X). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Psychology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 October 2025 | Viewed by 6514

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Sara Laureen Bartels

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology and Alzheimer Centrum Limburg, Maastricht University, 6229 ET Maastricht, The Netherlands
2. Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Solna, Sweden
Interests: mild cognitive impairment; Alzheimer's disease; dementia; neuropsychology; caregiving; eHealth; pain management; interventions; affect; experience sampling method
Dr. Esther Loseto-Gerritzen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
Interests: lived experiences of people with dementia and carers; social health; post-diagnostic support; psychosocial interventions; technology; patient and public involvement (PPI)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

According to the World Health Organization, more than 55 million people are currently living with dementia worldwide. Dementia is a major cause of disability and dependency, resulting in high economical costs (i.e., 1.3 trillion US dollars globally, 2019), with 50% of these care costs being attributable to care provided by informal caregivers (e.g., partners, family members, and close friends). Psychosocial care and support can help people with dementia and informal caregivers adjust to the diagnosis, develop coping skills, and maintain independence and wellbeing. Therefore, psychosocial care and support are essential for both the person with dementia and informal caregivers.

In recent years, the research field of psychosocial care and support for dementia has rapidly expanded. There is growing interest in aspects such as (1) social health and inclusion; (2) resilience and coping; (3) technology use and digital interventions; (4) inequity and inequality in access to care and support; and (5) novel methodological approaches. Given the importance of these topics, more studies are being conducted in this area. This Special Issue focuses on the development, evaluation, and/or implementation of psychosocial care and support in dementia to advance research, practice, and policy. We welcome reviews and original research articles focusing on these topics targeting any dementia types, stages, and care settings.

Dr. Sara Laureen Bartels
Dr. Esther Loseto-Gerritzen
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Behavioral Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • dementia
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • young-onset dementia
  • caregiving
  • social health
  • inclusion
  • resilience
  • coping
  • technology
  • eHealth
  • inequality
  • inequity
  • minority
  • methodology
  • intervention
  • psychosocial
  • development
  • evaluation
  • implementation
  • sustainability

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 463 KiB  
Article
Bidirectional Relationship Between Insomnia and Depressive Symptoms in Family Caregivers of People with Dementia: A Longitudinal Study
by Lucía Jiménez-Gonzalo, María Márquez-González, Carlos Vara-García, Rosa Romero-Moreno, Javier Olazarán, Roland von Känel, Brent T. Mausbach and Andrés Losada-Baltar
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 936; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15070936 - 10 Jul 2025
Abstract
Bidirectionality between insomnia and depression is well documented in general and clinical populations but remains under-researched in family caregivers of people with dementia. This study aimed to explore this relationship using a longitudinal design with 155 family caregivers assessed annually over three years. [...] Read more.
Bidirectionality between insomnia and depression is well documented in general and clinical populations but remains under-researched in family caregivers of people with dementia. This study aimed to explore this relationship using a longitudinal design with 155 family caregivers assessed annually over three years. Data collected included sociodemographic information, health behaviors, medical data, caregiving stressors, and depressive and insomnia symptoms. Two linear mixed models were tested: Model 1 considered insomnia symptoms as the independent variable and depressive symptoms as the outcome; Model 2 considered depressive symptoms as the independent variable and insomnia symptoms as the outcome. The results showed that caregivers with more insomnia symptoms over time had significantly higher depressive symptoms, even after adjusting for covariates. Insomnia accounted for an additional 7.47% of the variance, with a total explained variance of 57.93%. Conversely, higher depressive symptoms over time were associated with increased insomnia. Depressive symptoms explained an additional 7.28% of the variance, with a total explained variance of 25.74%. These results were consistent with previous studies on non-caregiving populations, adding empirical evidence to the notion that both insomnia and depression may operate as a risk factor for the other disorder. Caregiver support interventions could improve their psychological well-being if they incorporate sleep-focused strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychosocial Care and Support in Dementia)
16 pages, 356 KiB  
Article
“Diagnosis in the Prime of Your Life”: Facilitator Perspectives on Adapting the Living Well with Dementia (LivDem) Post-Diagnostic Course for Younger Adults
by Greta Wright, Natasha S. Woodstoke, Emily Dodd and Richard Cheston
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(6), 794; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15060794 - 9 Jun 2025
Viewed by 351
Abstract
The Living Well with Dementia (LivDem) group intervention aims to support people to adjust following a diagnosis of dementia and is delivered across the UK and abroad. However, LivDem was designed for older people with dementia and may not address the needs of [...] Read more.
The Living Well with Dementia (LivDem) group intervention aims to support people to adjust following a diagnosis of dementia and is delivered across the UK and abroad. However, LivDem was designed for older people with dementia and may not address the needs of younger adults. This study aimed to identify the perspectives of LivDem facilitators on adapting the LivDem course for younger adults. Data was collected as part of an online facilitator survey and included questions requiring either ordinal or free-text responses. Responses from fifteen facilitators were analysed using descriptive statistics and Reflexive Thematic Analysis. The former indicated that participants believed that LivDem could be beneficial for younger adults and were in favour of it being adapted. Qualitative analysis generated two main themes, the first of which (‘The domino effect’: Unique Challenges for Younger Adults) had two subthemes: ‘Life and opportunities stripped away’ and ‘Impacting on everyone’. Theme 2, ‘Good to be with peers’: The Importance of Age-Appropriate Support, also had two subthemes: Groups ‘full of old people’ and Groups ‘specifically for younger people’. These findings reinforce the argument for creating age-appropriate services for people with young-onset dementia and will inform an adapted version of LivDem that provides age-appropriate support. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychosocial Care and Support in Dementia)
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26 pages, 1774 KiB  
Article
Development and Implementation of a Novel Approach to Scaling the Meeting Centre Intervention for People Living with Dementia and Their Unpaid Carers, Using an Adapted Version of the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) Checklist
by Nathan Stephens, Shirley Evans, Christopher Russell and Dawn Brooker
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 670; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050670 - 14 May 2025
Viewed by 577
Abstract
Complex interventions are often poorly described, making it difficult to understand their development, implementation, and evaluation (i.e., context), which can aid in replicating and translating evidence into practice and policy. Therefore, we examined the development and implementation of an approach to scaling-out (increasing [...] Read more.
Complex interventions are often poorly described, making it difficult to understand their development, implementation, and evaluation (i.e., context), which can aid in replicating and translating evidence into practice and policy. Therefore, we examined the development and implementation of an approach to scaling-out (increasing the numbers of) a psychosocial intervention for people affected by dementia across a rural county in England during 2019–2024. We used an adapted version of the TIDieR checklist to consider key items essential for replicating complex interventions at scale. We triangulated document analysis with interview data, and key programme stakeholders ratified the results of this study. We identified three programme components and sub-components, including how planned components were delivered, by whom, and under what conditions. Implementation outcomes related to the inner (e.g., top-down structure) and outer contexts (e.g., market failures) led to modifications that increased programme complexity. This study highlights the importance of programme leaders who can convene and drive systems and culture change to address implementation challenges, as well as the need for scaling science during programme development, for example, to determine optimal scale. Further research should include testing implementation outcomes to understand if the intervention is a scalable solution to the gap in post-diagnostic support in the UK. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychosocial Care and Support in Dementia)
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13 pages, 241 KiB  
Article
Close to the Comfort Zone: Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Implementing Leisure Activities in Dementia and Eldercare
by Golnaz Atefi, Hannah L. Christie, Marjolein E. de Vugt and Michael P. Craven
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15030347 - 12 Mar 2025
Viewed by 654
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to explore stakeholders’ perspectives on implementing non-digital leisure activities to promote social interaction in dementia and eldercare settings. Methods: A secondary analysis of online semi-structured interviews was conducted, focusing on nine stakeholders with expertise in dementia and eldercare. The [...] Read more.
Background: This study aimed to explore stakeholders’ perspectives on implementing non-digital leisure activities to promote social interaction in dementia and eldercare settings. Methods: A secondary analysis of online semi-structured interviews was conducted, focusing on nine stakeholders with expertise in dementia and eldercare. The data collected were analyzed using inductive qualitative thematic analysis to identify key themes and insights. Results: Three key themes emerged, emphasizing inclusivity, usability, and context. Stakeholders highlighted the importance of tailored activities, ease of use, and privacy. Challenges included resource allocation and availability. The findings underscore the significance of supporting innovations in both digital and non-digital leisure activities within dementia and eldercare settings. Clinicians and policymakers should consider integrating inclusive activities into care plans to enhance social interaction for older adults. Future research should focus on identifying optimal levels of engagement and evaluating the effectiveness of leisure activities in promoting well-being among older adults in diverse settings. Conclusion: Despite current limitations, stakeholders affirmed the value of non-digital leisure activities, such as board games, for enhancing social interaction and well-being in dementia and eldercare settings. Integrating non-digital and digital activities was seen as promising for meeting diverse needs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychosocial Care and Support in Dementia)
15 pages, 526 KiB  
Article
Development of a Best Practice Guidance on Online Peer Support for People with Young-Onset Dementia
by Esther Vera Loseto-Gerritzen, Orii McDermott and Martin Orrell
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14090746 - 26 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1290
Abstract
This work aimed to develop a Best Practice Guidance on online peer support for people with young-onset dementia (YOD). The Best Practice Guidance was developed through a systematic literature review, focus groups, an online survey, and interviews and consultations with people with YOD [...] Read more.
This work aimed to develop a Best Practice Guidance on online peer support for people with young-onset dementia (YOD). The Best Practice Guidance was developed through a systematic literature review, focus groups, an online survey, and interviews and consultations with people with YOD and professionals. The Best Practice Guidance consists of two parts. Part 1 contains information for people with YOD about what online peer support entails, what to expect from it, and how to get involved. Part 2 is aimed at those who facilitate or moderate online peer support (professionals or people with lived experience) and includes guidelines on how to optimize online peer support for people with YOD. The Best Practice Guidance on online peer support provides (1) people with YOD with evidence-based, relevant, and accessible information about what online peer support entails and how it could help them, (2) providers and facilitators with guidelines on how to optimize online peer support for people with YOD, and (3) healthcare professionals with a concise and accessible tool for signposting. Future research is needed to implement and disseminate the Best Practice Guidance among dementia organizations and healthcare practices and should include rigorous studies on the implementation and sustainability of online peer support for people with YOD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychosocial Care and Support in Dementia)
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Review

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20 pages, 1217 KiB  
Review
Online Interventions for Family Carers of People with Dementia That Focus on Support Strategies for Daily Living: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review
by Julieta Camino, Ana Paula Trucco, Victoria McArthur and Paul Sugarhood
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 863; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15070863 - 25 Jun 2025
Viewed by 181
Abstract
This review aimed to identify the available online interventions for family carers of people living with dementia and how effective they are when upskilling carers in how to support activities of daily living. Six databases were searched, and 10 articles with six online [...] Read more.
This review aimed to identify the available online interventions for family carers of people living with dementia and how effective they are when upskilling carers in how to support activities of daily living. Six databases were searched, and 10 articles with six online programmes were identified. Articles used an RCT design, a mixed approach, and a pre-post test design. Data were synthesised using a convergent integrated approach for mixed-methods reviews. Three overarching themes were identified, focusing on accessibility of the programme, the content and information provided, and the outcomes for the carer and the person with dementia. Online interventions with useful content for family carers of people with dementia are easy to access. However, this did not translate into carers’ outcomes, where mixed results were found. No positive findings were reported for people with dementia in terms of social participation, autonomy or self-management abilities. Development of future online interventions should consider integrating carers’ competence, skills and knowledge alongside daily activities to provide a comprehensive approach when training family carers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychosocial Care and Support in Dementia)
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19 pages, 962 KiB  
Review
Effective for Whom? A Review of Psychological and Social Intervention Recommendations in European Dementia Care Guidelines Through the Lenses of Social Health and Intersectionality
by David Neal, Sara Laureen Bartels, Saloua Berdai Chaouni, Thais Caprioli, Adelina Comas-Herrera, Rabih Chattat, Ana Diaz, Rose-Marie Dröes, Thomas Faulkner, Simone Anna Felding, Manuel Franco-Martin, Clarissa Giebel, Manuel Gonçalves-Pereira, Samira Hesse, Iva Holmerova, Wei Qi Koh, Emily Mena, Julia Misonow, Anahit Mkrtchyan, Nicole Müller, Martina Roes, Isabeau van Rompuy, Joanna Rymaszewska, Dorota Szcześniak, Jochen René Thyrian, Marjolein de Vugt, Amy Walden, Karin Wolf-Ostermann and Louise Hopperadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 457; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040457 - 2 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1296
Abstract
In dementia care, access to effective psychosocial interventions is often addressed by evidence-based guidelines for care providers. However, it is unclear if current guidelines consider personal characteristics that may impact intervention effectiveness. This study investigates if, and within what framing, dementia care guidelines [...] Read more.
In dementia care, access to effective psychosocial interventions is often addressed by evidence-based guidelines for care providers. However, it is unclear if current guidelines consider personal characteristics that may impact intervention effectiveness. This study investigates if, and within what framing, dementia care guidelines in Europe address what is effective and for whom. A review of 47 guidelines from 12 European countries was conducted. Content analysis focused on (i) if guidelines recommended specific psychosocial interventions, and how guidelines referred to (ii) social health, (iii) the intersection of social positioning, and (iv) inequities in care or outcomes. Thirty-five guidelines (74%) recommended specific psychosocial interventions. Around half referenced aspects of social health and of intersectionality. Thirteen guidelines (28%) referenced inequities. Social health was not explicitly recognised as a mechanism of psychosocial interventions. Only age and comorbidity were consistently considered to impact interventions’ effectiveness. Inequities were acknowledged to arise from within-country regional variations and individual economic status, but were not linked to (intersectional) individual societal positions such as sex and/or gender, sexuality, and/or religion. The results between European countries were heterogeneous. Current guidelines offer little insight into what works for whom. Policymakers and guideline developers should work with researchers, generating and translating evidence into policy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychosocial Care and Support in Dementia)
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Other

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25 pages, 443 KiB  
Systematic Review
Within My Walls, I Escape Being Underestimated: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Stigma and Help-Seeking in Dementia
by Marco Brigiano, Lara Calabrese, Ilaria Chirico, Sara Trolese, Martina Quartarone, Ludovica Forte, Alice Annini, Martino Belvederi Murri and Rabih Chattat
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(6), 774; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15060774 - 3 Jun 2025
Viewed by 545
Abstract
Dementia-related stigma significantly influences help-seeking and affects the quality of care and support received by people with the condition. This review examines the impact of stigma on help-seeking among people with dementia and identifies key factors influencing this relationship. A systematic search across [...] Read more.
Dementia-related stigma significantly influences help-seeking and affects the quality of care and support received by people with the condition. This review examines the impact of stigma on help-seeking among people with dementia and identifies key factors influencing this relationship. A systematic search across Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Scopus identified seventeen qualitative studies that met the inclusion criteria. These criteria encompassed studies focusing on individuals aged 60 and older addressing public- or self-stigma and exploring help-seeking behaviors and related influencing factors. A thematic synthesis was employed to analyze the findings. The following five major themes emerged: reluctance to disclose the condition, internalization or rejection of stigmatizing beliefs, influence of family and community, attitudes of healthcare professionals, and lack of awareness in the broader society. Factors such as psychological decline, loss of autonomy, limited service access, peer support, and need for policy-level intervention were identified as central in shaping stigma. Findings related to the factors that influence this relationship indicate that stigma delays diagnosis and treatment, restricting access to adequate care. Both individual (e.g., autonomy, psychological well-being) and contextual (e.g., social networks, public policies) factors are crucial in moderating this dynamic. Targeted interventions addressing these dimensions are urgently needed to reduce stigma and facilitate timely help-seeking in dementia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychosocial Care and Support in Dementia)
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