Journeying through Dementia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Journeying through Dementia. A programme for maintenance of health and wellbeing in adults with early stage dementia
IRAS ID
127094
Contact name
Gail Mountain
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sheffield
Research summary
Improving rates of dementia diagnosis and quality of care for people with the condition are UK policy priorities. The impact of diagnosis can lead to a sense of helplessness, increasing risks of depression in both people with the condition and their carers. This feasibility study will explore how the impact of diagnosis and living with the condition may be ameliorated through engagement in a unique psychosocial intervention called Journeying through Dementia. It will also inform the content of the intervention, how it is delivered and establish requirements for a future randomised controlled trial. A total of 16 people with dementia (the participants) and their nominated carers will be recruited through memory clinics in Sheffield. Participants will be invited to attend one of two groups of up to 8 people, one for people aged 64 years and under and one for 65 years and over. They will attend 12 consecutive weekly assisted meetings held in the community and receive three individual sessions during the course of the programme with a facilitator to pursue personal goals. Carers will be invited to attend three of the weekly meetings at the beginning, middle and end of the programme. All participants and their nominated carers will be asked to complete a series of questionnaires before and after the intervention is delivered about their general health and wellbeing. Participants will also be asked to complete a quality of life questionnaire at eight weeks. Responses to questionnaires will be analysed for trends and inform sample size calculations for future studies. Participants and their nominated carers will also be invited to take part in pre and post intervention interviews to explore different perspectives, finalise the manualised programme, identify how the programme can be supported in the future and explore dimensions that enhance resilience and positive behaviour changes.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/YH/0135
Date of REC Opinion
29 May 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion