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Biographical films as a person‐centered approach to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia in residential care: A feasibility study
Author(s) -
Francis Emma R.,
Smith Jared G.,
Qayyum Mustabshira,
Lee Jessica,
Woodgate Philip,
Lawrence Robert M.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of clinical psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.124
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1097-4679
pISSN - 0021-9762
DOI - 10.1002/jclp.22853
Subject(s) - dementia , psychology , thematic analysis , psychiatry , gerontology , medicine , clinical psychology , disease , qualitative research , pathology , social science , sociology
Objective Neuropsychiatric symptoms are a major component of dementia irrespective of severity or subtype. We aimed to determine the feasibility of biographical films to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms in people with moderate to severe dementia over a 32‐week period. Method A total of 11 people with dementia situated in a residential care home took part in this mixed‐method feasibility study. Carers reported neuropsychiatric symptoms of residents at three time‐points, and their experience of the study was obtained at a feedback session. Results There was a significant reduction in neuropsychiatric symptoms in residents with neuropsychiatric impairment from baseline to the end of study ( p = .042; d = .98). Thematic analysis identified three major themes: Triggered memories, knowledge gained to support care, and perceived changes in the resident. Conclusion The findings suggest that it is feasible to use biographical films long‐term to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia, alongside routine care.