Dr Vasiliki Orgeta
Alzheimer's Society
United Kingdom
IDEA Intervention to prevent Depressive symptoms and promote well-being in EArly stage dementia development and feasibility
Alzheimer's Society
473,580
01/02/16
4.0
Alzheimer's disease & other dementias
Depression in dementia is a highly common syndrome producing substantial decrements in well-being. People with dementia and depression experience more functional and behavioural problems, and are at high risk of entering care. Anti-depressants are ineffective in treating or reducing depressive symptoms. Given therefore the serious burden of depression and limited treatment options, preventing, or at least delaying the onset of depression in people with dementia is a major clinical priority.
Existing research in psychological interventions in dementia suggests that these can reduce depressive symptoms but definitive evidence is lacking. The primary aim of the proposed research is to develop a coping intervention to prevent depressive symptoms for people with early-stage dementia. The development of the intervention will be guided by Medical Research Council (MRC) guidelines, preventive interventions for depression in late life and in-depth consultations with key-stakeholders. The secondary objective is to test the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention.
A total of 60 people with dementia will be recruited, with minimum size needed to estimate acceptability being 56 (expected value 75%, 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) = 59-87%). Participants will have a diagnosis of early-stage dementia, will be living in the community and have a carer who can participate in the intervention. The feasibility study will estimate parameters for a main definitive trial such as number of eligible participants, percentage finding the intervention acceptable, follow-up rates, and number of sessions attended. Additional data collected will be suitability of outcome measures and piloting procedures and parameters for a future trial.