Chalfont G, Milligan C, Simpson J. A mixed methods systematic review of multimodal non-pharmacological interventions to improve cognition for people with dementia.
DEMENTIA 2018;
19:1086-1130. [PMID:
30193536 PMCID:
PMC7180318 DOI:
10.1177/1471301218795289]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Objective
Multimodal non-pharmacological interventions have been argued to
have the potential to complement current pharmacological
approaches to improving quality of life for people living with
dementia. The aim of this review was to identify, synthesise and
appraise the evidence for the effectiveness of multimodal
non-pharmacological interventions for improving cognitive
function specifically.
Method
After a comprehensive search strategy including grey literature, 26
studies were reviewed. The inclusion criteria concerned adults
with a primary diagnosis of dementia. Studies used two or more
different modes of intervention, and measured a cognitive
outcome. Due to differences in the conceptualisations of the
term ‘multimodal’, a typology of modes and methods was developed
to facilitate classification of candidate studies.
Results
Twenty-one group studies and five case studies were found. Group
studies used two or three modes of intervention and multiple
methods to implement them. Interventions utilised were
cognitive, physical, psychological and psychosocial, nutrition,
fasting, gut health, sleep hygiene, stress reduction,
detoxification, hormonal health and oxygen therapy. Five
individual case studies were found in two separate papers. Each
personalised patient treatment utilised in-depth assessments and
prescribed up to nine different modes. In 19 (90%) of the 21
group comparisons, participants were reported to have cognitive
improvements, stability with their dementia or a delay in their
decline. The extent of these improvements in terms of meaningful
clinical change was variable.
Conclusion
Multimodal non-pharmacological interventions have the potential to
complement singular therapeutic approaches by addressing
multiple modifiable risk factors currently understood to
contribute towards cognitive decline.
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