Abstract
The electronic databases Scopus, PubMed, and PsychINFO as well as reference lists of existing studies were searched to select eligible articles. Out of the 55 studies found, 14 met the inclusion criterion of an original empirical study on LSBs in people with dementia. The majority of the LSBs were tangible books, although some digital applications were also found. The LSBs were created mostly in individual sessions in nursing homes with a median of six sessions. Some studies only focused on the person with dementia, while others also examined (in)formal caregivers. Most studies used qualitative interviews, case studies, and/or (pilot) randomized controlled trial (RCTs) with small sample sizes. Qualitative findings showed the value of LSBs in triggering memories and in improving the relation with the person with dementia. Quantitative effects were found on, e.g. autobiographical memory and depression of persons with dementia, quality of relationship with informal caregivers, burden of informal caregivers, and on attitudes and knowledge of formal caregivers. This systematic review confirms that the use of LSBs to support reminiscence and person-centered care is promising, but larger RCTs or implementation studies are needed to establish the effects of LSBs on people with dementia.
Highlights
In 2015, the number of people living with dementia worldwide was estimated at 46.8 million
Dementia and the related neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) affect the quality of life of the person with dementia, and result in a higher burden of informal caregivers and a lower quality of their lives (De Vugt et al, 2003; Peeters et al, 2012; Conde-Sala et al, 2016)
The creation of a Life story books (LSBs) is a specific form of reminiscence that is the result of a life review process that illustrates the biography of a person
Summary
In 2015, the number of people living with dementia worldwide was estimated at 46.8 million This number is expected to increase to 74.7 million in 2030 and 131.5 million in 2050 (Prince et al, 2015). Dementia is among the top five with the highest burden of disease for persons over 65 years and it belongs to the diseases with the highest burden for informal caregivers (McKeith and Cummings, 2005). This burden includes physical, emotional, and economic aspects (World Health Organization, 2017). Dementia is one of the most costly diseases worldwide (Prince et al, 2015; World Health Organization, 2017)
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