Non-pharmacological interventions for people living with young-onset dementia and their carers: A scoping review focussing on the support of participants' needs.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Young-onset dementia (YOD) is a highly influential disease that exerts force on the normal life of those who still have to continue social life. Research has been lacking in spite of its seriousness, which accounts for about 9% of all dementia cases. This study aimed to examine non-pharmacological interventions for people living with YOD and/or their carers, and to analyse how those interventions support their needs. A scoping review methodology was utilized to search the studies examining interventions for people living with YOD and/or their carers, and in English or Korean. The information was extracted, summarized and analysed in CANE categories. Sixteen studies were included in the review. Five types of interventions were drawn. 'Memory' was the most covered part of the needs by the interventions. This study found that interventions currently do not match the needs of people living with YOD and their carers. Multidisciplinary research would be eligible to cover the subjects' wide range of the needs as much as possible. We suggest the development of a specialized needs assessment tool and specialized interventions for people living with young-onset dementia and their carers.