ABSTRACT Evidence regarding the impact of dementia care training on the confidence of healthcare support workers (HSWs) is relatively scarce. This study aimed to explore the current status and factors influencing HSWs’ confidence in providing dementia care. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 345 HSWs in Taiwan, who completed self-reported questionnaires, the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS), and the Approach to Dementia Questionnaire (ADQ). Linear multiple regression analysis was used to identify the major factors related to confidence in providing care that meets the needs of individuals with dementia. Notably, 94.8% of the participants had completed dementia care training, and the average confidence rating in providing dementia care was 3.67 (SD = 0.77). Participants who completed the dementia caregiving course were typically older, had more work experience, and were more likely to have cared for individuals with dementia compared to those who did not complete the course; both factors were associated with higher levels of confidence in providing dementia care. Key factors related to confidence included prior experience in caring for individuals with dementia and familiarity with, or learning about, Person-Centered Dementia Care (PCDC). Therefore, in addition to dementia care training courses, the integration of practical dementia care training and a deeper understanding of PCDC could further enhance HSWs’ confidence in delivering dementia care.

Dementia-related cognitive decline and ageing-related challenges impact social participation and relationships. Limited knowledge of dementia among family, friends and the public hinder support for interactions with those affected. Unmet social needs in community-living older adults with dementia remain underrecognized, despite their importance in healthy ageing and quality of life. This scoping review mapped existing evidence on unmet social needs of community-living older adults with dementia, including how these needs vary across dementia stages. We conducted a scoping review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines. Four databases were searched (2000 -April 2025) in English, Portuguese and Mandarin, yielding 24 included articles. Seven themes of unmet social needs were identified: (i) participation in out-of-home activities, (ii) support for maintaining independence in daily life (iii) companionship, (iv) meaningful relationships, (v) respectful and dignified social interactions, (vi) emotional support, and (vii) social needs during the pandemic. Unmet social needs differed by dementia stage: in mild dementia, unmet social needs mostly relate to out-of-home activities, while in moderate and severe stages unmet social needs shifted towards daily activities, companionship and emotional support. Stigma emerged as a transversal influence shaping experiences of unmet social need across stages and contexts. Unmet social needs evolve across dementia stages and are influenced by relational, socio-cultural and structural factors. Future research should include more advanced stages, diverse populations, and strategies for addressing social needs from their own perspectives.

Abstract Introduction Dementia is a growing global health challenge, and healthcare professionals’ knowledge and attitudes significantly influence quality of care.[1] Pharmacists, as key members of the healthcare team, play a central role in supporting medication use. Evidence indicates that pharmacist-led interventions can improve caregivers’ understanding, enhance medication adherence, and positively impact health outcomes for people with dementia (PwD).[2] However, little is known about pharmacists’ preparedness to care for PwD in Saudi Arabia. Aim This study sought to evaluate Saudi Arabian hospital pharmacists’ perceived knowledge and attitudes towards PwD, and identify factors associated with these outcomes. Pharmacists’ prior education and training in dementia and their future learning needs were also established. Methods A self-administered questionnaire (completed on paper or online) was distributed among hospital pharmacists in nine tertiary hospitals in Riyadh between December 2024 and March 2025. A purposive sampling approach was used to invite eligible pharmacists directly involved in dispensing medication for PwD (n = 372). Data were collected on respondents’ demographic characteristics, knowledge of dementia using the validated Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS, which assesses knowledge across seven domains: life impact, risk factors, symptoms, treatment and management, assessment and diagnosis, caregiving, and course of the disease), attitudes towards PwD using the Dementia Attitudes Scale (DAS), and education and training received on dementia. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to summarise participants’ characteristics and their responses, whilst regression analyses explored factors associated with knowledge and attitudes; p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Open-ended responses were analysed using content analysis. Results The response rate was 60.2% (224/372). Most respondents were female (n = 122, 54.5%) with a median age of 32 years. Many respondents were recent graduates, having been qualified for ≤5 years (n = 83, 37.1%). The overall mean knowledge score was 18.9 (SD ±3.6) out of 30, corresponding to 62.9% correct answers. Knowledge scores varied across domains, from 48.3% in ‘risk factors’ to 74.6% in ‘life impact.’ The overall mean attitude score was 93.5 (SD ±13.4) out of 140. Female respondents (β = 0.22, p = 0.001) and those with professional experience of PwD (β = 0.16, p = 0.02) had significantly higher knowledge scores. Having a relative with dementia (β = 0.20, p = 0.004) and holding a postgraduate qualification (β = 0.13, p = 0.06) were associated with more positive attitudes towards PwD. Most respondents (n = 208, 93.0%) had never received dementia-related training, although many expressed interest in attending future training focused on caregiving, communication, and medication use. Conclusion Although pharmacists generally expressed positive attitudes towards PwD, their knowledge was moderate, with notable gaps in areas such as the risk factors for dementia. Given the limited prior training reported and respondents’ interest in receiving further training, targeted educational interventions are needed to enhance pharmacists’ knowledge in this area. While these findings contribute to the limited evidence base, they may not be generalisable to other regions or healthcare settings in Saudi Arabia.

Audiovisual game-based education programs effectively enhance healthcare students' attitudes toward dementia. This single-arm study aimed to adapt and translate an audiovisual game-based educational program and evaluate its effectiveness in improving Indonesian healthcare students' attitudes towards people living with dementia (PLWD). A total of 308 nursing and public health students participated in a 90-minute program. Demographic data, attitudes, dementia knowledge, ageism, and helping intention were assessed pre- and post-intervention and analyzed using paired t-tests. The participants' mean age was 20.3 ± 0.7 years, and 87% were women. Attitudes, dementia knowledge, and helping intention improved significantly (all p < 0.001) post-intervention. The program can effectively improve attitudes toward PLWD, making healthcare settings more supportive and dementia-friendly. It can be used as a healthcare education method to enhance attitudes toward PLWD, dementia knowledge, and helping intention. Future studies should utilize game-based education to enhance the care for PLWD.

Support use in caregivers of persons with dementia of East Asian backgrounds: An integrative review.

The neglected reality of older South Asians with dementia and their caregivers living as ethnic minority in diaspora: A scoping review.

Knowledge of dementia and factors associated with dementia knowledge among 35- to 65-year-old adults in Bandaragama Divisional Secretariat area in Sri Lanka- a lower- middle-income country.

Objectives Raising awareness of dementia in the general public is a key dementia policy. Adolescents are one population whose levels of dementia knowledge we have little understanding about. In this cross-sectional survey study, we aimed to capture the level of dementia knowledge in adolescents from different socio-demographic groups and to explore the factors associated with adolescents’ dementia knowledge. Method We recruited 1,371 adolescents aged 11-18 years across England. Adoeslescents were asked to complete a survey that included dementia knowledge items from the The Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey. Descriptive statistics, a logistic regression, and cross-tabulations were used to explore adolescents’ level of dementia knowledge in various demographic groups (e.g. ethnicity, religion, sex, age). Results Adolescents were able to answer just under half the knowledge items correctly (mean = 48%). Only 30% (n = 411) of participants correctly identified that dementia is not a mental illness and just over half of the adolescents (53%, n = 725) thought that dementia is not a normal part of ageing. While we observed some demographic differences, the level of knowledge across various groups did not significantly differ (p-values > .05). Conclusions Overall, the presence of widespread misconceptions among adolescents, combined with the lack of demographic variation, indicates that universal dementia education and awareness campaigns may be required to effectively address these misunderstandings.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop an evidence- and theory-based health education manual for dementia care and to test its validity and reliability.MethodsA multi-phase study design was employed to develop a health education manual for caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD). A systematic review of randomized controlled trials identified effective interventions, while parallel semi-structured interviews with caregivers explored practical needs. Then, the initial content framework of the manual was developed based on the previously established Dementia Caregiver Stress Process Model (DeCare-SPM), which informed the organization of content around three core coping strategies: problem-focused, emotion-focused, and meaning-focused coping. Based on this framework, a multidisciplinary team refined and translated the material into accessible, practice-oriented guidance through scientific adaptation and collaborative design. The manual was finalized through expert validation using the Delphi method.ResultsA total of 31 studies were included in the systematic review, with psychosocial and psychoeducational approaches identified as the most common across seven intervention categories. Family caregivers of PWD faced social support barriers and needed dementia knowledge, skills, and emotional stress management. A content system for the education manual was established, comprising three domains (i.e., problem-focused, emotion-focused, and meaning-focused coping), nine secondary indicators, and thirty-one tertiary indicators. The problem-focused domain covered disease knowledge, daily care, and symptom management; the emotion-focused domain included stress adaptation, mindfulness training, and behavioral activation, and the meaning-focused domain focused on self-management and psychological adjustment. The manual incorporated scientifically designed illustrations and multimedia resources (QR codes), and expert evaluation demonstrated high content validity (CVI = 0.81–1.00).ConclusionThis study developed a health education manual for caregivers of PWD, grounded in caregivers’ needs and evidence-based practices, structured around a multidimensional coping model, and delivered in both paper and digital formats with identical content. Expert validation demonstrated strong content validity, indicating its value as a practical resource for PWD and their care services.

BackgroundDeaf individuals continue to face complex challenges in both accessing healthcare and obtaining information about dementia. Despite this, research into their perceptions of dementia and the need of tailored awareness programs remains limited. In response, a dementia awareness program specially designed for Deaf communities is being developed as part of the Erasmus+ project "DeSign".ObjectiveThis study provides the groundwork for that initiative by exploring (a) what Deaf individuals in Austria, Germany, and Greece know and how they perceive dementia, (b) the current challenges in accessing information and healthcare, and (c) their preferences for the design of specialized, accessible dementia awareness courses.MethodsSix semi-structured focus groups (two per country) were held in the respective national sign languages with 4-14 Deaf participants, including dementia experts, family caregivers, and general community members. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis.ResultsDeaf participants from the general population demonstrated significant gaps in dementia knowledge, including misconceptions about early signs, causes, and risk factors. Dementia-related information in sign language was described as nearly non-existent. Participants highlighted the need for tailored awareness courses, covering dementia basics, as well as information on available specialized healthcare services and resources in their country. The preferred format for such a course should be delivered in sign language and incorporate culturally appropriate methods of information sharing.ConclusionsTailored awareness courses in sign language are crucial to address knowledge gaps and improve access to information for Deaf communities. This study provides the groundwork for developing such courses within the Erasmus+ project.*DeSign: Raising Awareness for Dementia in Deaf Older Adults in Europe.

BackgroundAgainst the backdrop of population aging and the accelerated development of dementia-friendly communities, public stigmatizing attitudes toward dementia have emerged as a critical barrier to the social integration of affected individuals. To date, limited empirical research in China has examined the mechanisms linking dementia knowledge, contact, and stigmatizing attitudes (perceived stigma) across different age groups within indigenous community settings. This study, conducted as part of a pilot dementia-friendly community initiative in Shanghai, seeks to investigate intergenerational differences in dementia knowledge, contact experiences, and stigmatizing attitudes, and to examine the mediating role of contact in the relationship between knowledge and stigma, thereby contributing locally grounded empirical evidence to the field.MethodsA cross-sectional survey design was employed. A total of 397 community-dwelling residents aged 18 years and older in Shanghai participated in the study. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, dementia knowledge, contact experiences with individuals living with dementia, and stigmatizing attitudes. Descriptive statistics and between-group analyses were used to compare age-group differences, and a mediation model was constructed to test the associations among dementia knowledge, contact, and stigma.ResultsSignificant intergenerational differences were observed in dementia knowledge, contact experiences, and stigmatizing attitudes. Middle-aged adults demonstrated higher levels of knowledge and more positive contact intentions; older adults reported the highest frequency of contact and the lowest levels of stigma; and younger adults exhibited the most pronounced stigmatizing attitudes. Mediation analysis further revealed that contact experience partially mediated the relationship between dementia knowledge and stigmatizing attitudes, suggesting that higher levels of dementia knowledge may be associated with reduced stigma through the facilitation of positive contact.ConclusionEnhancing public knowledge of dementia and promoting positive contact with affected individuals may contribute to reducing social stigma and supporting the social inclusion of people living with dementia. This study further elucidates the pathway linking dementia knowledge and stigmatizing attitudes, identifying contact behavior as a significant mediator. The findings lend support to intervention strategies that integrate cognitive enhancement with structured contact initiatives, and provide preliminary evidence for age-specific community-based anti-stigma practices. It should be noted that the mediation pathway identified in this study is correlational rather than causal; moreover, as the sample was drawn from pilot dementia-friendly communities in Shanghai, the generalizability of the findings to other communities or regions may be constrained by variations in local support systems, public awareness, and aging profiles. Future research should adopt longitudinal or interventional designs to validate these findings across broader populations.

BackgroundDementia prevention through the reduction of modifiable risk factors is gaining attention as a public health strategy. However, public knowledge of dementia risk and protective factors remains low. Web-based education offers a potential solution to raise awareness and promote risk-reduction behaviors.ObjectiveThis randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of DementiaRisk.ca, an internet-based multimedia educational intervention, in increasing knowledge of dementia risk factors, intentions to engage in risk reduction behaviors, and changes in health behaviors.MethodsA 2-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted with 510 participants (265 in the intervention group and 245 in the control group). Participants were randomized to receive either the e-learning about dementia risk and promoting brain health, which included a multimedia lesson and microlearning emails, or a control intervention focused on mild cognitive impairment. Outcomes included knowledge of dementia risk factors, intentions to engage in risk reduction, and health behaviors, measured at baseline (T1), 4 weeks (T2), and 2 months postintervention (T3). Outcomes were analyzed using linear mixed effects models with fixed effects for group, time, and their interaction, and a random intercept for participants.ResultsOf the 510 randomized participants, 405 (79.4%) completed all intervention components. Participants were predominantly female (n=309, 60.6%) and aged 55 years or older (n=284, 55.7%). Baseline mean dementia knowledge scores were 17.0 (SD 5.5) in the intervention group and 17.4 (SD 6.0) in the control group. At T2, scores increased to 25.8 (SD 4.5) and 23.6 (SD 5.1), respectively, yielding a between-group difference of 2.2 points (95% CI 1.2‐3.2; P<.001), which was sustained at T3. Both groups showed significant improvements in knowledge, intentions, and health behaviors over time, with larger knowledge gains in the intervention group and particularly among participants with lower educational attainment. Intentions to engage in dementia risk reduction improved in both groups at T2 (intervention: +1.0, 95% CI 0.2‐1.8; control: +1.4, 95% CI 0.5‐2.3), with no significant between-group difference. Self-reported physical activity increased from 31.7 (SD 25.0) to 38.6 (SD 27.5) in the intervention group and from 29.9 (SD 23.5) to 32.5 (SD 26.6) in the control group, with a between-group difference of 5.4 points at T2 (95% CI 0.3‐10.5; P=.04). No significant between-group differences were observed for diet, alcohol use, or other health behaviors. Qualitative findings indicated that participants valued the intervention for improving awareness of dementia risk factors, motivating proactive lifestyle changes, and enhancing confidence in applying prevention information.ConclusionsThis internet-based dementia risk reduction e-learning program improved dementia-related knowledge and increased self-reported physical activity, particularly among participants with lower educational attainment. Effects on other health behaviors were limited. These findings support the use of well-designed e-learning as a scalable public health strategy to strengthen dementia risk reduction literacy and encourage selected healthy behaviors.

Dementia is a common global health concern with mortality and morbidity concerns with no cure, making clinical physicians’ knowledge and attitude essential for patient care. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and attitude among clinical physicians toward Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. A questionnaire was used in this cross-sectional study. 479 clinical physicians in Palestinian hospitals were surveyed. In addition to physicians’ demographic variables, the questionnaire assessed knowledge and attitudes toward dementia and related disorders using the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and the Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS). Among participating physicians, the mean age was 28.57 years (SD = 7.39), and 263 (54.9%) were male. By professional category, the participants included interns (46.3%), board-certified Specialists (20.7%), general Practitioners (19.8%), and residents (13.2%). The mean Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) score was 19.64 (± 3.33) out of 30, representing 65.46% of the total score, indicating a moderate level of knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease among practicing physicians. No significant differences in the mean ADKS scores between the different levels of practicing physicians (p-value = 0.422). Female physicians had higher ADKS scores than male physicians (p-value = 0.008). Regarding attitude, the mean Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS) score was 89.64 (± 12.26) out of 140, representing 64% of the maximum score, indicating a neutral attitude among practicing physicians toward dementia. A weak positive correlation was observed between the ADKS and DAS scores of practicing physicians (ρ = 0.186, 95% CI: 0.096–0.274, p < 0.001). Palestinian physicians have moderate knowledge and a neutral attitude towards dementia and related disorders, highlighting training shortcomings. Programmed educational interventions, combined with clinical updates, may help improve physicians’ knowledge of dementia and foster a more positive attitude toward patients with dementia, thereby enhancing competencies in dementia care. Not Applicable.

Dementia care in rural areas is hindered by limited-service availability and long distances to urban-based facilities, exacerbating disparities in access to care services. This inequality is a major obstacle to ensuring universal timely diagnosis, treatment, and care. Technology-based interventions have emerged as a promising approach to improve access to caregiver support, yet evidence regarding their implementation in diverse geographical contexts remains limited. iSupport-Sp is a web-based platform designed to provide training and support for dementia caregivers. This study aimed to evaluate the usability, user experience, and preliminary effectiveness of iSupport-Sp among dementia caregivers residing in both rural and urban settings. A single-phase mixed-methods study was conducted to explore the preliminary effectiveness of iSupport-Sp in enhancing dementia knowledge and alleviating caregiver burden, and to evaluate its usability and user experience among dementia caregivers from rural and urban areas. Participants reported high levels of acceptability, positive user experience, and ease of use. High levels of perceived satisfaction were reported at post-intervention, and dementia knowledge increased significantly following programme completion (W = -3.12; p = 0.002). No statistically significant effects were observed in self-perceived caregiver burden. Due to the limited sample size, statistical comparisons between rural and urban caregivers could not be conducted. iSupport-Sp was perceived as a promising and valuable tool for delivering training and support to dementia caregivers in both rural and urban settings. Future research with larger samples and more robust study designs is needed to examine differential effects across caregiver groups and to evaluate long-term outcomes.

ABSTRACT Background Without a cure for dementia, providing psychosocial support to people living with the condition is imperative. There is a developing evidence base for psychological and therapeutic support for people living with dementia. However, there is little to guide therapists working in this area, in terms of approaches and techniques that are likely to be successful. Methods In the present study, we utilised different methods to engage people with dementia and their family members in discussions around ways in which psychotherapists could improve the delivery and accessibility of person‐centred therapy, to develop core competences for therapists. We brought together evidence from interviews with people with dementia, their families, and psychotherapists, with workshops utilising a World Café approach. Findings We hosted four workshops with 47 participants in total. Using thematic analysis, we identified core themes across the different forms of data. We developed core competences in four areas: knowledge of dementia, therapeutic techniques and skills, therapeutic relationship and scope of practice. Discussion The competences developed present an overview of expectations for those working therapeutically with families affected by dementia. It is hoped that their development leads to increased awareness of the specialist skills needed to engage with people with dementia, valuing of these skills for psychotherapists.

This multicomponent dementia education and support program incorporating 360-degree video-based VR activities can improve dementia knowledge, positive attitudes toward people with dementia, and self-efficacy in managing BPSD, and reduce caregiver burden among dementia family caregivers. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05475002).

The prevalence of dementia cases within post-acute rehabilitation hospitals in Canada poses a unique challenge due to the distinctive vulnerabilities of the patient demographic in these settings. Healthcare staff in rehabilitation hospitals receive limited formal education about responsive behaviours. To address a practice gap, a program evaluation of the Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) in Dementia Care education program was implemented at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital in a large metropolitan centre. A multiple method, pre-post intervention design was used to assess the impact of GPA classroom sessions on staff capacity for providing person-centred dementia care. Eighty-eight staff members attended GPA sessions and completed quantitative and qualitative evaluation measures of dementia care self-efficacy and knowledge both pre- and post-intervention. Paired t-tests and reflexive thematic analysis were used to compare pre- and post-intervention scores and responses. Quantitative findings revealed that after attending GPA sessions, participants showed significant improvements in both self-efficacy and knowledge scores relative to baseline. At 6-8 weeks post-intervention, significant improvements in self-efficacy were sustained. Qualitative responses before the intervention showed that during situations involving escalating responsive behaviours, participants relied upon basic strategies to regulate their own emotions and provide person-centred approaches with variable success. In contrast, 6-8 weeks after GPA education sessions, participants identified and described responsive behaviours by relating them to the unmet need that needed to be addressed. Participants then reported successful application of tailored non-pharmacological approaches with confidence and skill at the point of care. GPA dementia education improved staff capacity to provide compassionate and effective care to individuals with dementia. No patient or public contribution.

Dementia is a growing public health concern, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. Caregivers of people living with dementia often face significant physical, psychological, social, and financial burdens, with high prevalence rates of caregiver strain in Malaysia. Mobile health (mHealth) apps have demonstrated potential to enhance caregivers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) and to reduce burden. However, few culturally tailored solutions exist for Malaysia. The DemensiaKITA app was developed to provide locally relevant information, support services, and stress management tools for dementia caregivers. The purpose of this single-blinded, nonrandomized controlled trial (NRCT) is to evaluate the effectiveness of the DemensiaKITA mHealth app in improving caregivers' KAP and reducing caregiver burden in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This research will be conducted in 2 phases. Phase 1 involves the adaptation, translation, and validation of 4 instruments: Dementia Knowledge Assessment Tool Version 2, Dementia Attitudes Scale, Caregiver Task Inventory-25 items, and Short-form Zarit Burden Interview-12 items. Content, face, and construct validity, along with reliability (Cronbach α and test-retest intraclass correlation), will be established. Phase 2 is a single-blinded NRCT conducted in 4 public hospitals. A total of 100 caregivers will be recruited. Two intervention hospitals will receive the DemensiaKITA app, while 2 control hospitals will receive usual care (Ministry of Health dementia leaflets and video). The primary outcomes (KAP) and secondary outcome (burden level) will be assessed at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months using the validated questionnaires on an intention-to-treat basis. Data will be analyzed with descriptive statistics, chi-square and t tests, and generalized estimating equations. Recruitment and baseline data collection are underway. Recruitment for Phase 1 (instrument validation) occurred from December 2024 until July 2025. It is expected to produce valid and reliable Malay versions of KAP and burden instruments. Recruitment for the Phase 2 NRCT will occur from August 2025 until February 2026. The first follow-up data collection for Phase 2 will occur 1 month after baseline, and the second and final follow-up will occur at 3 months. Data analysis has not yet begun. Phase 2 is expected to show significant improvements in dementia KAP and reduced caregiver burden in the intervention group compared to controls. This study was conducted without any specific external financial support or grants from any public, commercial, or not-for-profit funding agencies. The study findings are expected to be published in December 2026. This article describes the protocol for a single-blinded NRCT examining a novel mHealth intervention. The DemensiaKITA app has the potential to empower caregivers, enhance dementia care practices, and alleviate caregiver burden in Malaysia and may serve as a model for other low- and middle-income countries globally.

As the population of individuals living with dementia is estimated to increase significantly, addressing stereotypes and stigma associated with the condition has become crucial. Despite the widespread negative cultural depictions contributing to this stigma, the research on evidence-based interventions remains limited. Drawing from successful dementia awareness initiatives in the UK, this study aims to explore the use of a dementia game to raise public attitudes and knowledge of dementia in Singapore. An interpretive qualitative approach was adopted using focus group discussions (FGs). Participants were recruited through advertisements and word-of-mouth from the Singapore Institute of Technology and Dementia Singapore. A total of 19 individuals played a Dementia awareness game followed by participation in the FGs. The FGs were conducted virtually and video-recorded to facilitate data analysis. Thematic analysis was used to reveal patterns and themes arising from the data. The results showed self-reported positive shifts in attitudes and knowledge. The majority of participants reported increased understanding and empathy towards persons living with dementia. Participants described gaining new knowledge about dementia, challenging stereotypes, and clarifying misconceptions. Participants who did not experience significant changes had previously worked in dementia care with prior training. Participants also provided valuable feedback on the game’s potential as an educational tool, suggesting improvements such as incorporating storytelling elements and identifying future target audiences in children. The dementia game enhances understanding, fosters empathy and dispels misconceptions, suggesting potential for diverse educational applications and the need for further research on this topic.

The current pilot study evaluated the effects of a dementia simulation program, the Virtual Dementia Tour®, on empathy in family caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) using quantitative and qualitative approaches. Study design was a pre/post quantitative survey and postintervention focus groups. Quantitative analysis used descriptive statistics of changes in responses to the Empathy and Understanding in Dementia Index (EUDI). A focus group discussion guide was developed based on Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory. Thematic analysis was conducted for qualitative data. Mean scores increased in responses to 14 of 15 items of the EUDI. Qualitative analysis yielded three major themes: Empathy, Dementia Knowledge, and Challenges. Dementia simulation programs increase empathy in family care-givers. Participants identified a need for others to participate to increase empathy and improve caregiving strategies. Research including a broader population is needed. Nurse clinicians should implement empathy-enhancing interventions to support caregivers of PWD.