Adapting and Optimizing Problem Adaptation Therapy (PATH) for People With Mild-Moderate Dementia and Depression

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Psychiatry
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Depression is a common comorbidity in dementia, significantly impacting quality of life.
• Existing therapies may not fully address the unique needs of individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
• Problem Adaptation Therapy (PATH) shows promise but requires adaptation for this specific population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt and optimize Problem Adaptation Therapy (PATH) for depression in dementia.
• To ground the intervention in the lived experiences of people with dementia, caregivers, and clinicians.
• To ensure the adapted therapy addresses the cognitive, psychological, and social needs of people with dementia.

Main Methods:

• A person-centered qualitative approach was employed.
• Two-stage design: interviews/focus groups followed by intervention trialling.
• Participants included people with dementia, caregivers, and healthcare practitioners.

Main Results:

• Identified key themes of depression in dementia: isolation, role loss, feeling a burden, polarized thinking, interpersonal tensions, and fluctuating cognitive/mood states.
• These themes directly informed the adaptation of the PATH intervention manual.
• Ensured content and delivery addressed concerns of individuals with dementia and their support network.

Conclusions:

• Adapted PATH intervention manual to incorporate identified themes.
• Implications for PATH include enhancing communication, supporting roles, and building confidence.
• The adapted intervention aims to better serve individuals with depression and dementia.