Enabling work for people with dementia - Recommendations for interventions: A mixed-methods review

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Occupational Health
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Dementia affects 50 million globally, increasingly impacting the workforce.
• Work retention interventions can mitigate cognitive decline in individuals with dementia.
• Limited research exists on workplace interventions for dementia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore work experiences post-dementia diagnosis from multiple stakeholder perspectives.
• To develop evidence-based recommendations for workplace interventions for people with dementia.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods review of 16 studies (1989-2023) involving 684 participants.
• Inclusion of perspectives from individuals with dementia, relatives, employers, co-workers, and HR professionals.

Main Results:

• Living and working well with dementia is achievable.
• Successful work integration requires ongoing negotiation of needs between the individual and the workplace.
• Contextual factors (enablers/barriers) significantly influence work retention.

Conclusions:

• Four key elements for effective dementia workplace interventions: Person-centered Approach, Contextual Relevance, Knowledge-based strategies, and a Dynamic Approach.
• Collaborative solutions are crucial for sustained employment and well-being for individuals with dementia.