Psychosocial wellbeing of people with dementia: systematic review and construct analysis

Psychosocial wellbeing is increasingly recognised as a key outcome in dementia research and care, reflecting a shift towards person-centred care and patient-reported outcome measures. However, progress is hindered by a lack of a clear and consistent definition. The present systematic review aimed to establish how previous dementia research has defined the term and how existing definitions may be unified.

A systematic literature review was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science using only the term 'psychosocial' as well as terms related to dementia in the search string. Two blinded reviewers independently conducted the abstract screening and full-text screening. Definitions used in included records were extracted and their content grouped into categories and domains. For papers presenting empirical findings, quality screening was performed using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklists and findings were narratively summarised.

A total of n = 36 records were identified that provided a definition for psychosocial wellbeing. Conceptualizations most commonly (86 %) included emotional wellbeing, social health (64%), behavioural symptoms (44%), and subjective lived wellbeing (42%). A total of n = 23 records also contained empirical data, which indicated that psychosocial wellbeing may be improved by several interventions such as tailored activities and validation group therapies, among others.

The construct of 'psychosocial wellbeing' as currently used in dementia research predominantly incorporates emotional and subjective lived wellbeing, social health, and behavioural symptoms. This indicates an emerging consensus. To progress dementia research and care practice, it is essential that future studies use a common operationalisation.