A modified Sequential Intercept Model for people living with dementia to prevent interactions with the criminal legal...

People living with dementia (PLWD) may experience symptoms and behaviors that increase the risk of contact with the criminal legal system as arrestees. This manuscript aims to evaluate the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) as a mechanism of reducing exposure to the criminal system for people living with dementia.

A secondary analysis of two complementary semi-structured interview studies of legal professionals (study 1) and caregivers of persons affected by frontotemporal dementia (study 2). Both studies collected insights and experiences with dementia-related behavior increasing the risk of contact or as the focus of a criminal charge, arrest, or incarceration. We applied the Framework Method to code, chart, and identify overlapping themes between studies. We compared overlapping themes to the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM)< >for applicability to people living with dementia.

Thirteen caregivers and fifteen legal practitioners completed interviews across two studies. We observed (1) caregiver interventions and use of pre-crisis resources as key to people living with dementia avoiding criminal involvement< >(2) caregivers may not perceive symptoms and behaviors as posing a criminal risk. The SIM lacks pre-crisis resources to reduce risks for criminal-system interaction for people living with dementia. We propose an adapted model, the Modified Sequential Intercept Model for People Living with Dementia (SIM-D), to integrate "pre-crisis community resources" and "crisis" stages.

We propose SIM-D as a tool to bridge research on people living with dementia in the community and the justice system. This research will be central to advancing policy and support resources that can mitigate negative consequences of people living with dementia's exposure to the criminal system.