How to maintain the quality of life of people with dementia

How can the quality of life of people with dementia be improved??

Unfortunately, more and more people are suffering from dementia today. Researchers have now found that certain factors can be targeted to help people living with dementia live as normally as possible.

Researchers from the University of Exeter have found in their recent research analysis that certain factors have a strong impact on the lives of people with dementia. Influencing these factors could allow sufferers to better manage their everyday illness and improve their quality of life. The physicians published the results of their study in the English-language journal "Psychological Medicine".

There are several factors that have a significant impact on the quality of life of people with dementia. These include, for example, high-quality care and sufficient social interaction with other people. (Image: Robert Kneschke / fotolia.com)

What factors affect people with dementia?

There are several factors that have a strong impact on the lives of patients with dementia and significantly affect their quality of life. Good interpersonal relationships, social engagement, better day-to-day functions, good physical and mental health and quality treatment and care lead to an improved quality of life for people with dementia, the researchers emphasize.

How can the treatment of dementia be improved?

The findings of the current study support the identification of national priorities to help people live as well as possible with their dementia, said study author Professor Linda Clare of the University of Exeter. While many studies focus on the prevention and improved treatment of dementia, it is equally important that experts and physicians understand how to improve the quality of life of the approximately 50 million people with dementia around the world. Ways must be identified to properly implement the factors that affect dementia. Existing relationships, social engagement and day-to-day functions need to be supported, physical and mental issues need to be addressed, and high-quality care must be delivered to patients, scientists say.

Study analyzed data from more than 37,000 participants

The research team conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the study to examine all available evidence on the factors associated with the quality of life of people with dementia. To do this, they analyzed data from a total of 198 studies involving more than 37,000 people. The study found that demographic factors such as gender, education, income or age are not related to the quality of life of people with dementia. The factors associated with poorer quality of life include poor mental or physical health, restlessness or apathy, and unmet needs. Factors associated with a better quality of life include good relationships with family and friends, involvement and participation in social activities, ability to cope with everyday activities, and religious beliefs, explain the physicians.

Other factors can have a significant impact

Many other factors showed small but statistically significant relationships with quality of life. This suggests that the way people rate their quality of life is related to many aspects of their lives, each of which has a modest impact. It is likely that to a certain extent the most important aspects could differ from person to person, the researchers speculate.

Social isolation worsens the quality of life

There have been few long-term studies on which factors influence whether or not people will experience an improved quality of life later in life. The best indicator was the initial assessment of the person's quality of life. This once again underlines the importance of optimizing quality of life in the early stages of dementia life. While it is more of a challenge to maintain a good quality of life as dementia progresses, there is at least some evidence of what is affecting quality of life, says study author Anthony Martyr of the University of Exeter.

Leading a healthy social life and doing things that you enjoy is important for the quality of life and can significantly improve the quality of life of people with dementia. About every three minutes, a person develops a dementia disease, but unfortunately many of the sufferers have to deal with their illness alone, which results in those affected feeling socially isolated. A factor that, according to the experts, contributes to a lower quality of life. (As)