Dementia is like a tangled maze in the mind, causing cognitive decline and dependency. But fear not! Researchers have been investigating the impact of home-based interventions, providing personalized care right in the comfort of one’s own abode. While previous studies focused on exercise-based activities, this review dives deeper into non-exercise interventions for persons living with dementia (PLWDs) and their caregivers. By analyzing 18 studies, including randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies, a range of interventions were examined, such as occupational therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and music therapy. The results were a mixed bag, but certain intervention features stood out. Customized activities that match the interests and abilities of PLWDs showed promise in reducing behavioral symptoms and improving functionality. Involving caregivers in the interventions also proved beneficial for both PLWDs and caregivers’ quality of life, as long as it wasn’t too demanding. Furthermore, educating caregivers helped alleviate their burden, especially when the interventions improved the functional status of PLWDs. Don’t miss out on this exciting research that sheds light on empowering home-based approaches for dementia care!

IntroductionDementia is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by cognitive decline and increased functional dependency. With most persons living with dementia (PLWDs) residing at home, home-based interventions provide a convenient and individualized alternative for person-centered care. Most of the evidence focused on specific interventions or exercise-based activities; there remains a gap in understanding the impacts of a broader range of non-exercise interventions on PLWDs and their caregivers. This review aimed to understand the impacts of home-based, non-exercise interventions on the behavioral, functional, cognitive, and mood outcomes of PLWDs, and their caregiver’s quality of life (QoL), burden and mood.MethodsSearch for studies published up to June 2020 was conducted on CINAHL, PsycArticles, PubMed, SAGE Journals, Science Direct, and Web of Science. A search was also done manually based on the bibliographies of selected articles. The inclusion criteria for the systematic review were: (i) participants with a medical diagnosis of dementia, (ii) participants who resided at own home, (iii) intervention in the home setting, (iv) investigate interventions other than physical exercise, (v) randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-experimental studies, and (vi) full-text study published in English and in a peer-reviewed journal.Results and discussionEighteen studies consisting of 14 RCTs and 4 quasi-experimental studies were included. Interventions included were occupational therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, tailored activity program, cognitive stimulation therapy, personalized reminiscence, music therapy, reality orientation, biobehavioral and multicomponent interventions. Results were mixed, but important intervention features were highlighted. Personalized activities for PLWDs that are aligned to their interest and ability appeared to contribute to intervention effectiveness especially in reducing behavioral symptoms and improving functional status. Involvement of caregivers in interventions is another feature of effective interventions for both the PLWDs and the caregivers’ QoL, provided it is not deemed demanding or challenging to the caregivers. The inclusion of caregiver’s education was effective in reducing caregivers’ burden, particularly when the interventions improved the PLWD’s functional status.

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