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Background:Dementia in younger people, known as young (YOD) or early onset dementia (EOD), can pose significant challenges. YOD is often diagnosed in those in paid employment who have relatively young children, leading to different challenges to those for older people. It is therefore very important to provide support tailored to their specific needs. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the literature investigating the impact of psychosocial interventions for people with YOD and their family carers.Method:Eight electronic databases were searched and three key journals were also hand searched. Narrative synthesis of the selected articles was undertaken.Results:Of the 498 records identified, 495 were ineligible after application of the exclusion criteria. The final sample included three studies, all of which were employment-based. Two were qualitative and one used mixed methods. Study quality was mixed. People with YOD and their carers reported benefits from participating in work-based interventions designed for those with YOD, including improved self-esteem and sense of purpose. Social contact was highlighted. Despite cognitive decline, maintenance in well-being was also reported. Carers described benefits for people with YOD, which extended outside the intervention, e.g. enhanced sleep and mood. The impact of the interventions on carers was not assessed.Conclusions:This review suggests work-based interventions providing supported, meaningful work outside the home can be beneficial. However, the dearth of studies, the lack of focus on family carers and their mixed quality demonstrate the need for better quality, mixed methods research with larger sample sizes.

This paper evaluates the effectiveness of a student-centred module of learning using Jarvis' experiential framework. One hundred and thirty-five students undertook the module over a 9-month period. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to explore students' learning, choice of topic, structure, and benefit of the module. The data were analysed using simple descriptive statistics and content analysis. A key theme emerged related to the beneficial learning experience. Presentation skills/shared learning, choice and autonomy, taking responsibility, and research skills were other themes that emerged. Whilst the literature suggests students dislike experiential forms of learning, the positive evaluation of this module demonstrates that it can be used effectively. Furthermore, Jarvis' model provides a useful framework for structuring this approach to learning. One of the research strategies within a nursing faculty should be to develop progressive student-focused educational methods and evaluate their effect or professional preparation. This, it is argued, needs to be perceived as a valuable and essential activity within an academic nursing department.