Systematic Review of Dementia Support Programs with Multicultural and Multilingual Populations

Abstract

Background: Dementia care programs have become more common due to a growing number of persons living with dementia and lack of substantial benefit from pharmacologic therapies. Cultural and language differences may present barriers to access and efficacy of these programs. In this article, we aimed to systematically review the current literature regarding outcomes of dementia care programs that included multicultural and non-English speaking populations. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using four scientific search engines. All studies included in the review are English language, randomized control trials evaluating various care coordination models. The initial search strategy focusing on studies specifically targeting multicultural and non-English speaking populations resulted in too few articles. We expanded our search to articles that included these populations although these populations may not have been the focus of the study. Results: Seven articles met inclusion criteria for final review. Measured outcomes included emergency room use, hospitalizations, provider visits, quality of life indicators, depression scores, and caregiver burden. Conclusions: Dementia care programs demonstrate significant ability to provide support and improve outcomes for those living with dementia and their caregivers. There is limited research in this field and thus opportunity for further study in underserved and safety net populations including more high-quality randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes.

2023 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures

“…Improved tools and measures to personalize services for caregivers to maximize their benefits represent an emerging area of research [580][581][582][583][584][585]. More studies are also needed to adapt proven interventions or develop new intervention approaches for families from different racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds and in different geographic settings 427,[586][587][588][589][590][591][592][593][594]. Additional research on interventions focused on disease stages is also required, as is research on specific intervention needs for LGBT caregivers for whom a lack of inclusive practices on the part of health care professionals, stigma, and a reluctance to seek support may result in greater unmet needs compared with non-LGBT dementia caregivers 595,596.…”

Social connections as determinants of cognitive health and as targets for social interventions in persons with or at risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders: a scoping review

“…Another systematic review reported preliminary evidence to support the acceptability of psychosocial interventions by dementia caregivers, although the available supporting evidence was limited (Dam et al ., 2016). A third systematic review of dementia care programs commented on limitations of the literature, although there seemed to be some positive effect on providing support and improving outcomes for persons living with dementia and their caregivers (Demanes et al ., 2021).…”

2024 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures

“… 631 , 632 , 633 , 634 , 635 , 636 More studies are also needed to adapt proven interventions or develop new intervention approaches for families from different racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds and in different geographic settings. 436 , 461 , 637 , 638 , 639 , 640 , 641 , 642 , 643 , 644 Additional research on interventions focused on disease stages is also required, as is research on specific intervention needs for LGBT caregivers for whom a lack of inclusive practices on the part of health care professionals, stigma, and a reluctance to seek support may result in greater unmet needs compared with non‐LGBT dementia caregivers. 438 , 645 , 646 …”