Nonpharmacological Interventions for People with Dementia - A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

Chandrika KM; Shishir Kumar; Ankeeta MJ; Prathima Sherigarthy; Lokesh Babu; Nalini M

doi:10.71164/socialmedicine.v18i3.2025.1803

Authors

Chandrika KM Nitte Usha Institute of Health Sciences, Mangalore. Karnataka, India. PIN: 575018 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2039-0432
Shishir Kumar Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, KS.Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Mangalore. Karnataka, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2881-7026
Ankeeta MJ Department of Community Health Medicine, Nitte Medical College, NITTE (Deemed to beUniversity), Mangalore, Karnataka, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9839-3556
Prathima Sherigarthy Department of Mental Health Nursing, NITTE Usha Institute of Nursing Sciences, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0605-837X
Lokesh Babu Psychiatrist, Sneha Manovikasa Kendra. Tumkur, Karnataka, India
Nalini M Department of Mental Health Nursing, NITTE Usha Institute of Nursing Sciences, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3689-6227

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71164/socialmedicine.v18i3.2025.1803

Abstract

Background: Elderly individuals often contend with Dementia, a neurodegenerative disorder impeding cognitive functions and Quality of Life (QoL). Pharmacological remedies for Dementia commonly yield adverse effects. However, nonpharmacological interventions demonstrate efficacy in ameliorating cognitive functions. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis intends to explore the evidence for nonpharmacological interventions for people with Dementia. Methods: A systematic search of recent literature on nonpharmacological interventions for Dementia was conducted. Fifteen of 38 articles, including Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), focused on interventions like reminiscence therapy, reality orientation therapy, validation therapy, and life storybook interventions. Study quality was assessed, and statistical pooling was performed using Review Manager 5.4, with bias risk evaluated per Cochrane guidelines. Results: Meta-analysis revealed the overall effect size of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Quality of Life (QoL) outcomes using standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals. Reality orientation therapy exhibited a moderate impact on cognition, while life storybook intervention and reminiscence therapy had smaller effects on cognition and QoL, respectively. Conclusion: Nonpharmacological interventions offer a promising avenue for enhancing cognitive functions and QoL in dementia patients.

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