The primary objective of the study is to develop a psychological intervention based on behavioural activation to prevent depressive symptoms arising or worsening and promote well-being in people with early- stage dementia. The secondary objective is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention via a feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) in order to inform a future fully powered RCT of clinical and cost-effectiveness.
IDEA project: Information and Updates
The IDEA project will consist of Phase 1 (Development) and Phase 2 (Feasibility). More information about each phase is written below and you can download the research protocol.
Phase 1 - Development
After reviewing the relevant literature, the IDEA team has developed a manual of behavioural activation (BA) for preventing depressive symptoms in people living with early-stage dementia. Behavioural Activation is a psychological model that aims to improve people's mood by engaging them in valuable and meaningful activities. As current existing BA interventions target younger individuals or do not account for memory difficulties, there is a need for a specifically tailored approach.
The IDEA project is currently recruiting people living with mild dementia and their carers for focus groups and individual interviews. This will be supplemented with work groups with expert professionals and initial field testing in order to prepare for Phase 2.
Phase 2 - Feasibility
We will recruit a total of 60 people living with mild dementia for the feasibility RCT. The intervention will comprise of 8 weekly sessions. The results of this trial will help plan a fully powered RCT that is clinically relevant.
Relevant Publications
Orgeta, V; Qazi, A; Spector, A; Orrell, M; (2015) Psychological treatments for depression and anxiety in dementia and mild cognitive impairment: systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Psychiatry , 207 (4) pp. 293-298 .10.1192/bjp.bp.114.148130.
Contact us
Dr Vasiliki Orgeta
Senior Research Associate & Senior fellow of the AD Society
Email: v.orgeta@ucl.ac.uk
Telephone: 020 7679 9294
Division of Psychiatry
University College London
6th Floor, Maple House
149 Tottenham Court Road
London W1T 7NF