In this episode, host Dr Anna Volkmer is joined by Dr Alys Griffiths, Sophie Jeffery, and Esther Whittlesea Reed to explore a two-year Alzheimer’s Society project testing #psychotherapy for people with dementia. Together, they discuss the importance of therapy in #dementia care, the barriers to access, the development of new therapist competencies, and the lived experience of psychotherapy from both clinical and personal perspectives.

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Takeaways

🔹Psychotherapy can provide meaningful outcomes for people with dementia.

🔹Barriers to accessing therapy include stigma and lack of understanding.

🔹Core competencies for therapists are essential for effective care.

🔹Family therapy is crucial for supporting families affected by dementia.

🔹Training for therapists should include specific skills for working with dementia patients.

🔹Research findings highlight the need for better communication about therapy options.

🔹The importance of lived experience in shaping research and therapy.

🔹Future research should focus on improving access to therapy for families.

🔹There is a need for a cultural shift in how dementia is perceived in therapy.

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Find more information on our guests, and a full transcript of this podcast on our website at: https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/podcast

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Project Overview

04:40 Background and Rationale for Psychotherapy in Dementia

09:20 Personal Experiences and Expectations of Therapy

13:52 Study Design and Methodology

18:33 Roles and Contributions of the Research Team

23:16 Collaborative Insights from Lived Experience

24:42 Key Findings on Psychotherapy for Dementia

27:58 Core Competencies for Therapists

31:45 Understanding Dementia as a Traumatic Life Event

34:46 Future Directions in Dementia Research

40:21 Advocating for Comprehensive Support in Dementia Care