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Positive behaviour support for people with frontotemporal dementia: a family education program

Project Details

Funding partner

Charles Perkins Centre Active Ageing Research Node, The University of Sydney


Timeframe

2018 - 2019


Publications

O’Connor, C., Fisher, A., Cheung, S., Caga, J., & Piguet, O. (2021). Supporting behaviour change in younger-onset dementia: mapping the needs of family caregivers in the community. Aging & Mental Health, AHEAD-OF-PRINT:1-10.


Fisher, A., Cheung, S.C., Connor, C.M.C., & Piguet, O. The acceptability and usefulness of positive behaviour support education sessions for frontotemporal dementia families: A pilot study. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, Under Review


Family Education Workbook


Fisher, A., Reschke, K., Shah, N., Cheung, S., O’Connor, C., & Piguet, O. (2024). It’s opened my eyes to a whole new world”: Positive behaviour support training for staff and family members supporting residents with dementia in aged care. American Journal of Alzhiemers Disease & Other Dementias. Doi: 10.1177/15333175241241168. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/15333175241241168

Team

DCI researchers


Research partners

  • FRONTIER Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney - Professor Olivier Piguet (lead)

  • Hammond Care - Dr Claire O’Connor

Summary

This two-phase project examined (1) the presence of challenging behaviours in people with frontotemporal dementia and current behaviour support strategies from the perspective of family members, and (2) the acceptability and usefulness of positive behaviour support family education sessions in frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In doing so, this project aimed to improve the everyday functioning of people with FTD by increasing the capacity of support people in understanding and supporting behavioural changes in FTD.

Impact

Findings from this project have informed recommendations for PBS education programs and interventions in dementia. These findings will be used as proof of concept for larger trials of PBS with other groups of people with dementia.

Easy-read

An easy-read resource for this project is not currently available.

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