Systematic review of services providing information and/or advice to people with dementia and/or their caregivers

Background: Information is a key part of service provision to people with dementia and their carers, but there is no systematic review of the evidence. This study aimed to determine whether information services confer significant benefit for quality of life, neuropsychiatric symptoms and carer burden.

Method: A systematic review of intervention studies in people with dementia was carried out, focussing predominantly on the provision of information and/or advice.

Results: Thirteen randomised controlled trials were identified. Two of the three studies measuring quality of life indicated benefit. Significant benefits were also evident for neuropsychiatric symptoms (points difference, −1.48; confidence interval, −2.11 to 0.86), but not carer burden. Most interventions included other key elements such as skills training, telephone support and direct help to navigate the medical and care system.

Conclusion: There is some support for the value of information services, but studies are needed to determine the specific elements that are effective. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.