Best Practices for Communicating a Diagnosis of Dementia: Results of a Multi-Stakeholder Modified Delphi Consensus Process.

Background And Objectives: Many individuals with dementia and their families report not receiving a dementia diagnosis. Previously published standards for delivering a dementia diagnosis are now more than 10 years old and were developed without patient and caregiver input. The objective of this study was to identify best practices for delivering a diagnosis of dementia using existing literature, involvement of diverse stakeholders, and consensus building through a formal modified Delphi approach.

Project VITAL at Home: Impact of Technology on Loneliness and Well-Being of Family Caregivers of People with Dementia.

Objectives: Project VITAL At Home aimed to combat social isolation and loneliness in family caregivers of people with dementia through purposeful engagement and connection. This project examined the effects of technology on caregiver loneliness and well-being, as well as their technology experiences, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Family caregivers were provided iN2L tablets and access to Alzheimer's Association supportive programs.

Alzheimer's Association Project VITAL: A Florida Statewide Initiative Using Technology to Impact Social Isolation and Well-Being.

Lack of social engagement and the resulting social isolation can have negative impacts on health and well-being, especially in senior care communities and for those living with dementia. Project VITAL leverages technology and community resources to create a network for connection, engagement, education, and support of individuals with dementia and their caregivers, and explores the impact of these interventions in reducing feelings of social isolation and increasing mood among residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through two phases, 600 personalized Wi-Fi-enabled iN2L tablets were distributed to 300 senior care communities (55% assisted living communities, 37% skilled nursing communities, 6% memory care communities, and 2% adult family-care homes) to connect and engage residents and their families.

Caregiver Response to an Online Dementia and Caregiver Wellness Education Platform.

Background: Web-based educational interventions are emerging as a potential solution to improve caregiver dementia knowledge and overall well-being.

Objective: To assess the feasibility of delivering a web-based intervention for dementia caregivers by examining: 1) engagement with the online platform, 2) skill implementation, and 3) changes on outcome metrics over the 30-day study period.

Methods: Enrolled participants were onboarded by a trained research coordinator and provided 24/7 access to the platform over 30 days.