Summary

This study wants to see if group therapy can help people with dementia feel less depressed or worried. The therapy is called ‘Compassion Focused Therapy’ and involves gentle tasks like breathing to promote self-care and kindness and talking about feelings.

What is the study about?

Finding out that you have dementia can be really hard. It can make people feel worried, sad, or lose motivation.  This study looks at a group therapy that helps people learn to be kinder to themselves and cope with difficult feelings. Talking with other people who are going through something similar can really help, because they understand how you feel. People in the study will meet in a small group once a week for 12 weeks, either online or in person. The sessions include gentle activities like breathing exercises and meditation. People can share their experiences and listen to others who understand their challenges. The study will look at whether this therapy helps people with dementia and low mood feel better.

What is the study trying to find out?

This study will check if group Compassion Focused Therapy can help people with dementia who also feel sad or worried. The study will check if the treatment works better at helping mood and worry than the current support or care given. It will also explore if there are any changes in the way people who take part: think about their life, feel about themselves, and if they are being kinder to themselves.

What does taking part involve?

• You will talk to research staff about the study. If you agree to take part, you will sign a consent form or say yes
• You will answer questions about your mood, worry, life and thinking
• You will be put into one of two groups by chance: the therapy group or the usual care group
• If in the therapy group, you will have 12 weekly group classes online or in person
• In the classes, there will be gentle tasks like breathing, talking about feelings, and learning self-care and kindness
• A carer may also take part. Carers will answer questions and can go to the therapy. Carers may be invited to an optional workshop and help with simple home tasks if needed
• After 12 weeks, everyone taking part will answer questions again
• The final questions will be asked 6 months after joining the study
• Some people may be asked to do a short interview about how they found the study
• The things you shared are kept safe and private

Who is it for?

If you have a diagnosis of dementia and…

• You have feelings of sadness or worry
• Have access to Wi-Fi OR
• Can attend an in-person group

…then we would like to hear from you.

We hope to find around 600 people to take part in the study.

Why is it important?

Many people living with dementia feel depressed or very worried at times. These feelings might make their life hard, and medicine might not always be helpful.  It is important to find out if other support can be helpful, such as talking therapy groups like Compassion Focused Therapy. This might show another way to help people living with dementia to feel less sad and worried.  It will help to show which support the NHS should provide in the future. The study could lead to better help for carers too.

How can I find out more?

You can find out more information about taking part in this study by downloading the key documents at the top of this page.  

If you are interested in taking part in this study, or have questions for the research team, please email us using the link below:

r&d@nelft.nhs.uk