In a recent meta-study analyzing 23 clinical studies researchers at the the Dementia Collaborative Research Center at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia found that non-pharmacological treatments had a significant impact on individuals suffering from dementia.

What is interesting to note is that the behaviour and psychological problems that are manifested in dementia are what family caregivers find most stressful and difficult to deal with – behaviours like physical aggression, depression, wandering away from the home, suspiciousness,  and accusations. Cognitive interaction can ameliorate many of these problems and reduce caregiver stress.

Dr. Henry Brodaty, the head researcher told Medscape Medical News, “I found that the interventions administered by caregivers were at least as effective as drug treatments, but without the side effects.”

This is a treatment plan that is within the reach of every caregiver with a little bit of help and support. Dementia affects the entire family and a treatment therapy that not only improves the quality of life of the individual coping with the disease as well as reducing caregiver stress can only be good.