Psychological adjustment to mild cognitive impairment and dementia

Cox, Caroline Teresa (2015). Psychological adjustment to mild cognitive impairment and dementia. University of Birmingham. Clin.Psy.D.

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Abstract

This research volume examines the psychological adjustment of those diagnosed with either Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or dementia. The first paper is a systematic review of the evidence of the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with people with dementia or MCI. Studies identified through database searches were reviewed. It was concluded that, although there is very modest evidence for the use of CBT to address depression, anxiety and acceptance among those with mild dementia or MCI, it is not possible to draw confident conclusions due to the lack of methodologically robust randomised controlled trials and the heterogeneity of existing studies.

The second paper is an empirical paper of an exploration of patients’ experiences of receiving a diagnosis of MCI. Seven recently diagnosed MCI patients were interviewed about their diagnostic disclosure experiences. The interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Four super-ordinate themes emerged. These were ‘The test’: working it out for myself, Journey and Brakes, What’s wrong with me? and Decline and Loss. The use of multiple disclosure sessions and of pre and post assessment counselling is recommended. The third paper is a public dissemination summary of both the systematic review and the empirical paper.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.

Supervisor(s):