Question: In adults with a diagnosis of dementia, how effective are post-diagnostic support groups (involving carers where possible), compared to no group support, in improving coping skills, independence, maintaining close relationships and delaying a need for extra care?

Answer:

There was some evidence from two trials that post-diagnostic support groups for people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers, or their caregivers alone, improved self-efficacy, family communication and reduced the need for nursing home placement. Neither trial measured all the specified outcomes.

Both trials were performed in the USA so may not be generalisable to the UK setting. Further research using high-quality randomised controlled trials is needed in the UK. These should measure outcomes in the participant with Alzheimer's disease directly using outcomes measuring improved coping skills and independence, maintaining close relationships and the need for extra care.