Abdelrahman
New Study Suggests Daily Goals Can Enhance Longevity for Dementia Patients
By RYAN PROSSER
Published: 20:54 EST, 17 February 2025 | Updated: 22:26 EST, 17 February 2025
Recent research indicates that individuals diagnosed with dementia may significantly benefit from maintaining daily goals. Focusing on achievable tasks such as visiting grandchildren, preparing tea, or taking walks can enable these patients to sustain their independence for a more extended period.
According to a pivotal trial, caregivers and family members overseeing dementia patients at home could potentially save nearly £9,000 annually by preventing hospital admissions. In the UK, close to one million individuals live with dementia, with around two-thirds remaining in their own homes.
The financial strain of caring for dementia patients, which currently lacks effective treatments, is expected to reach as high as £90 billion per year by 2040 for the National Health Service (NHS).
The comprehensive one-year study published in Lancet Health Longevity highlighted sessions led by support workers aimed at empowering both patients and their caregivers to prioritize meaningful daily activities, as reported by The Times.
Setting daily objectives allows dementia patients to extend their independence while avoiding costly hospital stays, according to new research (file photo).
In this trial, named the NIDUS-Family program, 302 dementia sufferers participated, with two-thirds engaging in the newly developed curriculum. Each participant received eight online lessons aimed at helping them set and achieve personal goals like getting dressed, engaging in physical activity, and managing daily household tasks.
The promising findings from this research suggest that the therapy, which costs approximately £346 per person, could be integrated into existing dementia care services in the NHS. Professor Claudia Cooper from Queen Mary University of London, the study’s lead author, emphasized the potential of this intervention.
Senior author, Professor Rachel Hunter from University College London, remarked that the new initiative would provide "tangible benefits" to patients and relieve some financial burdens on the NHS.
Dr. Richard Oakley from the Alzheimer’s Society, which provided funding for the study, described the NIDUS-Family program as a transformative approach. He noted, "This research demonstrates that we possess a cost-effective and practical solution that offers personalized support to individuals living with dementia, enabling them to pursue their goals—something we hope to make a standard part of routine care."
The NIDUS-Family program, featuring a series of remote lessons, assists dementia patients in achieving their personal goals such as engaging with family and exercising, while also alleviating the financial burden on the NHS.
Conclusion
The findings from this latest research illustrate the significance of establishing daily targets for dementia patients, not only to enhance their quality of life but also to reduce hospital reliance and financial burdens associated with care.
