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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Interventions aimed to increase independence and well-being in patients with Alzheimer’s disease: Review of some interventions in the Italian context

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Abstract Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents a huge social and economic burden for the society and caring for individuals with AD is a complex and challenging task that requires a multidisciplinary approach. Studies have shown that several interventions provide beneficial results, but some non-pharmacological interventions have not yet been studied in depth and clinical trials using them are still pending. This review provides a summary of interventions based on paradigms aimed to increase independence and well-being in people with AD, as well as those interventions that decrease caregiver burden in long-term facilties for AD patients in Italy. Methods Narrative review regarding the theoretical bases and analysis of available studies related to new interventions implemented in long-term facilities for AD patients in Italy. Results Community Occupational Therapy in Dementia (COTiD), and clinical interventions based on the ‘enabling approach’, the Gentlecare paradigms, have been implemented and suggest their utility to decrease caregiver burden and improve quality of life of patients. A major role of social workers for patients withADand their caregivers should also encouraged. A need of clinical trials is warranted in order to support the effectiveness of these interventions on a large scale. Conclusions The best care of patients with AD and families requires a multidisciplinary approach which should take into account all these methodologies. Furthermore, clinical studies will be required to validate these interventions using different paradigms, both alone or in combination, in order to improve the care of thepatients and their families.