A Systematic Review of the Application of a Diary for People With Dementia: How to Maximise the Effect of Diary Use?
Psychogeriatrics
Zhang, S., Fang, S., et al. (2022).
Psychogeriatrics, 22(2), 269-280.
This systematic review investigates perspectives on the application of diaries for individuals with dementia.
Jilin Province Health and Health Technology Innovation Project (China)
From database inception to November 2020
Qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method, original studies (excludes reviews, meta-analyses, and other non-original studies)
10
Use of a diary demonstrates positive patient-reported benefits in individuals with dementia including improved memory function, discovered self-awareness, increased participation, increased communication with others, and improved well-being. Personal motivation and available support affected the adoption of diaries into daily lives. Patients reported barriers to diary usage such as stress and anxiety and difficulty using diaries. The authors conclude "that diary usage in people with dementia is a complex process" (p. 278).
