Talking therapy could help to improve the mental health and wellbeing of people with dementia

Individuals with dementia could benefit from talking therapy if they also suffer from anxiety or depression. Anxiety and depression is common in people with dementia with an estimated 38% of people with mild dementia affected.

A new study led by University College London, funded by the Alzheimer’s Society and Wellcome, examined data from 2,515,442 people diagnosed with clinically significant anxiety or depression that had completed a course of treatment in England between 2012 and 2019. The course is a NHS service offering evidence based therapies treating anxiety and depression, including cognitive behavioural therapy, counselling and guided self help. The courses were either face to face, in groups or online. The researchers found that 63% of those with dementia saw a significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression.