Peer Support for Caregivers of People Living with Posterior Cortical Atrophy in Melbourne, Australia: A Feasibility Study

Alexander Mitchell, Wendy Kelso, Camille Paynter, Leanne Hayes, Dennis Velakoulis and Samantha M. Loi ()
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Alexander Mitchell: Neuropsychiatry Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, 300 Grattan Street, Parkville 3050, Australia
Wendy Kelso: Neuropsychiatry Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, 300 Grattan Street, Parkville 3050, Australia
Camille Paynter: Melbourne School of Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia
Leanne Hayes: Neuropsychiatry Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, 300 Grattan Street, Parkville 3050, Australia
Dennis Velakoulis: Neuropsychiatry Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, 300 Grattan Street, Parkville 3050, Australia
Samantha M. Loi: Neuropsychiatry Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, 300 Grattan Street, Parkville 3050, Australia

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 4, 1-10

Abstract: Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA) is a rare form of young-onset dementia that causes early visuospatial and visuoperceptual deficits. The symptom profile of Posterior Cortical Atrophy leads to very specific care needs for those affected, who often rely on informal caregivers (including friends and family). Rare dementia support groups can be useful for both patients and their caregivers to assist with knowledge sharing, psychoeducation, and the provision of psychosocial support. Despite this, few such support groups exist. The purpose of this study was to examine a PCA support group for caregivers of individuals living with PCA. We held a structured psychoeducation support group comprised of four sessions with the aim being to provide education, strategies for the management of the disease, and peer support. Caregivers’ mental health and quality of life were assessed. The results of our study showed that support group participation was a positive experience and assisted with increasing the knowledge of caregivers and fostering social connections. We suggest that peer support groups may be beneficial for both people living with PCA and their caregivers. We recommend that future quantitative and qualitative research is conducted to further assess health-promotion benefits to people living with PCA and their caregivers, and to assess their development and implementation in different contexts.

Keywords: young-onset dementia; posterior cortical atrophy; peer support group; carer support group (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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