Dignity Therapy for Patients With Early Dementia and Their Family

• Psychological distress[ Time Frame: 10 days post randomization ]
  as measured by the Distress Thermometer (DT), which measures psychological stress using a numerical rating scale from 0 (no) to 10 (max. stress) Anxiety and Depression, as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

Developed by Harvey M. Chochinov in 2005, Dignity Therapy (DT) invites individuals with life-limiting illnesses to reflect on matters of importance to them and compiles them in a narrative document for the patient to share. DT has shown to improve quality of life and a sense of dignity, as well as supporting relatives in the process of grievance. Featuring a gradual loss of memories of the past, decline of cognitive functions and awareness of self, dementia can be regarded as a life-limiting or life-changing illness, which is often accompanied by significant psychological stress. DT may help patients and their relatives reduce this stress. Yet, no studies have been conducted to determine the benefits of DT in patients with early stage dementia (ESD). This study investigates the feasibility and acceptance of DT by patients with (very) mild dementia (CDR: 0.5 - 1.5) and their relatives, as well as their overall satisfaction. This study further seeks to determine the effects of DT on sense of dignity, quality of life, dyadic coping, and levels of anxiety and depression in a randomized controlled design.

• Behavioral: Dignity Therapy
  Dignity Therapy (DT) invites individuals with life-limiting illnesses to reflect on matters of importance to them and compiles them in a narrative document for the patient to share.

• Experimental: Interventiongroup
  Dignity Therapy. Patients receive dignity-therapy-Intervention after randomization
• No Intervention: Waitinggroup
  Patients receive dignity-therapy-Intervention after a waiting time of 3 months post randomization