Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias - III - A Systematic Review of Third Wave Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for People Diagnosed with Dementia

Sep 29, 2026

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Millions of people receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia each year, and depression and anxiety often co-occur. This systematic review evaluates third-wave cognitive behavioral therapies for individuals with ADRD, using studies published between 2012 and 2023. Ten studies met criteria, with 229 total participants, and mindfulness-based interventions were most common. Outcomes, often quality of life, were mixed. Findings suggest preliminary feasibility and acceptability, while mental health support and more rigorous future research are needed.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Study Overview

Inclusion Criteria and Participants

Intervention Types and Adaptations

Outcomes and Key Findings

Conclusions and Future Directions

Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 839 SESSION 7305 (POSTER) Abstract citation ID: igaf122.2843 ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS III A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THIRD WAVE COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS FOR PEOPLE DIAGNOSED WITH DEMENTIA Elizabeth Fauth, Ty Aller, Heather Kelley, and Marissa Donahue, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, United States Millions of people receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia (ADRD) each year, and increased depression and anxiety often co-occur. Third wave cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) refer to a cluster of interventions based in CBT but which focus on improving psychological and behavioral processes as a whole, rather than focusing on symptom-reduction, although symptom-reduction is a common outcome. There is extensive research on the efficacy of third wave approaches in multiple populations, but there are limited studies of its efficacy and acceptability individuals with dementia. This study is systematic review of third-wave CBT for individuals with ADRD published between 2012 and 2023. Ten studies met inclusion criteria, of which 7 were unique studies and 3 were supplemental studies using a similar dataset. There were varying designs (e.g., single-arm, randomized control trial). A total of 229 participants with ADRD were included. Mindfulness-based interventions were most used (k = 3) and interventions were primarily delivered via group sessions. Adaptations for ADRD included shortening session intensity (e.g., fewer sessions, fewer activities) and making materials more accessible (e.g., larger fonts, fewer words) . The most common outcome assessed was quality of life. Results of studies were mixed; some reported improvements while others reported null or negative outcomes. We conclude that third wave behavioral interventions seem to be preliminarily feasible and acceptable for individuals with dementia, but this research is still in the early stages. Individuals with ADRD need support in their mental health. Future research should emphasize more rigorous study design and increased sample sizes.

FAQs

What problem does the review address for people diagnosed with dementia?

The review targets psychological difficulties associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, especially depression and anxiety that commonly co-occur with these diagnoses.

What time range and study selection criteria were used?

The review includes third-wave CBT studies published between 2012 and 2023 that met inclusion criteria, resulting in 10 included studies.

How were third-wave interventions adapted for ADRD participants?

Adaptations included shortening session intensity (e.g., fewer sessions and activities) and making materials more accessible (e.g., larger fonts and fewer words).

What were the main conclusions and what should future research focus on?

Results were mixed, but third-wave behavioral interventions appear preliminarily feasible and acceptable. Future work should use more rigorous designs and larger sample sizes, with emphasis on mental health support.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Fahsai