Objective: Neuropsychiatric symptoms are a major component of dementia irrespective of severity or subtype. We aimed to determine the feasibility of biographical films to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms in people with moderate to severe dementia over a 32-week period.
Method: A total of 11 people with dementia situated in a residential care home took part in this mixed-method feasibility study. Carers reported neuropsychiatric symptoms of residents at three time-points, and their experience of the study was obtained at a feedback session.
Results: There was a significant reduction in neuropsychiatric symptoms in residents with neuropsychiatric impairment from baseline to the end of study (p = .042; d = .98). Thematic analysis identified three major themes: Triggered memories, knowledge gained to support care, and perceived changes in the resident.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that it is feasible to use biographical films long-term to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia, alongside routine care.
Keywords: biographical films; dementia; neuropsychiatric symptoms; person-centered care; reminiscence.
© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.