title: A systematic narrative review of support groups for people with dementia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Provision of non-pharmacological interventions is a common policy objective for people with dementia, and support groups are an increasingly common intervention. However, there have been few attempts to synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of support groups for people with dementia. This review investigated the outcomes of support groups for people with dementia, explored participant characteristics and reviewed group formats.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic review was undertaken and a narrative synthesis of data from 29 papers (reporting on 26 groups and a survey of a range of groups) was conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Support groups seem acceptable to people with dementia. Qualitative studies report subjective benefits for participants but there is limited evidence of positive outcomes based on quantitative data. Samples have tended to be homogenous and this may limit the generalizability of findings.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although qualitative studies will remain important in this area, further mixed-methods randomized controlled trials (RCTs)or comparison group studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to strengthen the evidence base.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology,Bangor University,Brigantia Building,Bangor,Gwynedd,LL57 2AS,UK.
authors.forename: G R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Toms
authors.affiliation: College of Life and Environmental Sciences - Psychology,Washington Singer Laboratories,Exeter University,Perry Road,Exeter,EX4 4QG,UK.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Clare
authors.affiliation: Health Centre,Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board,Llanfairpwll,Anglesey,LL61 5YZ,UK.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nixon
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology,Bangor University,Brigantia Building,Bangor,Gwynedd,LL57 2AS,UK.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Quinn
mesh_terms: D003704:Dementia / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011584:Psychology / Q000193:education*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012944:Social Support
keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; acceptability; effectiveness; feasibility; peer support; psycho-education; social support