Dementia-Friendly Communities: a Review of Current Literature and Reflections on Implementation

This review examines current trends in research on dementia-friendly communities (DFC). This includes promising evaluation methods, priority areas identified by persons living with dementia (PLWD) for DFCs, and sector-specific dementia-friendly initiatives. In addition, the authors add to existing literature by describing the experience—including challenges and lessons learned—of developing a DFC.

The authors found few rigorous evaluations of DFCs but identify promising approaches that are likely to render important findings in the future. Research on the priorities of PLWD is far more developed. Multiple studies that draw on the perceptions of those living with dementia describe the importance of social inclusion and reducing stigma. Studies on sector-specific initiatives also reveal the valuable and complimentary contributions that different community sectors bring to DFC, such as through delivering person-centered healthcare for PLWD, meeting community-based service needs, and increasing professional awareness and countering negative perspectives. Self-assessment of efforts undertaken by a new DFC revealed ongoing challenges with sustaining funding and involved volunteers, especially those living with dementia.

Findings from this review uncover considerable progress in creating DFC that meet the needs of PLWD and their families and caregivers. Communities are successfully engaging multiple diverse sectors, and multiple studies now describe the priorities of people living with dementia to guide future efforts. Still, there remains a dearth of rigorous evaluation to guide the direction of community initiatives and track progress. Further research is also needed to understand how dementia-friendly movements can be more culturally tailored. Increasing social inclusion should remain a priority for all dementia-friendly communities.