Take away message: Preliminary findings of this study support the feasibility and acceptability of integrating communication partner training, arts, family support, and workforce development in community-based dementia care.

Introduction

Low- and middle-income countries face major gaps in dementia care, particularly in access to non-pharmacological, family-centered, and community-based support.  

In this context, PACTO-D-ComunicARTE was developed as an innovative dementia care practice integrating communication-centered care, arts-based group environments, caregiver support, and primary care workforce development.

The model targets three groups: (1) people with mild to moderate dementia, (2) family caregivers, and (3) primary care professionals.

 

Methods

Four family dyads already participating in a remote support group underwent in-person group meetings which were held twice a month (20 hours in total). Group sessions integrated Nonviolent Communication circles, storytelling, and playful nonverbal activities. Sessions opened and closed with live violin performance.

Primary care professionals participated in a 20-hour training program covering dementia, cognition, functionality in Alzheimer's disease, and communication challenges and strengths in dementia care. The training combined classes, group discussions, and role-play activities.

 

Results

High attendance and active participation was observed with family members expressing interest in sharing their feelings and people with dementia engaging in nonverbal playful activities.  This experience produced a refinement of communication-centred and arts-based activities.

Thirty primary care professionals, predominantly community health workers, completed the training program and actively participated in discussions and role-play exercises focused on communication with people with dementia. Feedback indicated high acceptability and perceived relevance of the content.

Recruitment of people with mild to moderate dementia for the pilot intervention is ongoing.

Conclusions

PACTO-D-ComunicARTE demonstrated preliminary feasibility as a community-baseddementia care initiative integratingcommunication, arts, family support, andprimary care workforce development.

High engagement among pilot families andactive participation of 30 primary careprofessionals supported the acceptability andperceived relevance of the program.

 The ongoing recruitment of individuals withprobable Alzheimer's disease in the earlystages revealed important logistical andengagement barriers, highlighting the need for active outreach, repeated reminders, andflexible implementation strategies.