With the Black Country experiencing a slightly higher-than-average dementia diagnosis rate, local healthcare professionals are taking a leading role in a groundbreaking national study exploring compassion-based therapy as a new approach to supporting people living with dementia.
Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is one of three NHS Trusts participating in the research, which investigates Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) as an alternative to traditional treatments for depression and anxiety in dementia patients. Unlike conventional methods that rely heavily on medication or general support services, CFT encourages individuals to explore their emotional relationships with themselves and others, aiming to improve mental health and wellbeing during the dementia journey.
The study is particularly timely as the UK faces an ageing population and increasing demand for community-based, person-centred care. Compassion-based therapies could help patients:
- Maintain greater independence
- Experience improved quality of life
- Receive more holistic, community-focused care
The Older Adult Therapeutic Services (OATS) team at Black Country Healthcare played a key role in the study, screening eligible patients and facilitating 12-week therapy sessions for two groups. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either Compassion Focused Therapy or standard care.
Clinical Lead for Older Adult Therapeutic Services, Gemma Lockley, said:
"It's a great honour to be involved in national research where we can have a real positive impact on people within the Black Country, which can then be used to influence treatments and therapy on a national scale.
"We have all enjoyed being part of the research group with Trusts across the country, advocating for the needs of people diagnosed with dementia and working together within the community to maintain their quality of life and independence for as long as possible.”
The national research team is now analysing the results to assess the effectiveness of CFT compared to existing treatments. If successful, the study could pave the way for a larger randomised control trial later this year, potentially transforming how dementia-related mental health issues are treated across the NHS.
This pioneering work positions the Black Country as a national leader in dementia innovation, contributing to a future where care is not only clinically effective but also emotionally supportive.
Image credit: iStock
