What non-pharmacological interventions are recommended for supporting patients with Alzheimer's disease?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 14 August 2025Updated: 14 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

For supporting patients with Alzheimer's disease, several non-pharmacological interventions are recommended, primarily for those with mild to moderate dementia:

  • Activities to promote wellbeing: Offer a range of activities tailored to the person's preferences .
  • Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST): Group CST is recommended for people living with mild to moderate dementia ,. This involves a range of activities and discussions aimed at improving general cognitive and social functioning .
  • Reminiscence Therapy: Consider group reminiscence therapy for people with mild to moderate dementia ,. This therapy uses objects to stimulate memory and help individuals value their experiences .
  • Cognitive Rehabilitation or Occupational Therapy: Consider these therapies to support functional ability in people with mild to moderate dementia ,. The goal is to address disability from cognitive impairment by identifying relevant goals, building on strengths, compensating for impairments, and supporting independence in daily life .
  • Psychosocial and Environmental Interventions: Offer these interventions to reduce distress in people living with dementia ,. This includes ensuring continued access to these interventions even when antipsychotics are used or stopped .
  • Personalised Activities for Agitation or Aggression: For individuals experiencing agitation or aggression, offer personalised activities to promote engagement, pleasure, and interest ,. Before starting any treatment for distress, conduct a structured assessment to explore reasons and address clinical or environmental causes like pain or delirium ,.
  • Psychological Treatments for Depression and Anxiety: For people with mild to moderate dementia who have mild to moderate depression and/or anxiety, psychological treatments should be considered ,.
  • Personalised Multicomponent Sleep Management: For sleep problems, consider an approach that includes sleep hygiene education, exposure to daylight, exercise, and personalised activities ,. Melatonin is not recommended for insomnia in people with Alzheimer's disease ,.

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