Work

Definitions of Person-Centeredness for Persons With Dementia in the United States: A Scoping Review

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Person-centeredness first emerged as a concept in dementia care in the 1980s. Nearly 40 years later, it has no universal definition, which limits operationalization and implementation of care and supportive services, measures, interventions, policy, and regulation for people with dementia. Thus, a scoping review of the current definitions of person-centeredness in US dementia care was conducted. Of the 71 included studies, there was considerable variability in elements/themes, complexity, and cited theories; the most common themes were needs and preferences, relationships, and personhood, all of which were present in at least half of the studies' definitions. Importantly, more than 150 articles that were reviewed did not contain a definition, despite including the term in their titles or abstracts. Further investigation in pursuit of a more nuanced conceptualization of person-centeredness that includes these key themes, while also addressing concerns about applicability to diverse cultures and contexts (e.g., organizations and systems), is recommended.

Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology

DOI: 10.1177/07334648261463391

Authors: Lea Efird-Green, London B. Jones, Sam Fazio, Sheryl Zimmerman

Institutions: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Alzheimer's Association

Language: English

Topic: Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,400