Oct 21

Understanding Stress and Distress: new KORA evidence review released

The Dementia Learning Centre is pleased to share a new evidence review developed as part of the KORA Project, exploring how we can better understand, prevent and respond to stress and distress experienced by people living with dementia mate wareware.

Authored by Dr Caroline Bartle, Dr Rebecca Sharp and Carole Kerr, the review brings together international research and practice-based evidence to identify what effective dementia support looks like and how we can translate this knowledge into everyday practice.

Looking beyond behaviour to understand distress

Stress and distress are often described as challenging behaviours or behaviours of concern. However, the review encourages a shift in perspective, recognising that distress may be a response to unmet needs, environmental factors, communication difficulties or experiences that affect a person's sense of safety and wellbeing.

Rather than focusing solely on behaviour, the evidence highlights the importance of understanding the person, their experiences and the circumstances contributing to distress.

The review explores three key areas:
  • Understanding distress: Recognising why distress occurs and the importance of language, assessment and individual experiences.
  • Supporting the person: Exploring evidence-informed approaches to preventing distress, responding compassionately and maintaining dignity and autonomy.
  • Making good practice possible: Identifying the leadership, organisational systems and workforce capabilities needed to support meaningful and sustainable improvements.

Download the KORA Evidence Review

Explore the full evidence review to learn more about understanding, preventing and responding to stress and distress experienced by people living with dementia mate wareware, and the evidence shaping future practice.

Download the KORA Evidence Review: Understanding Stress and Distress (PDF)