Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42227277›Full record

SynthesisJournal of clinical nursing2026

Interventions to Reduce Loneliness in Informal Caregivers of People With Dementia: A Systematic Review.

Tianxue Hou, Yuqian Luo, Mu-Hsing Ho, Xiaohang Liu, Yuelin Li, Chia-Chin Lin

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Journal of clinical nursing, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Tianxue HouSchool of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7204-0998
Yuqian LuoSchool of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
Mu-Hsing HoSchool of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9443-4082
Xiaohang LiuSchool of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Yuelin LiKiang Wu Nursing College of Macau, Macau, China.
Chia-Chin LinSchool of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9551-0991

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

aimTo summarize the current evidence on reducing loneliness among informal caregivers of people with dementia, such as family members or friends.

designA systematic review.

methodsThe methodological quality was evaluated using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized controlled trials and the revised JBI critical appraisal checklist for quasi-experimental studies. Data were extracted as predefined and synthesized narratively. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist was used to report the intervention characteristics. DATA SOURCES: Six electronic databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus, and Web of Science Core Collection) were searched for studies published in peer-reviewed English journals from the inception of each database until 28 January 2024.

resultsEight studies were included in this review, published between 2002 and 2023, with three being randomized controlled trials. All included interventions were psychosocial. Only one study reported significant improvements in loneliness. Five studies utilized remote and online interventions, such as social networking, psychotherapy, and online social support. Interventions varied in their impact on secondary outcomes, including stress, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and caregiver burden. Four studies demonstrated a positive effect on caregiver stress levels. One pilot trial reported a positive impact on depressive symptoms, and another study noted potential improvements in anxiety. One pilot study reported an average improvement in caregiver burden.

conclusionWhile the evidence is insufficient for conclusive statements, this systematic review suggests potential benefits of interventions to reduce loneliness and improve mental health among these caregivers. It highlights the promise of remote interventions in addressing loneliness among dementia caregivers. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: The findings suggest that tailored interventions, especially those delivered remotely, can enhance the support provided to caregivers, potentially improving their mental health and overall well-being. REPORTING

methodThis systematic review adhered to the PRISMA statement. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

Indexed as

CaregiversDementiaLonelinessHumansSocial Supportdementiainformal caregiverlonelinessolder adults

Identifiers

PMID42227277
PMCPMC13569374

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.