3rd Edition of Dementia World Conference 2026

Abstract

Background: Unpaid caregivers provide most of the day-to-day support for people living with dementia, yet they frequently experience high burden, unmet needs, and limited guidance. Dementia coaching has emerged as a potential solution—aimed at strengthening caregiver knowledge, coping, and resilience—but its implementation is inconsistent and evidence has not been systematically synthesized. Purpose: This virtual presentation will share findings from a scoping review that mapped dementia coaching programs for unpaid caregivers of community-dwelling persons living with dementia. We examined how programs are structured, who delivers them, what they teach, and what outcomes they report. Methods: Peer-reviewed studies, dissertations, reports, and relevant grey literature were screened for sources describing or evaluating dementia coaching. Data were charted on program characteristics, delivery models, provider backgrounds, content, caregiver populations, outcomes, and resource materials. Qualitative content analysis was applied to coaching domains and supports. Results: Twenty-eight sources met eligibility criteria, including 15 research studies and 13 web-based programs. Most were conducted in the United States and Europe. Dementia coaching was delivered by trained professionals through diverse formats, durations, and intensities. Reported benefits included improved caregiver confidence, coping, and emotional well-being; however, outcome measures, program fidelity, and sustainability planning were often under-developed. Conclusions: Findings position dementia coaching as a promising but emerging intervention. Substantial variability exists in how programs are designed, delivered, and evaluated. To maximize impact for unpaid caregivers, coordinated research, stronger implementation frameworks, and system-level integration are needed. A domain-centered framework will be presented to guide future research, policy, and practice.