Community-based solutions: A principles-to-practice framework to support individuals living with dementia and their care partners

Abstract Background and Objectives Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias represent a global public health concern, with persistent gaps in supports for individuals living with dementia and their unpaid care partners. This study synthesized promising community-based innovations that address these gaps and contribute to positive outcomes. Research Design and Methods A rapid literature review was conducted to develop a framework for guiding the design and evaluation of community innovations for individuals living with dementia and their care partners. Four databases were searched using keywords related to dementia, care partners, community-based care, and quality outcomes. Twenty-two articles were included, each evaluating a community-based intervention for individuals with dementia and their care partners and reported outcomes. Cross-study thematic analysis identified programmatic factors associated with success. Results The resulting framework comprises six programmatic factors of success, six design and implementation considerations, and four cross-cutting principles. Success factors included early intervention, triadic involvement in planning, individualized and person-centered approaches, multi-component interventions, community-building activities, and direct care partner resources and tools. Design and implementation considerations included target population, delivery models, co-design strategies, resource allocation and system incentives, geographic context, and impacts and outcomes. Core principles emphasize anti-stigma, accessibility, equity and intersectionality, and sustainability. Discussion and Implications Co-design and sustained community engagement were identified as central strategies for reducing stigma and fostering inclusive, dementia-supportive environments. The framework can be used to support the development, investment, and scalability of effective community-based supports for individuals living with dementia and care partners across diverse settings.