Effects of Productive Activities with Reminiscence in Occupational Therapy for People with Dementia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Objective/Background Although a number of studies have considered the effects of reminiscence therapy, none have examined whether a therapy that combines reminiscence with productive activity has a beneficial effect on elderly dementia patients. This study tests our hypothesis that productive activities with reminiscence in occupational therapy (PAROT) can alleviate depressive symptoms and improve task performance of elderly dementia patients. Methods Thirty-six patients with dementia were randomly divided into two groups, namely, an intervention group (n = 17) and a control group (n = 19). The intervention group had six activity sessions (making rice balls and cakes; one session/week) while reminiscing about the activity. Measurements were performed using the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD), Multidimensional Observation Scale for Elderly Subjects (MOSES), Vitality Index, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The performance of the patients was assessed based on photographs of the products after the first and sixth sessions. Results Six patients dropped out while the study was in progress, thus leaving 15 patients in the intervention group and 15 patients in the control group. The scores of depression symptoms in CSDD and MOSES were significantly improved for the intervention group, while within-group comparison showed no significant differences in CSDD, MOSES, or MMSE total scores. In terms of task performance, 88% of the patients in the intervention group, including two patients with severe dementia, showed significant improvement in making the product. Conclusion Our study suggests that PAROT may alleviate depressive symptoms and improve the task performance of elderly people with dementia.