Pilot study on the effectiveness of Reminiscence Therapy on cognition, depressive symptoms, and quality of life in nursing home residents.

Isabel Gil

doi:10.37825/2239-9747.1018

Abstract

AimThis study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the group Reminiscence Therapy (RT) on cognition, depressive symptoms, and quality of life (QOL) in older adults recruited in nursing homes.MethodsA pilot study with a one-group pretest-posttest design was conducted between September 2017 and March 2018 in five nursing homes from central Portugal. A comprehensive RT program (Core program followed by a Follow-up program) was provided to clinically stable volunteers aged 65 years or more, who did not have severe cognitive impairment.ResultsFrom the 50 older adults (32 women and 18 men, with mean age of 83.32±7.76, and mean education level of 5.48±4.05) considered eligible to participate in the study, 35 (mean age: 84.17±7.46, mean education level of 6.14±4.49) completed the Core Program and 28 completed the Follow-up Program (mean age: 84.25±7.66, mean education level of 6.18±4.57). Based on the Wilcoxon Test, it was observed that the participants’ cognitive performance did not change during the two RT programs. No significant changes were confirmed in relation to depressive symptomatology and QOL.ConclusionAlthough no statistically significant improvements of the older adults’ cognitive function, depressive symptomatology, and quality of life were found, the stabilization of such outcomes are relevant from a clinical viewpoint. Further studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Highlights

IntroductionThe old-age dependency ratio in the European Union (EU) is expected to increase from 29.6% in 2016 to 51.2% in 2070 [1]
According to current projections, the old-age dependency ratio in the European Union (EU) is expected to increase from 29.6% in 2016 to 51.2% in 2070 [1]
We aim to carry a pilot study to examine the potential effectiveness of group Reminiscence Therapy (RT) on cognition, depressive symptoms, and quality of life in older adults recruited in nursing homes

Summary

Introduction

The old-age dependency ratio in the European Union (EU) is expected to increase from 29.6% in 2016 to 51.2% in 2070 [1]. This implies massive demographical changes, with a significant social and economic impact marked by shifts in the labor market and increased public expenditure. Not less importantly, rising aging trends are associated with an increment of frailty and morbidity rates, causing dependency on others [2]. This scenario may sustain the persistent increase of chronic degenerative diseases, such as neurocognitive disorders (NCD). Complex health status and moderate to high dependency levels result in the need for long-term care [2]

Objectives

Results

Discussion

Conclusion