The Effect of Cognitive Programs on Cognitive Functions of the Elderly with Normal Cognitive Functions in the Community: Based on the Program 'Connect Memories'

Abstract

Background: This study aims to develop a well-founded program for the elderly in the community to provide a guide to continuous practice and to be used as basic data for its spread in the community.Methods: Among the elderly aged 60 or older living in Seongdong-gu, a total of 130 people agreed to participate in the study and met the criteria for selecting subjects, and 86 were the final subjects. The effects on cognitive function, depression, daily life activities, and quality of life before and after participating in the program were investigated and evaluated. Cognitive Impairment Screening Test, Subjective Memory Complaints Questionnaire, Short form of Geriatric Depression Scale-Korean version, Korean version of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, and EuroQol-5 dimension were used as test tools. After the pre-test, they participated in the program twice a week for 14 50 minutes sessions, and the average score of the posttest was compared.Results: It was found that cognitive function improved and depression significantly decreased regardless of age after participating in the program than before participating in the program. There was a difference in cognitive function improvement according to the level of education, but depression was found to decrease equally, and health-related quality of life improved.Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that senior citizens aged60 or older continue to practice the 'Connect Memories' program to improve cognitivefunction.