The Impact of Group Therapy on Adults With Alzheimer's

Abstract

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To investigate the effects of group therapy on Alzheimer's patients as well as the impact of the frequency of the therapeutic intervention programs on their well being. The sample consisted of 16 adults with an average age of 80, with Alzheimer's. <h3>Design</h3> Each individual was evaluated with "MoCA","Mini Mental State Examination", Drawing Clock Test & "Trail Making Test" to assess their cognitive and language skills. According to the severity of the disease & their skills, the individuals were divided into 2 groups. During the rehabilitation intervention program the therapists applied Group Therapy using the Montessori approach . They also used the Memory strategy "RECAPS" and the Communication Strategy "MESSAGE" . <h3>Setting</h3> "ITHAKI Day Care Center", a non profit organization. <h3>Participants</h3> The sample consisted of 16 Alzheimer's patients with an average age of 80. Diagnosed in stages 2 & 3 of severity. They received group therapy 3 times weekly for hourly sessions in speech therapy, social & cognitive skills. <h3>Interventions</h3> MEMORY STRATEGY GROUP THERAPY/ MONTESSORI METHOD Duration: 8 months spread out in year 2020 (due to COVID19). <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> The appropriateness and efficacy of the therapeutic intervention programs used & the impact of group therapy on the well being of these patients. <h3>Results</h3> The results showed that the rehabilitation program and specifically Group Therapy supported the patients in many ways. It increased their attention, functional skills and cognitive levels. Their active participation and teamwork spirits levelled up, they showed improved communication and social skills with the other group members and they were much more enthusiastic and positive for life. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Findings of the research gave information on how Group Therapy and other strategies can support adults with Alzheimer's to stabilize or to improve their cognitive, communication and social skills Additional study is required before the information should be used in usual clinical settings as the sample is very small and the intervention was interrupted twice unexpectedly due to pandemic conditions and restrictions. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> I declare no conflicts or lack thereof.