A systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of reminiscence therapy for people with dementia

Abstract

Background:The main objective of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to identify the effects of reminiscence therapy in people with dementia (PWD).Methods:A systematic search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted using bibliographic databases. A total of 157 original published studies were identified in the search, and 24 complete articles were included in the final review to check for the level of evidence. Two of the study authors independently assessed the quality of the included studies using the “Risk of Bias” (ROB) tool developed by the Cochrane Collaboration. Depression, quality of life, and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) were selected to measure the effect of reminiscence therapy. To determine the effects of reminiscence therapy on these variables, each individual study was analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software® (Biostat, Englewood, NJ, USA).Results:The overall effect size was presented using standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals. Cohen’s d effect size for depression was −0.541 (95% CI: −0.847 to −0.234, Z = −3.730, p<0.001), indicating that depression was significantly reduced in the reminiscence group compared to the control group. Increased quality of life and decreased BPSD were also found in the reminiscence group compared to the control group.Conclusion:Reminiscence therapy has a moderate effect on depression and can be broadly used to decrease depression as an alternative to antipsychotics, which can have harmful side effects and high cost.

Memory matters in dementia: Efficacy of a mobile reminiscing therapy app

“…Although a recent systematic review found that reminiscence therapy reduced depression and BPSD as well as improved QoL [30], our study showed that MM did not significantly affect QoL and BPSD because of small sample size. In our study, the planned sample size was 97.…”

Efficacy of Group Reminiscence Therapy on Cognition, Depression, Neuropsychiatric Symptoms, and Activities of Daily Living for Patients With Alzheimer Disease

“…Men and women aged 65 years or older; Diagnosis of probable or possible AD based on the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke and the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association scale; 17 Mild-to-moderate stage of dementia based on a Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale score of 1.0 or 2.0; and Willingness to participate in the study and provision of informed written consent.…”

“…In addition, communication in these groups can help people avoid social isolation, aiding the formation of social behaviors. 6,9 In the past 30 years, a large number of studies conducted have reported positive outcomes of RT for treating dementia in terms of a range of variables, including cognitive function, [10][11][12][13] emotions, 10,[13][14][15][16]17 activities of daily living, 13,17 well-being, 16 life satisfaction, 16,18 communication, 19 and ego-integrity. 20,21 However, some of these studies focused on individual reminiscence, often with small sample sizes, and some did not include a control group.…”

Reminiscence in the Care of People with Mild Dementia: A Concept Analysis

“…Gibson described the uses of reminiscence in dementia care as a therapeutic intervention, an enjoyable activity, or possibly a combination of both. Reminiscence practitioners can use reminiscence as an activity program, which positions the patients’ experiences and memories at the center of the activity . Uses of reminiscence in mild dementia care can fall into two categories: Informal and formal uses .…”

“…In the context of mild dementia care, informal uses of reminiscence may aim to provide a basis for other groups, increase interactions with peers, and find commonalities between patients . The formal uses of reminiscence as a therapeutic tool in mild dementia care have been shown in many systematic reviews and meta‐analyses to be a worthwhile strategy for improving depressive symptoms, cognitive functions, communication skills, and social inclusion . Other formal uses of reminiscence have been reported to include enhanced well‐being, raised self‐esteem, increased sense of personal identity, and reduction in anxiety levels .…”