Effect of activity reminiscence therapy as brain‐activating rehabilitation for elderly people with and without dementia

Abstract

Background: Preventing the progression of dementia is a widespread challenge. However, currently there is limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of dementia rehabilitation. Methods: We practiced activity reminiscence therapy (ART) as brainactivating rehabilitation for both lucid and demented persons (n = 18) in a day-service setting as well as in a group home. The ART sessions were conducted 1 hour every week for 12 weeks (intervention period). We compared the results of three cognitive tests (the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Kana Pick-out test and the 'logical memory' component of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised) and four behavior and caregiver s burden scales (the Clinical Dementia Rating, the Multidimensional Observation Scale for Elderly Subjects, the Dementia Behavior Disturbance scale and the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview) conducted during the control period with those taken during the intervention period. At the end of the intervention period, we interviewed the staff and families individually to assess whether the participants seemed to have changed after intervention and, if so, how. Results: In cognitive tests, only immediate and delayed recall of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised showed significant improvement. None of the four behavior and caregiver s burden scales showed any significant changes after intervention. However, the interviews showed improvements in subjective aspects of communication, interaction and behavior. Conclusion: ART uses old-style tools. The nostalgia brought about by using these familiar tools led to effective recall of experiences, in which the participants taught the staff how to use the tools, which were unfamiliar to the staff. Through this role-reversal, they gained a sense of self-worth and a desire to live. Due to the reconstructed relationship between participants and caregivers, we consider ART to be effective in maintaining and improving emotional functions, activities of daily living and memory. ART should be useful for both lucid and mildly demented persons as brain-activating rehabilitation therapy.

Effect of aromatherapy on patients with Alzheimer's disease

“…Some studies of the effects of aromatherapy have used scales evaluating behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). [6][7][8] However, on the basis of the results of the present study, our view is that the most important effect of aromatherapy in dementia is on cognitive function. Thus, the main aim of the present study was to determine whether aromatherapy can improve cognitive disorders.…”

“…4,5 In recent years, non-pharmacological intervention has been based on the viewpoint of brain rehabilitation and the possible prevention of senile dementia has also been reported and non-pharmacological treatments other than aromatherapy, such as memory training, music therapy, the recollection method, animal-assisted therapy, and optical treatment, have been studied. [6][7][8] Aromatherapy experientially classifies the effect of the scent through the essential oil extracted from the plant, a traditional treatment used according to its effect, and is used in many fields. In the present study, the aromatherapy applied did not include mainstream aroma massage, aroma baths etc.…”

A quasi-experimental study of a reminiscence program focused on autobiographical memory in institutionalized older adults with cognitive impairment

“…In fact, reminiscence therapy among individuals with dementia is usually conducted in groups (Akanuma et al, 2011;Hsieh et al, 2010;Lalanne & Piolino, 2013;Wang, Yen, & OuYang, 2009). Studies about the use of reminiscence interventions found that it improves cognition (Akhoondzadeh, Jalalmanesh, & Hojjati, 2014;Cotelli et al, 2012;Tadaka & Kanagawa, 2007;Woods et al, 2005) decreases depressive symptoms (Chung, 2009;Hsieh et al, 2010;Wang, 2007), decreases behavioral symptoms (Akanuma et al, 2011;Hsieh et al, 2010;Huang, Li, Yang, & Chen, 2009;Wang et al, 2009;Woods et al, 2005;Yamagami, Oosawa, Ito, & Yamaguchi, 2007), promotes happiness (Okumura, Tanimukai, & Asada, 2008), enhances a positive mood (Cotelli et al, 2012;O´Rourke, Tobin, O´Callaghan, Sowman, & Collins, 2011;Woods et al, 2005) and facilitates communication (Huang et al, 2009;O´Rourke et al, 2011;Okumura et al, 2008).…”

Reminiscence in dementia: A concept analysis

“…What is dissimilar about all definitions is that several authors posit that in order for reminiscence to occur prompts or triggers must be used to evoke a response from an individual (Parker, 2006;Woods et al, 2005;Yamagami, Oosawa, Ito, & Yamaguchi, 2007). Others say that reminiscence may be a silent, solitary experience (Chin, 2007;McKee et al, 2005;Parker, 2006) or it may occur in the presence of others such as in group reminiscence therapy (Parker, 2006;Tadaka & Kanagawa, 2007;Wang, 2007;Zauszniewski et al, 2004).…”