Reminiscence and dementia: a therapeutic intervention

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Dementia presents a significant public health challenge globally.
• Non-pharmacological therapies, such as reminiscence, offer effective interventions for older adults.
• Integrative reminiscence therapy (RT) is a psychological intervention tailored for the elderly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the benefits of an integrative reminiscence program for elderly individuals diagnosed with dementia.
• To assess the impact of RT on psychological well-being and specific personal variables in dementia patients.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental design was employed with purposeful sampling across two retirement homes.
• The study included 42 elderly adults with dementia, divided into an experimental group (23 participants) and a control group (19 participants).
• The experimental group underwent a 10-session integrative reminiscence therapy program.

Main Results:

• The treatment group demonstrated significant improvements in depressive symptoms.
• Participants in the RT group showed enhanced self-acceptance, positive relations with others, autonomy, and environmental mastery.
• The intervention positively impacted personal and emotional variables in the elderly dementia population.

Conclusions:

• Integrative reminiscence therapy (RT) is a viable and effective intervention for individuals with dementia.
• RT shows particular efficacy in mitigating depressive symptoms and enhancing overall psychological well-being.
• The study supports the use of RT for improving personal and emotional aspects in dementia care.