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Reminiscence and dementia: a therapeutic intervention

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 March 2015

Jesus Gonzalez ,
Teresa Mayordomo ,
Marta Torres ,
Alicia Sales  and
Juan C. Meléndez
Jesus Gonzalez
Affiliation:
Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibañez, 21, Valencia 46010, Spain
Teresa Mayordomo*
Affiliation:
Department of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibañez, 21, Valencia 46010, Spain
Marta Torres
Affiliation:
Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibañez, 21, Valencia 46010, Spain
Alicia Sales
Affiliation:
Department of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibañez, 21, Valencia 46010, Spain
Juan C. Meléndez
Affiliation:
Department of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibañez, 21, Valencia 46010, Spain
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Teresa Mayordomo Rodríguez, Av. Blasco Ibañez, 21, Valencia 46010, Spain. Phone: +34 963983844; Fax: +34 963864671. Email: teresamayordomor@gmail.com.
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Abstract

Background:

Dementia is a significant public health problem. One non-pharmacological therapy that has shown its effectiveness is reminiscence, which is a psychological intervention designed to address issues of particular relevance to older adults. The aim of this study was to examine the benefits of an integrative reminiscence program in elderly people with dementia.

Methods:

A quasi-experimental design and purposeful sampling were conducted at two retirement homes. Forty-two elderly adults with dementia were studied to measure the effect of the therapy (23 in the experimental group and 19 in the control group). The treatment group activity was held in 10 sessions.

Results:

The treatment group significantly improved their depressive symptoms and self-acceptance, positive relations with others, autonomy, and environmental mastery.

Conclusions:

This study provides support for the effectiveness of integrative reminiscence therapy (RT) as an intervention in people with dementia, especially in reducing depressive symptoms and improving psychological well-being, with the therapy being effective on personal and emotional variables.

Keywords

reminiscencedementiadepressionwell-being
Type
Research Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 27 , Special Issue 10: Psychosocial and Ethical Aspects of Dementia , October 2015 , pp. 1731 - 1737
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2015 

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