![[ Visit Client Website ]](images/banner.gif)
Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to understand how the reminiscence group therapy (RGT) reduces depression and improves symptoms of apathy.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to understand how the reminiscence group therapy (RGT) be constructing.
Methods: The research design was prospective; 61 residents from two nursing homes were randomly distributed into two parallel groups for this study. An RGT program consisting of twelve sessions, 40-50minutes/per week was implemented for the members of the experimental group. The instruments used to collect data included the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES), and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 15.0.
Results: After three months, compared with the control group, the residents in the intervention group reported reduction in depressed mood (Z=-2.99 p<.05), and showed specific improvement in their behavior and cognition apathy scores (Z=-3.10 p<.05 & Z=-1.95 p<.05). Scores for depression on the NPI also had decreased (Z=-2.20 p<.05).
Conclusion: Reminiscence therapy has significant efficacy in the treatment of depressed mood and apathy in patients with mild-to-moderate stage dementia. This non-pharmacological intervention reduced emotional distress among residents with dementia in nursing homes.