Anımsama Terapisinin Alzheimer Hastalarının Bilişsel Durumu, Depresyon ve Günlük Yaşam Faaliyetlerine Etkisi

Abstract

Study was conducted with experimental design to investigate the effect of reminiscence therapy on cognition, depression, activities of daily living of institutionalized mild and moderate Alzheimer patients. The study was conducted with totally 62 patients (31 intervention group and 31 control group) in four institutions Ankara 75th Year Nursing Home, Elderly Care and Rehabilitation Center, Seyranbağları Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center, Ümitköy Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center, Demetevler Fatma Üçer Elderly Care and Rehabilitation Center. Study was done between the dates July 1st, 2013 and December 20th, 2014. Reminiscence therapy sessions were held with groups consists of 4-5 patients, once a week with 30-35 minute duration for 12 weeks. Standardized Mini Mental Test was used in sample selection. Patients were listed through their mini mental test scores, and randomized as odd numbers to control group and even numbers to intervention group. Data were collected with forms developed by researcher ‘Data Sheet’ and `Activities of Daily Living Follow-up Form` as well as scales `Standardized Mini Mental Test` and `Geriatric Depression Scale`. Chi-square, Mann Whitney-U test, variance analyses in repeated measures and Bonferroni tests were used for analysis. At the end of reminiscence therapy sessions increase in cognition and decrease in depression were founded statistically significant in intervention group (p<0.05). It is found that reminiscence therapy had positive effect on communication, coordination, socialization and agitation behaviours whereas it had no effect on activities of daily living such as mobility, personal hygiene, nutrition, sleep and dressing. At the end of the study it was suggested that reminiscence therapy can be used with mild to moderate Alzheimer patients.