Effect of Multi-Purpose Activity Training on Cognitive Functions in the Elderly Living at Home And in a Resthouse

Abstract

Objective: Multi-purpose activities are important for their support on geriatric and gerontology studies since the number of elderly is increasing throughout the world. The aim of this study was to show the effect of multi-purpose activity training on cognitive functions in the elderly who reside at home and in a rest house. Material and Methods: Sixty-seven subjects, 60 years and older, participated in the study; 34 subjects were living in a resthouse and 33 subjects were living at home. Demographic features such as birth date, gentler, marital status, personal health status, heredity, literacy and free time activities of the subjects were recorded. The short portative mental status questionnaire (SPMSQ) and word fluency test were performed pre- and post intervention. Cognitive activities were performed two days a week for twelve weeks, with each section lasting forty five minutes. The effects of group activity training in a resthouse and individual training at home on cognitive functions were compared by appropriate statistical methods. Results: The mean age of the subjects in the resthouse was 74.5 +/- 7.59 and in home group 70.66 +/- 5.02 years. Before activity training there was no difference in cognitive functions between resthouse and home groups (p>0.05). In comparison of home and resthouse groups; a significant difference was found in word fluency in favor of home group after the activity training (p<0.05). Investigation of the effect of activity training on cognitive functions revealed that the differences between the pre- and postactivity trainings were not significant in any of the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study indicates the need of new studies that consider other examples of assessment and activity to improve cognitive functions of elderly. Possibilities for elderly to participate in the activities should be increased and new studies with longer follow-up periods must be performed.