The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of group narrative reminiscence therapy on cognition, quality of life, attitudes towards ageing, and depressive symptoms in a group of older adults with cognitive impairment in institutional care. A quasi-experimental pretest/post-test control group design was employed. Interventions involving reminiscence therapy with a narrative approach were included in the care plan and implemented in groups of between five and ten respondents once a week for 8 weeks (total 59 participants). The members of the control group (n = 57) received standard care. A study questionnaire was designed to measure demographic characteristics, quality of life (WOHQOL-BREF, WHOQOL-OLD), depressive symptoms (GDS), cognition (MMSE), and attitudes towards ageing (AAQ). Reminiscence therapy positively affected older adults' quality of life (mostly the areas of mental health and social participation), and also their attitudes to ageing and old age. It reduced symptoms of depression, but had no discernible effect on cognitive function. Reminiscence therapy can positively affect selected aspects of quality of life, attitudes towards old age, and symptoms of depression in the elderly in long-term healthcare facilities. Group reminiscence therapy can be used as a nursing intervention.

Faculty of Medicine Department of Nursing and Midwifery University of Ostrava Ostrava Czech Republic

House of Social Services Municipal Hospital Ostrava Czech Republic

References provided by Crossref.org

The Effect of Reminiscence Therapy on the Assessment of Depression, Anxiety and Self-Esteem in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: An Intervention Study

Perception of dignity in older men and women in the early stages of dementia: a cross-sectional study