No abstract

This study developed a occupational therapy convergent activity program to provide dementia patients admitted to the daytime ward, and investigated the program's effect on the hand and cognitive functions and instrumental activities of daily living. A total of 34 dementia patients were divided into two groups: a convergent occupational therapy program and medication were provided for 17 patients, and medication alone was provided for a control group of 17. The intervention was performed for 24 weeks, 8 times per week, 192 times in total. A handgrip strength test was performed to examine hand function before and after the intervention, and the MMSE-K and GDS were performed to evaluate cognitive function. In addition, the K-IADL was used to assess instrumental activities of daily living. With intervention, the experimental group showed significant improvements in hand and cognitive function and instrumental activities of daily living. In contrast, the control group did not show improvements in hand and cognitive function or instrumental activities of daily living. In conclusion, the study showed that a convergent/integrated activity program for occupational therapy has a positive effect on hand and cognitive function as well as instrumental activities of daily living.