Reminiscence - A Comparison of Conventional Therapeutic and Computer-Based Interactive Methods

Abstract

Reminiscence therapy using photographs and a PC to present the same image was compared using images of an old-style Japanese fireplace and a washboard. Subjects undertook reminiscence therapy for a 5-minute session and we used snap reading method for analysis. Each activity was counted at 5-second intervals for 3 minutes of a 5-minute session. Subjects gazed at and made positive replies about both images, and no significant difference was seen between the two methods. We concluded that PC-based reminiscence therapy can be used effectively in conjunction with standard reminiscence therapy.

Memory Matters: A Mixed-Methods Feasibility Study of a Mobile Aid to Stimulate Reminiscence in Individuals With Memory Loss

“…Smaller mobile devices and a wider availability of wireless networks have also increased portability. Studies show that using computers with PWMLs is highly rated by staff and participants (Alm et al, 2004; Astell et al, 2010; Tamura et al, 2007). A recent study of tablet use suggests its potential to engage older adults socially (DeLello & McWhorter, 2015).…”

The effects of psychosocial interventions using generic photos on social interaction, mood and quality of life of persons with dementia: a systematic review

“…The study designs varied: Four studies were described as randomized controlled trials [ 25 , 29 , 31 , 32 ], while the remaining four studies had a quasi-experimental design, described more fully in Table 1 [ 26 – 28 , 30 ].…”

“…Various kinds of psychosocial interventions were identified, and it was seen how each intervention utilized photos in the activities for people with dementia. The majority of the studies used reminiscence therapy [ 26 , 30 – 32 ], where the individual or group members can share and reflect on past experiences by using props that prompt familiarity, whether it be in old music, songs, objects, or photographs, benefitting the participants as reminiscing can help them in finding or rekindling meaning and value in their personhood [ 48 ]. In the selected studies, it was noted that generic photos that were used in the activity included photos of old objects [ 26 ], photos of an old-style Japanese fireplace and washboard [ 30 ], photos corresponding to common cultural artifacts belonging to the time period where participants grew up, for example photos of classrooms, a traditional Japanese house, or a shopping street [ 31 ]; or photos of a 1970’s Chinese rural cottage [ 32 ].…”

“…It is noted that the interventions all varied in terms of format (individual or group), length and duration of the interventions, with the shortest intervention lasting for 5 min [ 30 ] and the longest intervention lasting for an hour [ 27 , 29 ] to a couple of hours [ 28 ], person delivering the intervention, and the materials used (refer to Table 1 ). Some interventions were delivered by therapists, psychologists or other professionals (like nurses) trained in the intervention [ 29 – 31 ], while others were delivered by members of the research team [ 26 – 28 , 32 ].…”

“…Four of the included studies incorporated technology in their interventions, namely a personal computer [ 28 , 30 ], and VR (virtual reality) technology [ 31 , 32 ]. Both studies using VR technology reported better outcomes for the group who viewed the photos using VR, compared to printed photos [ 31 , 32 ], while the study comparing viewing photos on the PC versus printed photos reported no significant differences in outcomes, leading to the conclusion that it is feasible to conduct photo-based interventions digitally [ 30 ].…”