Reminiscence in dementia: A concept analysis

Abstract

This paper is a report of an analysis of the concept of reminiscence in dementia and highlights its uses as a therapeutic intervention used on individuals with dementia. No single definition of reminiscence exists in healthcare literature; however, definitions offered have similar components. The term life review is commonly used when discussing reminiscence; however, both terms are quite different in their goals, theory base and content. This concept analysis identified reminiscence as a process which occurs in stages, involving the recalling of early life events and interaction between individuals. The antecedents of reminiscence are age, life transitions, attention span, ability to recall, ability to vocalise and stressful situations. Reminiscence can lead to positive mental health, enhanced self esteem and improved communication skills. It also facilitates preparation for death, increases interaction between people, prepares for the future and evaluates a past life. Reminiscence therapy is used extensively in dementia care and evidence shows when used effectively it helps individuals retain a sense of self worth, identity and individuality.

Effects of modified 8‐week reminiscence therapy on the older spouse caregivers of stroke survivors in Chinese communities: A randomized controlled trial

“…Our results also supported the hypothesis that caregivers in the MRT groups perceived a greater positive experience than those who did not. Reminiscence therapy helps people to reassess their past life experiences, maintain their self‐value and self‐identification, promotes the interactions between people, and encourages people to prepare for their future . Reminiscence therapy works by improving positive experiences, including both self‐affirmation and an individual's outlook on life.…”

“…Reminiscence therapy helps people to reassess their past life experiences, maintain their self-value and self-identification, promotes the interactions between people, and encourages people to prepare for their future. 38 and enhances the ability to plan for future goals. 39 A meta analysis of the effects of RT 40 indicated that its use could improve mental health, the ability to self-improve, positive happiness, sense of control, and the ability to blend into society.…”

The effectiveness of creating an online life story book on persons with early dementia and their informal caregivers: a protocol of a randomized controlled trial

“…The OLSB utilizes the natural process of recollecting memories and stimulates this process. It is known that in an early stage of dementia, people can still retrieve and share memories from the past [13, 14]. However, our research focuses on a relatively short time period of 6 months.…”

“…Hence, reminiscence interventions are part of the Dutch standard for dementia care [12]. Personal memories belong to the autobiographical memory system, a part of memory that remains intact in dementia for a relatively long time [13, 14]. Most persons with early dementia are able to retrieve personal memories and share them.…”

Reminiscence in the Care of People with Mild Dementia: A Concept Analysis

“…Reminiscence is a vital part of the aging process which can help older adults achieve ego integrity . Older adults with mild dementia tend to retain vivid memories of the distant past which they may be able to retrieve during reminiscence activities . Reminiscence in the care of people with mild dementia is classified as an independent nursing intervention that can be utilized in a variety of settings to address psychosocial problems associated with dementia .…”