Reminiscence therapy for dementia

Abstract

Background This updated Cochrane Review of reminiscence therapy (RT) for dementia was first published in 1998, and last updated in 2005. RT involves the discussion of memories and past experiences with other people using tangible prompts such as photographs or music to evoke memories and stimulate conversation. RT is implemented widely in a range of settings using a variety of formats. Objectives To assess the effects of RT on people living with dementia and their carers, taking into account differences in its implementation, including setting (care home, community) and modality (group, individual). Search methods We searched ALOIS (the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group's Specialized Register) on 6 April 2017 using the search term 'reminiscence.' Selection criteria We included all randomised controlled trials of RT for dementia in which the duration of the intervention was at least four weeks (or six sessions) and that had a 'no treatment' or passive control group. Outcomes of interest were quality of life (QoL), cognition, communication, behaviour, mood and carer outcomes. Data collection and analysis Two authors (LOP and EF) independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Where necessary, we contacted study authors for additional information. We pooled data from all sufficiently similar studies reporting on each outcome. We undertook subgroup analysis by setting (community versus care home) and by modality (individual versus group). We used GRADE methods to assess the overall quality of evidence for each outcome. Main results We included 22 studies involving 1972 people with dementia. Meta-analyses included data from 16 studies (1749 participants). Apart from six studies with risk of selection bias, the overall risk of bias in the studies was low. Overall, moderate quality evidence indicated RT did not have an important effect on QoL immediately after the intervention period compared with no treatment (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.11, 95% confidence interval (CI)-0.12 to 0.33; I 2 = 59%; 8

Spiritual reminiscence therapy for older people with loneliness, anxiety and depression living in a residential aged care facility, Malaysia: The effectiveness and older people’s experiences

“…RT can be defined as a discussion of memories with other individuals or in a group with the aid of triggers such as photos and music (Cho, 2016;Woods, Spector, Jones, Orrell, & Davies, 2005). RT was first introduced by Butler (1963) within the concept of life review.…”

“…Butler (1963) described life review as a recall of past experiences or events where individuals reflected their bitter and happy memories. Life review included evaluation of memories in a sequential approach such as memories starting from young age to old age and was usually conducted in an individual approach (Woods et al, 2005). Life review as a therapy focused on the systematic evaluation of negative past events and struggles (Westerhof & Bohlmeijer, 2014).…”

“…RT was firstly practised for the purpose of social communication and diversional therapy . The practice of RT has since been changed from simply a social interaction and leisure activity to more a therapeutic role for psychological problems (Woods et al, 2005). The change of practice was due to…”

“…RT showing a positive impact on older people's wellbeing and psychological health (Woods et al, 2005). Liu et al (2007) reported that Taiwanese older people provided positive feedback about RT, including that they felt happy and less lonely by participating RT.…”

“…This recommends that nurses could perform this intervention independently as skilled reminiscence therapists (Budi et al, 2012;Bulechek et al, 2008;Nugent, 1995). RT was highly valued by the RACF staff as a useful psychosocial treatment (Woods et al, 2005). In a recent study by Kris et al (2017) Overall, RT offers several benefits to older people such as a supportive environment, guidance to understand the meaning of their life and coping skills that may support the practice of RT in a RACF.…”