Reminiscence Therapy in the Treatment of Depression in the Elderly: Current Perspectives

Abstract

Reminiscence therapy has been known to provide relief against depression and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. This therapy has been used for decades as a nonpharmacological treatment or tool that has produced both positive and negative results. This paper explores the current trends in reminiscence therapy in the treatment of depression in the elderly. Some of these trends involve the use of technology such as mobile apps and robotics while others follow more traditional and proven methods. A comparison of the variations in the interpretations of reminiscence therapy treatment mechanisms and their impacts will also be discussed. The ultimate goal of this paper is to highlight the current trends in the use of reminiscence therapy in treatment of depression in the elderly.

Effects of Psycho-educational Program Alone and Combined with Reminiscence Therapy on Depression, Cognitive and Non-cognitive Behaviors among Patients with Dementia

“…In reminiscence therapy, the therapist assisted the elderly in recalling the positive elements and belongings which there were expressive to the elderly who had encountered the elderly in the past to integrate these positive things in their daily lives as they aged and assessed the life they had lived up to this point, allowing the elderly to feel content with their lives (Khan et al, 2022). Exploring the accomplishments of the elderly is at the heart of recollection therapy activities since it increases pleasure, happiness, and pride in oneself while reducing negative and depressing feelings.…”

Reminiscence therapy; an effective intervention for cancer patients

“…4,5 Recently some changes have been made in the implementation of reminiscence therapy and led to the integration of technology, such as robots or applications, in reminiscence therapy. 1 Reminiscence therapy is a type of psychotherapy that is usually used as a non-pharmacological intervention to help older people with dementia to improve cognitive function and memory, reduce anxiety and depression, achieve better mood and psychological well-being, and improve their quality of life. 2 Although it is mostly used in elderly people and those suffering from dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and depression, it has been used for people of any age, including middleaged, young and even children.…”

“…2 Although it is mostly used in elderly people and those suffering from dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and depression, it has been used for people of any age, including middleaged, young and even children. 1 Positive results of reminiscence therapy have been shown in healthy adults. 2 Since cancer patients experience depression and anxiety in different stages of the disease and when receiving different treatments, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery.…”

“…Reminiscence therapy is a mechanism that helps a person remember events in their life so that by remembering these memories, events, feelings, and thoughts, person‐centered care may be provided for them. 1 , 2 This approach can be administered both in individual or in group sessions to stimulate conversation among participants under the help of trained nurses and clinical psychologists. It is implemented over a period of time, usually one session per week, but its duration varies and can range from 4 to 12 weeks or even more.…”

The Effect of Reminiscence on Depression in Elderly People with Suicidal Ideation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…According to some scientific research, psychological problems, especially depression, play a critical role in the formation of suicidal ideation and attempted suicide in the elderly (17). On the other hand, reminiscence by reviewing the elderly's previous life experiences, reformatting them, and reconstructing cognitive events has positive effects on the emotions, feelings, behaviors, and cognition of the elderly with mental problems (18), especially those suffering from depression (19,20); hence, participation in group reminiscence sessions can have positive effects in alleviating depression symptoms in these individuals (21). Accordingly, the following research question was posed: Does group reminiscence therapy play a protective role in elderly's suicidal ideation by decreasing depression symptoms?…”