A Critically Appraised Topic: Effects of Reminiscence Therapy on Agitation in Dementia

Dementia is a progressive, degenerative cognitive disorder that can lead to a significant loss of independent functioning. This may lead to a profound negative impact upon families and caregivers. Many studies have found a statistically significant correlation between agitation and dementia. Research noted patients with agitated behaviors had resistance towards care, developed sleep disorders, had aggressive behaviors, and were restless. As a result, persons with dementia experienced a decreased quality of life and increased caregiver strain. Research supported the use of reminiscence therapy as an effective intervention to decrease agitation. In order to provide effective implementation of reminiscence therapy, occupational therapists must have knowledge and understanding of the benefits of the treatment. Occupational therapists are trained to utilize the client’s strengths to provide interventions which increase quality of life and participation in occupation. Research suggested a decrease in agitation will improve quality of life in those diagnosed with dementia. A critically appraised topic (CAT) was conducted based on a developed focus question. A comprehensive search of the literature was completed to investigate the evidence for the effectiveness of reminiscence therapy for individuals with dementia. The findings indicate the use of reminiscence therapy may be an effective intervention in reducing agitation in individuals with dementia. Individualized reminiscence programs and inclusion of caregivers in the occupational therapy process are important implications for therapists to consider while incorporating reminiscence therapy as an intervention. References Asiret, G., D., & Kapucu, S. (2015). The effect of reminiscence therapy on cognition, depression, and activities of daily living for patients with Alzheimer disease. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, 29, 31-37. doi: 10.1177/0891988715598233. Baillon, S., Van Diepen, E., Prettyman, R., Redman, J., Rooke, N., & Campbell, R. (2004). A comparison of the effects of snoezelen and reminiscence therapy on the agitated behaviour of patients with dementia. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 19(11), 1047-1052. doi:10.1002/gps.120. Cohen-Mansfield J., Libin, A., & Marx, M. S. (2007). Nonpharmacological treatment of agitation: A controlled trial of systematic individualized intervention. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci, 62A(8), 908-916. DiZazzo-Miller, R., Samuel, P. S., Barnas, J. M., & Welker, K. M. (2014). Addressing everyday challenges: Feasibility of a family caregiver training program for people with dementia. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 212-220. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2014.009829. Garland, K., Beer, E., Eppingstall, B., & O'Connor, D. W. (2007). A comparison of two treatments of agitated behavior in nursing home residents with dementia: Simulated family presence and preferred music. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 15(6), 514-521. doi:10.1097/01.JGP.0000249388.37080.b4. Kong, E. (2005). Agitation in dementia: Concept clarification. Journal of Advanced Nursing,