Effect of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy versus Reminiscence Therapy on Cognitive and Psychological Outcomes in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: The aging population is the most significant demographic phenomena that the world has seen in recent decades, which in turn resulted in a sharp rise in the number of older people. Consequently, these data anticipate a reduction in expected years of active and healthy life and a rise in age associated with gradual deterioration of physical and mental health. Cognitive frailty is recognized as a precursor to major health conditions. Early identification and cognitive intervention programs can potentially preventing or reversing this decline in cognitive function. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive stimulation therapy versus reminiscence therapy on cognitive and psychological outcomes in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Design: A Quasi-experimental study was followed to conduct this study. Setting: The study was conducted in two elderly clubs namely El- Saada and El- Amal elderly club in Mansoura city. Subjects: A total of 60 older adults with mild cognitive impairment were included in the study and randomly assigned to three equal groups; cognitive stimulation therapy group, reminiscence therapy group and control group. Tools: The data were collected through demographic and health-related characteristics interview sheet, montreal cognitive assessment, psychological wellbeing scale-18, the satisfaction with life scale and one question to assess participants’ satisfaction with the program. Results: A significant increase in cognitive function and psychological outcomes were evident among the cognitive stimulation group and reminiscence group after implementation of the intervention when compared to pre intervention and the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The application of either cognitive stimulation therapy or reminiscence therapy is effective strategy in improving cognitive and psychological outcomes of older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Recommendation: The health care providers should be encouraged to incorporate such programs as non-pharmacological interventions in routine care of older adults residing either in the community or institutions to preserve their cognitive and psychological health.