Research on Stress Control in Non-Pharmacological Therapies for Elderly Dementia Patients in Long-Term Care Facilities

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K13762
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 08020:Social welfare-related
• Research Institution: Kagoshima University
• Principal Investigator: Yanagida Nobuhiko 鹿児島大学, 医歯学域医学系, 助教 (60331154)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: Reminiscence therapy / Dementia / Elderly care / Cognitive function / EEG measurements

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study examines the impact of group reminiscence therapy on cognitive and emotional well-being in elderly institutionalized patients with dementia. Conducted in a dementia specialist ward of a geriatric healthcare facility, the study involved 34 participants. We quantified the effects using physiological markers such as simplified electroencephalography and salivary amylase, along with the revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale and the Japanese version of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. The results showed a positive correlation between alpha and beta waves, suggesting increased relaxation and cognitive engagement. This study supports the potential of reminiscence therapy as a non-pharmacological intervention to improve the quality of life in patients with dementia, but also highlights the need for further research to refine treatment protocols and enhance applicability.

Free Research Field

精神科リハビリテーション

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

この研究は、HDS-Rスコアの改善によって証明されているように、回想療法が認知症患者の認知機能と感情的幸福を高めるための非薬理学的介入として大きな可能性を秘めていることを実証しました。これらの利点は、患者を過去の経験と再び結び付け、それによってアイデンティティと継続性の感覚を育むことで患者の生活を豊かにする療法の能力を強調しています。
これらの方法論的問題に対処することで、医療提供者は、認知症を経験する増加している個人に対して、より効果的で個別化された思いやりのあるケアを提供できるようになります。