Impacto de um programa de Reminiscência nas pessoas mais velhas com declínio cognitivo

Abstract

Introduction: In the demographic changes that have been occurring over the last few decades and the vulnerability aspects associated with aging, it is becoming increasingly important to consider the factors That may positively influence quality of life in old age and that are based on the adoption of person-centered care principles designed to promote human dignity. From this perspective, therapeutic strategies that contribute to the improvement of cognition and mood and provide a better quality of life should be considered. This study focuses on a Reminiscence Therapy (RT) group program as an intervention to be developed in institutional structures.
Objectives: To develop a RT program and evaluate its impact on cognition, depression symptoms and the quality of life of older people suffering from cognitive decline, who attend institutional structures.
Methodology: The study underwent six stages: (i) systematic literature review; (ii) development and validation of a structured RT group program (iii) development and validation of the abbreviated 8 items version of the WHOQOL-OLD quality of life scale, from the original WHOQOL-OLD-28 version, validated for Portugal by Vilar et al. (2014); (iv) analysis of the effectiveness of the RT program on cognitive function, depression symptoms and quality of life of older people suffering from cognitive decline in community structures; (v) analysis of the effectiveness of the RT program on cognitive function, depression symptomatology and quality of life of older people suffering from cognitive decline in residential structures; (vi) analysis of perceptions from the parties involved in the structured RT program.
Results: A RT program consisting of a main component and a maintenance component was designed. Its implementation in community structures contributed to the improvement of cognition and quality of life of older people suffering from cognitive decline, corroborating the results of the systematic literature review. In residential structures, the RT program showed therapeutic potential in maintaining cognitive function; however, unlike the systematic literature review results, it did not contribute to a significant improvement of the depression symptoms. The program promoted satisfaction and acceptance among the persons involved who highlighted its importance in communicating and promoting the identity of older people.
Conclusions: The RT program is presented as the first structured program, developed and validated in Portugal for older people suffering from cognitive decline, with potential xii to be implemented in institutional structures, given its person-centered approach promoting trust, in a positive and therapeutic environment.

Date of Award	19 Jul 2021
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	João Luís Alves Apóstolo (Supervisor)