Digital Reminiscence Therapy for Alzheimer's in Institutionalized People

University of Jaén72 enrolled

Overview

Digital reminiscence therapy (DRT) is an innovative intervention designed to enhance the psychological health of institutionalized seniors with Alzheimer's disease. This approach utilizes digital tools to facilitate the sharing of personal memories and experiences, fostering social interaction and emotional engagement. By combining technology with therapeutic reminiscence techniques, DRT aims to stimulate cognitive function and improve mood, potentially alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression commonly observed in this population. Research indicates that reminiscence therapy can lead to improvements in quality of life and overall well-being for individuals with dementia. The interactive nature of digital platforms encourages participation and allows caregivers to customize content based on the individual's preferences and history. As such, DRT not only serves to strengthen the connections between seniors and their pasts but also enhances their current social interactions, promoting a sense of identity and belonging. Overall, DRT represents a promising avenue for addressing the psychological needs of older adults with Alzheimer's in institutional settings, highlighting the potential benefits of integrating technology into therapeutic practices.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

TRIPLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Alzheimer Disease

Digital and Interactive ReminiscenceOTHER

The intervention for the experimental group aims to enhance the psychological well-being of institutionalized seniors with Alzheimer's through a digital and interactive reminiscence therapy program. It begins with selecting participants based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by developing personalized digital profiles that include photographs, music, videos, and life anecdotes to evoke emotional memories. Care staff receive training in using the digital software and reminiscence techniques. The core intervention consists of digital reminiscence sessions held twice a week for eight weeks, lasting about 60 minutes each, featuring multimedia content to encourage discussion and memory sharing. Interactive activities foster active participation, with facilitators promoting emotional expression and connection among participants, creating a supportive environment that stimulates cognitive function and reduces isolation.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 60 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * People over 60 years of age. * Confirmed diagnosis of mild or moderate Alzheimer's, where the patient still retains a certain degree of autobiographical memory. * People institutionalized in a geriatric care center or similar. * Level of cognitive impairment that allows understanding and basic interaction with digital tools. * Approval and signature of informed consent by the participant or his/her legal representative, demonstrating agreement to participate in the study. * Availability or access to devices (tablets or computers) provided by the study program or the care center. Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of other neurological or psychiatric conditions (such as vascular dementia, Parkinson's, or psychotic disorders) that may significantly interfere with the program's results. * Patients in advanced stages of Alzheimer's with severe limitations in remembering autobiographical events or interacting with digital devices. * Vision, hearing, or fine motor problems that prevent the use of electronic devices in an appropriate manner, without the possibility of adaptation or assistance. * Individuals or legal representatives who are unable or unwilling to give informed consent. * Behaviors that may put the participant, staff, or other residents at risk when carrying out program activities.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

The Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease (QoL-AD)

This Scale is a 13-item tool that measures quality of life specifically in people with Alzheimer's. Each item is scored from 1 to 4, with a higher score indicating a better perception of quality of life. Areas assessed include mood, physical well-being, relationships, and environment. A high total score suggests a positive perception of quality of life, useful for assessing the impact of psychological and therapeutic interventions.