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Research Objectives
To investigate the effects of group therapy on Alzheimer's patients as well as the
impact of the frequency of the therapeutic intervention programs on their well being.
The sample consisted of 16 adults with an average age of 80, with Alzheimer's.
Design
Each individual was evaluated with “MoCA”,“Mini Mental State Examination”, Drawing
Clock Test & "Trail Making Test" to assess their cognitive and language skills.
According to the severity of the disease & their skills, the individuals were divided
into 2 groups. During the rehabilitation intervention program the therapists applied
Group Therapy using the Montessori approach . They also used the Memory strategy “RECAPS”
and the Communication Strategy “MESSAGE” .
Setting
“ITHAKI Day Care Center”, a non profit organization.
Participants
The sample consisted of 16 Alzheimer's patients with an average age of 80. Diagnosed
in stages 2 & 3 of severity. They received group therapy 3 times weekly for hourly
sessions in speech therapy, social & cognitive skills.
Interventions
MEMORY STRATEGY
GROUP THERAPY/ MONTESSORI METHOD
Duration: 8 months spread out in year 2020 (due to COVID19).
Main Outcome Measures
The appropriateness and efficacy of the therapeutic intervention programs used & the
impact of group therapy on the well being of these patients.
Results
The results showed that the rehabilitation program and specifically Group Therapy
supported the patients in many ways. It increased their attention, functional skills
and cognitive levels. Their active participation and teamwork spirits levelled up,
they showed improved communication and social skills with the other group members
and they were much more enthusiastic and positive for life.
Conclusions
Findings of the research gave information on how Group Therapy and other strategies
can support adults with Alzheimer's to stabilize or to improve their cognitive, communication
and social skills Additional study is required before the information should be used
in usual clinical settings as the sample is very small and the intervention was interrupted
twice unexpectedly due to pandemic conditions and restrictions.
Author(s) Disclosures
I declare no conflicts or lack thereof.
Keywords
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© 2022 Published by Elsevier Inc.
