The Effects of Occupational Therapy Interventions on the Mental Health of P atients with D ementia: A S y stematic Review

Objective : This study systematically examined the effects of occupational therapy intervention on the mental health of dementia patients and aimed to provide basic data that can be used in future dementiarelated research and practice. Methods : Until January 2025, 7 articles were finally selected based on the selection criteria from Embase, KCI, Pubmed, and Web of Science databases, and their general characteristics, intervention types and methods, and effects on mental health were analyzed. Results : The types of interventions in the analyzed articles were 2 reminiscence therapy programs (occupationcentered, customized), 1 community-based occupational therapy (cognitive and behavioral intervention, home environment modification), 1 lifestyle redesign program, 1 home-visit cognitive and physical activity occupational therapy program, 1 task-oriented activity program, and 1 sensory activity-based cognitive rehabilitation group program. The analyzed articles showed mental health variables such as quality of life, depression, and self-efficacy, and quality of life was investigated the most with 6 articles. All analyzed articles showed significant results depending on the intervention. Conclusion : This study systematically reviewed the effects of occupational therapy interventions on the mental health of individuals with dementia. The results showed positive impacts, including reduced depression, improved quality of life, and enhanced self-efficacy. Personalized approaches and emotional support were key factors in maximizing effectiveness. Future research should conduct meta-analyses to validate outcomes and refine intervention strategies.