Effects of combined group reminiscence and exercise therapy on psychological wellbeing and functional fitness among older adults with dementia

Reminiscence therapy and exercise therapy have both proven beneficial for individuals with dementia. However, there is limited information on the effects of combining these two approaches in older adults with dementia. Our study aimed to investigate the impact of combined group reminiscence therapy (GRT) and group exercise therapy (GET) on psychological well-being and functional fitness in this population. A total of 32 older adults with mild to moderate dementia living in care homes were randomly assigned into either intervention or usual care groups. The study was conducted from January to June 2021. Intervention: Participants in intervention group received weekly an hour session of GRT and biweekly 1.25-hour session of GET. Reminiscence therapy was based on Remembering Yesterday and Caring Today module, adapted and modified according to participants' cultural background. GET consisted of stretching, strengthening, aerobic and multicomponent exercises. Outcome measures include the Quality of Life - Alzheimer's Disease (QOL-AD), Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-III (ACE-III), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and Functional Fitness MOT (FFMOT). Independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test show that the participants from the GRT + GET group reported statistically significant higher quality of life and satisfaction with life, with a medium to large effect size. There are no other statistically significant results found for other psychosocial measures. FFMOT was found to deteriorate in both groups with a lesser amount in the intervention group. This study suggests that combined GRT and GET may induce some psychosocial benefits, in particular quality of life and some positive trend in deceleration of functional fitness deterioration among older adults with mild to moderate dementia. Preserving psychological and physical wellbeing is essential for older adults with dementia to maintain their functional independence for as long as possible.