BRAIN GYM AND COGNITIVE IMPROVEMENT IN ELDERLY DEMENTIA: A STUDY AT WORKING AREA OF MULYOREJO HEALTH CENTER

Abstract In the aging process, degenerative processes will emerge in the elderly, for example memory loss or dementia. Efforts are being made to improve cognitive function in the elderly by carrying out brain gym exercises for the elderly. The aim of this research is to see the effect of brain training exercises on improving the cognitive function of elderly people with dementia. The method in this research uses quantitative methods with a Pre-Experimental research design with a Pretest One Group Posttest approach with a sample of 36 respondents. The sampling technique uses Total Sampling. Data collection was carried out by administering the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) questionnaire. The results of the research showed that before the brain training exercises were given there were no elderly people in the category of no cognitive function disorders, and after being given brain training exercises to the elderly with dementia there were several elderly people with no cognitive function disorders. Based on the results of statistical tests on the questionnaire (MMSE) using the paired simple t test at α < 0.05, a value of ρ = 0.000 was obtained, meaning that there was an effect after being given brain training exercise treatment on improving cognitive function in elderly people with dementia in the working area of the Mulyorejo Health Center. It can be concluded that brain training exercises can improve cognitive function in elderly people with dementia. It is hoped that you will be able to apply brain training exercises in your daily life.