Effects of Food Art Therapy Program on Cognitive Function and Depression among Elderly with Dementia

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of food art therapy (FAT) program on cognitive function and depression among elderly with dementia. Methods: This one group pretest-posttest design study was conducted in 20 institutionalized elderly with dementia. Data were collected from May 1 to May 28, 2016 using a questionnaire related to general characteristics, the Mini Mental Status Examination- Korean (MMSE-K) to measure cognitive function, and Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form Korean Version to measure depression levels. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-test with SPSS/WIN program. Results: The result of FAT program in elderly to address depression showed decreased level (t=3.22, p=.004), but not in the cognitive function (t=-0.41, p=.689), respectively. Conclusion: The results indicate that FAT program has been proven effective as an intervention program for elderly with dementia in reducing the levels of depression.