일 치매지원센터 인지프로그램 참여기간과 참여횟수에 따른 노인인지기능 비교

Comparison of Cognitive Function of Elderly by Period and Frequency of Participation in Cognitive Program at a Local Dementia Center

Purpose: To compare cognitive function of elderly according to the period and frequency of participation in cognitive program at a dementia center in S city. Methods: The subjects were 38 dementia elderly who were joined cognitive program during 37 months since September 2007. Study instruments were K-MMSE in Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery. Interview data (October 1st - 31th 2010) and DB from the center were collected and analyzed by descriptive statistics, Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test, paired t-test, two-way ANOVA and Cronbach s Alpha using SPSS Win 17.0+. Results: Overall cognitive program was different significantly according to the period of participation (t = -3.231, p = .003), but not significantly to the frequency of it relatively. In combined programs as art, music, gardening and reminiscence therapies, the differences between the two were not significant relatively only but in some part of period, frequencies and kinds of programs. Conclusion: The above findings suggest that the cognitive programs were effective on cognitive function of elderly only in some period or frequency of program regardless the kinds of program. Further cognitive program planning should be considered not only the level of dementia condition of elderly but also the content, duration and frequency of cognitive promotion programs.