경증치매노인의 우울 감소와 인지기능 향상을 위한 회상중심 노인 놀이치료 프로그램의 효과성 연구

A Study on the Effectiveness of Recall-Centered Elderly Play Therapy Program for Reducing Depression and Improving Cognitive Function in Elderly Individuals with Mild Dementia

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of recall-centered elderly play therapy on reducing depression and improving cognitive function in elderly individuals with mild dementia. The study included 21 elderly participants aged 65 or older, from a day care center in Gyeonggi-do, with K-MMSE scores ranging from 15 to 23. These participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (11 participants) or a control group(10 participants). The results showed that recall-centered elderly play therapy was highly effective as both a treatment and preventive intervention for elderly individuals with mild dementia. The therapy significantly reduced depression and improved cognitive function. After completing the program, the experimental group showed reduced depression and improved cognitive abilities. Although the study involved 12 therapy sessions, extending the program could potentionally further improve the therapeutic effects. This study suggests that recall-centered elderly play therapy is a promising intervention for enhancing the mental and cognitive well-being of elderly individuals with mild dementia.