Memory matters in dementia: Efficacy of a mobile reminiscing therapy app

Abstract Introduction Reminiscence therapy has been shown to improve mental health and quality of life in dementia; however, reminiscence therapy is often delivered by therapists instead of being technology‐enabled. This study evaluated the preliminary efficacy of Memory Matters (MM), an iPad remini...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Fang Yu, Michelle A. Mathiason, Kari Johnson, Joseph E. Gaugler, Dan Klassen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2019-01-01
Series:Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trci.2019.09.002
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Abstract Introduction Reminiscence therapy has been shown to improve mental health and quality of life in dementia; however, reminiscence therapy is often delivered by therapists instead of being technology‐enabled. This study evaluated the preliminary efficacy of Memory Matters (MM), an iPad reminiscence game on mood, social interaction, quality of life, and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Methods This pilot study used an experimental design where participants were randomized on a 2:2:1 ratio to three arms: individual MM (one‐on‐one with an interventionist), group MM (2–3 participants per session), or waitlist control. MM was delivered for 30 minutes a session, twice a week for six weeks, followed by six‐week self‐play. Outcomes were assessed at the baseline, six weeks, and 12 weeks by data collectors blinded to group allocation. Data were analyzed using intention‐to‐treat analysis and analysis of covariance. Results The sample (n = 80) was 82.1 ± 7.8 years in age with 58% female, 15.3 ± 3.3 years of education. Mood did not differ, except for apathetic mood between group MM and control arm at 12 weeks (P = .051). Social interaction improved for individual MM compared with group MM (t = 2.38, P = .017) and control (t = 2.84, P = .005) at six weeks, but not 12 weeks. Other outcomes did not differ. Discussion MM improved social interaction and possibly mood. Future studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of MM with a sufficient sample size.
ISSN:2352-8737