Systematization of a cognitive-communicative intervention based on reminiscence for older adults

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the effect of the reminiscence-based cognitive-communicative intervention program (CCSP-R) on global cognitive processing and self-perception of subjective well-being. Methods: A purposive sample of 100 self-care elderly adults, with 65 composing the study group and 35 in the control group. The study group was subjected to the proposed program. The Wilcoxon test compared the outcome measures of global cognitive efficacy (MMSE) and subjective well-being (SWLS) before and after the program, whereas the Mann-Whitney U test compared the pre- and post-test differences between the two groups. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between the pre- and post-test of the SWLS in the study group, but not in the control group. This result was replicated in the global cognitive efficacy variable. A difference between the groups occurred in both measures, with greater benefit for the group that received the intervention. Conclusion: The CCSP-R is a viable alternative for cognitive-communicative stimulation of functional order. The evidence of differences in performance supports its usefulness and validity for intervention in primary care or other similar contexts.