Memory Stimulation in Long-Term Care Institution for Elderly

Abstract

Objective. To suggest a possibility of therapeutic occupational intervention for the elderly with memory stimulation activities in Long Term Staying Institutions for the Elderly. Method. Quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive research, with participation of eight elders. There was a pre‐assessment for detecting symptoms of depression by the reduced Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐15) and dementia by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE); performing of a questionnaire to describe the profile of each participant. Memory was assessed with the Memory Complaint Questionnaire (MAC‐Q) and with Direct Digit Span. Reassessment with the MAC‐Q and the MEEM after 10 sessions of stimulation of memory. Results. The majority of the sample was female, aged from 61 to 94 years; half are widows with incomplete primary education. We notice that there is improvement in cognitive ability by the difference in average MEEM score rating. In the MAC‐Q, comparing the protocol in the first evaluation with the second, we noticed that there was improvement in items three, five, six, and in the total result. Conclusion. Stimulation of memory is a possibility of intervention by the Occupational Therapist with institutionalized elderly because of increase in cognitive ability.