RESEARCH

The Effects of a Recollection-Based Occupational Therapy Program of Alzheimer’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Population Groups: Older Adults/Seniors, Mental Health Challenges/Trauma, Chronic/Acute Health Conditions

Setting or Context: Assisted Living/Long-Term Care Homes

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Greater Sense of Purpose, Increased Sense of Belonging (Reduced Isolation), Improved Cognitive Function, Sensory Stimulation, Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Increased Self-Efficacy

Allied Profession Intersections: Occupational Therapy

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Meal/Diet-Based Activities, Nature-Based Arts & Crafts, Plant Propagation

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Randomized Controlled Trials, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes, Standardized Assessment Tools, Program Effectiveness

Access: Free

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Summary

This study, presented as a randomized controlled trial (RCT), investigated the effectiveness of a novel recollection-based occupational therapy program for individuals with mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in Korea. Recognizing the significant social and economic burden of AD in an aging society and the limitations of some existing interventions, the researchers developed a non-pharmacological program integrating various therapeutic activities. Thirty-five mild AD patients were recruited from adult daycare centers and randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=18) receiving the program or a control group (n=17) engaging in regular facility activities. The intervention consisted of 24 sessions, delivered five times per week for one hour per session. The program was designed over a year with expert consultation and included five categories of activities: physical, horticultural, musical, art, and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), with themes structured around different life stages (childhood, adulthood, late middle age) to encourage recollection.

The study measured participants’ subjective memory complaints (SMCQ), cognitive functions (K-MMSE), depression levels (SGDS-K), and quality of life (GQOL-D) before and after the intervention. Results showed that the experimental group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in subjective memory deterioration, cognitive functions, depression, and quality of life compared to their baseline scores and the control group. The authors discussed how the program, by incorporating familiar activities and fostering social interaction and a sense of self-efficacy, likely contributed to these positive outcomes. Although limited by a small sample size and lack of follow-up, the study concluded that this recollection-based occupational therapy program is an effective intervention for improving cognitive function, reducing depression, and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with mild AD, suggesting its potential for wider implementation in care facilities.

Link

Kim, D. (2020). The effects of a recollection-based occupational therapy program of Alzheimer’s Disease: A randomized controlled trial. Occup Ther Int., 6305727

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