Digital Reminiscence Therapy for Alzheimer's in Institutionalized People

University of Jaén

Status: Completed

Conditions: Alzheimer Disease

Treatments: Other: Digital and Interactive Reminiscence

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06666075

-UJAEN-

Details and patient eligibility

About

Digital reminiscence therapy (DRT) is an innovative intervention designed to enhance the psychological health of institutionalized seniors with Alzheimer's disease. This approach utilizes digital tools to facilitate the sharing of personal memories and experiences, fostering social interaction and emotional engagement. By combining technology with therapeutic reminiscence techniques, DRT aims to stimulate cognitive function and improve mood, potentially alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression commonly observed in this population.

Research indicates that reminiscence therapy can lead to improvements in quality of life and overall well-being for individuals with dementia. The interactive nature of digital platforms encourages participation and allows caregivers to customize content based on the individual's preferences and history. As such, DRT not only serves to strengthen the connections between seniors and their pasts but also enhances their current social interactions, promoting a sense of identity and belonging. Overall, DRT represents a promising avenue for addressing the psychological needs of older adults with Alzheimer's in institutional settings, highlighting the potential benefits of integrating technology into therapeutic practices.

Enrollment: 72 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 60+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• People over 60 years of age.
• Confirmed diagnosis of mild or moderate Alzheimer's, where the patient still retains a certain degree of autobiographical memory.
• People institutionalized in a geriatric care center or similar.
• Level of cognitive impairment that allows understanding and basic interaction with digital tools.
• Approval and signature of informed consent by the participant or his/her legal representative, demonstrating agreement to participate in the study.
• Availability or access to devices (tablets or computers) provided by the study program or the care center.

Exclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of other neurological or psychiatric conditions (such as vascular dementia, Parkinson's, or psychotic disorders) that may significantly interfere with the program's results.
• Patients in advanced stages of Alzheimer's with severe limitations in remembering autobiographical events or interacting with digital devices.
• Vision, hearing, or fine motor problems that prevent the use of electronic devices in an appropriate manner, without the possibility of adaptation or assistance.
• Individuals or legal representatives who are unable or unwilling to give informed consent.
• Behaviors that may put the participant, staff, or other residents at risk when carrying out program activities.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Triple Blind

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72 participants in 2 patient groups

Control Group

No Intervention group

Description:

The control group will not participate in the physical or cognitive exercise intervention but will receive general recommendations for comprehensive health care. This includes discussions about the benefits of engaging in physical and cognitive exercise, as well as advice on managing physical and mental health. All proposed physical and mental assessments will be conducted with the control group at the beginning of the study and after 12 weeks. Additionally, during the study period, they will be monitored for any changes in physical activity levels that may occur throughout the intervention. Follow-up will also include tracking nutritional changes, sleep habits, and stress levels.

Experimental Group

Experimental group

Description:

The intervention for the experimental group implements a digital and interactive reminiscence program, starting with a preparation phase to select participants based on predefined criteria. Personalized content is developed for each individual, creating digital profiles that include photographs, music, videos, and significant life anecdotes tailored to evoke emotional memories. Care staff receive training on using the software and reminiscence techniques to facilitate the intervention. The implementation phase includes group and individual digital reminiscence sessions held twice a week for eight weeks, lasting about 60 minutes each. These sessions present selected digital content to promote discussion and memory sharing. Interactive activities, such as games and exercises, foster active participation, while the facilitator encourages participants to share stories and emotions, creating a supportive environment.

Treatment:

Other: Digital and Interactive Reminiscence