APPLICATION OF REMINISCENCE THERAPY IN ELDERLY PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA EXPERIENCING MEMORY IMPAIRMENT
Case Study at Wisma Kunti, UPT PSTW Magetan
By: Yessicha Wahyu Maya Awanda
Dementia in the elderly can cause memory impairment characterized by difficulty recalling new information, names, times, and dates. Reminiscence therapy is a non-pharmacological intervention designed to stimulate and maintain memory function in the elderly.
This scientific paper used a case study method with a nursing care approach involving Mr. D, an older adult with dementia and memory impairment at UPT Panti Sosial Tresna Werdha Magetan. Data were collected through interviews, observations, physical examinations, and cognitive function assessment using the MMSE. Reminiscence therapy was provided in five sessions covering childhood, adolescence, adulthood, family life, and evaluation, using a storytelling method and appropriate media..
During the assessment, the patient reported being forgetful, particularly regarding recently received information and activities. Interventions were administered over five sessions; from the outset, the patient was able to recall and recount past experiences effectively. Improvement was evidenced by the patient's ability to learn, remember, and reproduce previously learned material, as well as an enhanced capacity to recall information, behaviors, and events—corroborated by a reduction in time disorientation. Evaluation results indicate a positive change in the patient's cognitive function..
The implementation of reminiscence therapy was successful, helping the patient recall past experiences, enhancing communication, and fostering a sense of comfort and positive emotional responses.
Keywords: older adults, dementia, memory impairment, reminiscence therapy.