APPLICATION OF JIGSAW PUZZLE THERAPY IN THE ELDERLY TO FULFILL COGNITIVE NEEDS WITH THE NURSING DIAGNOSIS OF MEMORY IMPAIRMENT
(A Case Study at UPT Pelayanan Sosial Tresna Werdha Magetan)
By: Wulan Suci Wijayanti

Memory impairment is a form of cognitive decline in the elderly that can lead to difficulties in recalling information and maintaining temporal orientation. Jigsaw puzzle therapy can serve as a form of cognitive stimulation to help exercise memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. This study aimed to examine the application of jigsaw puzzle therapy in an elderly individual experiencing memory impairment.
The study employed a descriptive design using a case study approach, following the nursing process with a single respondent—Mrs. L—at the Tresna Werdha Social Service Unit in Magetan over a period of seven days. The intervention consisted of four sessions, conducted twice weekly for two weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30 minutes. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).
Initial assessment results for Mrs. L indicated frequent forgetfulness regarding the names of people she had just met, as well as difficulty recalling temporal details such as the day, date, month, and year. Following the intervention, improvements were observed in her ability to recall information, maintain orientation, sustain concentration, and complete tasks. Her MMSE score rose from 22 to 25, although the memory impairment issue was not fully resolved.
The application of jigsaw puzzle therapy yielded positive developments in Mrs. L's cognitive abilities and demonstrates potential as a non-pharmacological intervention to help maintain cognitive function in elderly individuals with memory impairment.
Keywords: elderly, memory impairment, jigsaw puzzle, cognitive function.