Objectives: This study determined whether the individual intervention of using life story books (LSBs) improves apathy and verbal fluency in people with dementia (PWD).
Methods: The intervention group (n = 43) underwent 3 interviews in the 10 weeks following an initial assessment. Based on the information obtained, LSBs were developed; participants received individual interventions weekly, five times for four weeks. They also received a final assessment 12 weeks after the end of the intervention. Primary outcome measures comprised the Categorical Verbal Fluency Test (CFT) and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Nursing Home Apathy sub-item. The control group (n = 32) underwent initial and final assessments at intervals of 28 weeks while receiving the best care services.
Results: CFT scores for participants with mild to moderate dementia increased from 4.3 to 5.3 (P < .05) and the interaction effect of group and data collection timing was significant (p < .05). Apathy score for participants with severe dementia also improved from 4.5 to 2.5 (P < .05) immediately after the intervention period.
Conclusions: LSB is a comprehensive communication tool that encourages apathy and verbal fluency.
Clinical implications: The use of LSB may allow caregivers to achieve intervention effects on apathy and verbal fluency in PWD.
Keywords: Dementia; apathy; life story book; reminiscence therapy; verbal fluency.