Uses of reminiscence intervention to address the behavioral and psychosocial problems associated with dementia: An integrative review

Abstract

Introduction: Reminiscence is a non-pharmacological technique used to manage the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. This integrative review aims to synthesize the research on the health benefits of reminiscence intervention for people with dementia.

Methods: Whittemore and Knafl's five-step method provided the framework for this review. A comprehensive search of PubMed, CINAHL Plus, SCOPUS, and PsycINFO was conducted. The articles were reviewed for eligibility, critically appraised, and extracted the data.

Results: Twenty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Four themes emerged: (a) Recovery from the Darkness of Depressive Symptoms, (B) Enhancement of Cognitive Functions and Filling the Memory Gap, (C) Living a Fulfilling Life in Late Adulthood, and (D) Fulfilling Reminiscence Functions.

Discussion: This review provides a better understanding of the potential benefits of using reminiscence intervention for addressing the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. However, improving the methodological rigor of future studies is necessary to attain conclusive evidence.

Keywords: Dementia; Integrative review; Psychological symptoms; Reminiscence.