American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Information For:

EBP Compendium: Summary of Systematic Review

Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences; American Speech-Language-Hearing Association; Department of Veterans Affairs
Evidence-Based Practice Recommendations for Working with Individuals with Dementia: Group Reminiscence Therapy
Kim, E. S., Cleary, S. J., et al. (2006).
Journal of Medical Speech-Language Pathology, 14(3), xxiii-xxxiv

Indicators of Review Quality:

The review addresses a clearly focused question Yes
Criteria for inclusion of studies are provided Yes
Search strategy is described in sufficient detail for replication Yes
Included studies are assessed for study quality Yes
Quality assessments are reproducible Yes

Description: This is a review of randomized controlled trials, controlled trials, and repeated measure designs that investigated the effectiveness of group reminiscence therapy (RT) to improve functioning of individuals with dementia. This review is part of a series of reports from the Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Science specific to the assessment and management of individuals with dementia.

Question(s) Addressed:

  1. What is the focus of the group RT studies?
  2. Who are the participants who received the group RT intervention?
  3. What comprises the group RT intervention?
  4. What are the outcomes of the group RT intervention?
  5. What are key methodological concerns related to the group RT intervention studies?
  6. Are there clinically applicable trends across the group RT intervention studies?

Population: Individuals with the diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer's disease

Intervention/Assessment: Group reminiscence therapy

Number of Studies Included: 6

Years Included: 1966 - 2002

Findings:

Conclusions:

  • Treatment
    • Cognitive-Communication
      • Restorative Treatment - Reminiscence Therapy
        • While all included studies had a number of methodological weaknesses, findings from six studies suggest that group reminiscence therapy may contribute to improved cognitive functioning and discourse of individuals with dementia.
        • Additionally, group reminiscence therapy may contribute to improved quality of life with individuals with dementia and caregivers. 

Keywords: Dementia, Cognitive Stimulation

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Added to Compendium: January 2012

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