한국적 익숙함을 이용한 중재프로그램이 치매노인의 인지기능, 신체기능에 미치는 효과

Abstract

Purpose: To examine effects of an intervention program using Korean traditional familiarity on cognitive and physical functions among persons with dementia (PWDs) in long-term care facilities. Method: A nonequivalent control group, pre and post test design was used. Participants were 46 PWDs: 1) over 65 years old, 2) diagnosed with dementia, 3) with no visual or auditory impairments, 4) able to communicate, and 5) who had spent over one month in a nursing facility. Outcome variables included cognition (MMSE-KC), activities of daily living (Barthel Activity of Daily Living Index), and Balance in SPPB (side-by-side, semi-tandem, and tandem). The intervention was conducted twice a week for 10 weeks. Results: There were no significant differences in demographics or main variables at pretest. After the program, cognitive functions (t=2.47, p=.018), activities of daily living (t=2.89, p=.006), and balance in SPPB, side-by-side (t=2.28, p=.033) and semi-tandem (t=2.38, p=.025) of the experimental group were significantly higher than the control group. Conclusion: Results indicate that the intervention program using familiarity based on Korean tradition is effective in improving cognition and physical functions of PWDs, and should be considered as a positive program to improve cognitive and physical functions for persons with dementia in long-term care facilities.