J Korean Acad Community Health Nurs.  2013 Sep;24(3):323-331. 10.12799/jkachn.2013.24.3.323.

Effects of Art Therapy on Cognition, Depression, and Quality of Life in Elderly

• Choi YH
• Jeon EY

• KMID: 2292749
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12799/jkachn.2013.24.3.323

Abstract

PURPOSE
The study attempted to examine whether the group art therapy using a collage medium and reminiscence therapy prevented or reversed dementia, prevented depression, and improved the quality of life of elderly women at high risk for dementia in community public health centers.
METHODS
As a quasi-experimental study with a nonequivalent control group, this study used a pre-post design. The subjects consisted of a random sample of women over 65 years of age who had been registered as being at high-risk for dementia at the Public Health Center of the G City, and the Dementia Support Center. Of these elders, 30 were assigned to the experimental group and 33 to the control group. The intervention was conducted twice a week for 5 weeks. chi2-test, t-test, Wilcoxon test were used to analyze the data.
RESULTS
After the program, cognitive function, depression, and quality of life were significantly better in the experimental group than in the control group.
CONCLUSION
The group art therapy can be utilized in community-based nursing practices by identifying and registering those who are at high risk for dementia. The results should prove useful when designing future intervention strategies targeting elderly individuals residing in communities.

Keyword

Art therapy; Cognition; Depression; Quality of life; Elders

MeSH Terms

Art Therapy*
Cognition*
Dementia
Depression*
Female
Humans
Public Health
Quality of Life*

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