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Does theatre improve the quality of life of people with dementia?

Authors

van Dijk, A. Marijke, van Weert, Julia C. M., Dröes, Rose-Marie

Journal

International Psychogeriatrics / IPA, Volume: 24, No.: 3, Pages.: 367-381

Year of Publication

2012

Abstract

Background: A new communication method, the “Veder method”, has recently been developed. Caregivers are trained to apply this method in a group activity (“living-room theatre activity”) for people with dementia in which theatrical stimuli are used in combination with proven emotion-oriented care methods. The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate the added value of the Veder method group activity compared to a regular reminiscence group activity and to investigate whether professional carers can achieve the same effects with the Veder method as professional actors.; Methods: A quasi-experimental three-group design was used. Experimental group 1 (E1; n = 65) joined a living-room theatre activity offered by trained professional caregivers. Experimental group 2 (E2; n = 31) joined a living-room theatre activity offered by professional actors. The control group (n = 55) received a usual reminiscence group activity. Behavior, mood and aspects of quality of life were measured using standardized observation scales at three points in time: (T1) pretest; (T2) during the intervention and; (T3) post-test, two hours after the intervention.; Results: During the intervention, significant differences were found in favor of the group that was offered a living-room theatre activity by actors (E2) on different aspects of behavior, mood and quality of life. At post-test, people in E2 were more alert compared to the control group. Moreover, they recalled more memories and showed less socially isolated behavior compared to the control group.; Conclusion: This exploratory study shows that the Veder method has some clear positive effects on behavior and mood of people with dementia when applied by professional actors.;

Bibtex Citation

@article{van_Dijk_2011, doi = {10.1017/s1041610211001992}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1041610211001992}, year = 2011, month = {nov}, publisher = {Cambridge University Press ({CUP})}, volume = {24}, number = {03}, pages = {367--381}, author = {A. Marijke van Dijk and Julia C. M. van Weert and Rose-Marie Dröes}, title = {Does theatre improve the quality of life of people with dementia?}, journal = {Int. Psychogeriatr.} }

Keywords

aged, aged, 80 and over, alzheimer disease, caregivers, dementia vascular, education, emotions, feasibility studies, female, home nursing, humans, inservice training, male, memory episodic, mental status schedule, methods, nursing, psychodrama, psychology, psychotherapy group, quality of life, social behavior

Countries of Study

Netherlands

Types of Dementia

Dementia (general / unspecified)

Types of Study

Non randomised controlled trial

Type of Outcomes

Behaviour, Quality of Life of Person With Dementia

Settings

Extra Care Housing

Type of Interventions

Non-pharmacological Treatment

Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions

Arts and Music Interventions (including Art and Music Therapy), Reminiscence and Anxiety Therapies