Abdallah Abu Khait1, Louise Reagan2, Juliette Shellman3. 1. Department of Community and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 330127, Zarqa 13133, Jordan. Electronic address: abdallah.abukhait@hu.edu.jo. 2. School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA. Electronic address: louise.reagan@uconn.edu. 3. School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA. Electronic address: juliette.shellman@uconn.edu.
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: Eleven studies and one dissertation were identified as relevant for the review. The analysis of this systematic review was resulted in three categories: Recognizing resident's emotional needs and preferences under the task-based workload; holistic understanding to build relationship and participation; teamwork, being recognized and ongoing training to overcome the challenges. DISCUSSION: 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.
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: Eleven studies and one dissertation were identified as relevant for the review. The analysis of this systematic review was resulted in three categories: Recognizing resident's emotional needs and preferences under the task-based workload; holistic understanding to build relationship and participation; teamwork, being recognized and ongoing training to overcome the challenges. DISCUSSION: 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.