Effectiveness of combining the Reminiscence Method and Naikan on Dementia

Abstract

  Eight in-patients (five women and three men) of M hospital's dementia ward were studied. Three of them were diagnosed with vascular dementia and five with Alzheimer dementia. This research was conducted beginning July, 2004, for one year. Two cases were dropped from the study because of the rapid progress of dementia. The other six cases showed neither improvement nor deterioration as indicated by HDS-R and MMSE. Other studies have shown similar results. The finding that little or no progress of dementia is seen suggests effectiveness of this treatment.

Interesting changes in drawing tests were observed. In the Baum test (tree test), unhealthily twisted trees changed to healthy trees, natural and straight. In the landscape montage technique (LMT), items drawn without mutual relations came to be drawn with mutual relations, and ambiguous or unnatural expressions changed to natural and real ones. These results suggest that the right brain function increased in sensitivity as a result of this treatment.

We also observed improvements in patients' confidence, feelings of well-being, and gratitude toward surroundings. Although the theme of the Reminiscence Method is inappropriate for young staff members with less life experience, Naikan is appropriate for both young and old. Therefore, young people could interactively exchange with the elderly more easily through Naikan. We conclude that the Reminiscence Method combined with Naikan will likely bring improved self-evaluation and feelings of well-being for the both parties.