Effects of a Multiple Intervention Program Comprising of Continuous Role Provision and Activity Participation on Dementia Patients in a Community

This study aimed to examine the effects of continuous role provision and activity participation on depression, selfesteem, and quality of life in dementia patients residing in local communities. The program aimed to help dementia patients play a role and participate in meaningful activities with others in a group and educate their caregivers so that the patients could carry out such activities continuously at home. Thirty-one local patients with dementia who visited the Dementia Prevention and Management Center in Y city, Gyeonggi-do, from July 2015 to October 2014 were enrolled in the program that was conducted once a week for 12 weeks and included in both pre- and post-assessments. The results of the preand post-assessments showed improvements in depression, self-esteem and quality of life for the patients with dementia, with changes in GDS (Geriatric Depression Scale) scores from 14.61±6.40 to 13.26±5.85, SES (Self-Esteem Scale) scores from 22.74±2.91 to 25.32±5.47 and QOL-AD (Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease) scores from 24.42±6.11 to 25.48±6.54 (p<0.01,). It was observed that continuous role provision and activity participation were effective in decreasing depression, and increasing both self-esteem and quality of life in patients with dementia residing in local communities. Therefore, further such studies are needed in the future that would help in improving the mental function of patients with dementia.