ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Aging population correspond with an increase in the numbers of dementia patients. Dementia decreases the quality of life of patients and care-givers. However, current pharmacological treatment is limited by modest efficacy and adverse effect. Nonpharmacological treatment for dementia has been considered to be a substitute treatment. Recently we developed a special planned program for dementia with depression. The aim of this study was to evaluate therapeutic effect of this program. METHODS: We included patients aged 65 and older who diagnosed dementia with depression in a geriatric institution from April to June, 2006. We surveyed their sex, age, education period, and histories of hypertension, smoking, and alcohol intake. Patients in experimental group carried out our program, including cooking, painting, recreation, and activity, 9 times for 60 minutes a session. All included patients were checked Korean Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE) and Korean Form of Geriatric Depression Scale (KGDS) before starting program and after 3 months when programs finished. RESULTS: There was no difference in demographic factors between two groups. K-MMSE was significantly improved in experimental group compared with control group (P = 0.01). And, the KGDS was significantly improved in experimental group compared with control group (P = 0.00). CONCLUSION: Multidivisional program for social skill improvement was effective on treatment for patients of dementia with depression. Nonpharmacological treatment for dementia with depression would be developed and studied to enhance the qualities of life of patients and care of dementia.