The impact of an occupational therapy group cognitive rehabilitation program for people with dementia.

INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted to examine the impact of a group cognitive rehabilitation program for people with dementia on everyday memory function and quality of life. METHODS: Participants included in the study were community-dwelling adults with a diagnosis of dementia. The intervention was a 5-week occupational therapy lead group cognitive rehabilitation program delivered once a week for 1.5 h. Outcome measures included standardised memory tests, subjective everyday memory function and quality of life ratings. The measures were completed at baseline, post-intervention and 3-month post-intervention. RESULTS: Outcome measures were completed with 58 participants. Statistically significant improvements in standardised memory scores were noted following the intervention. Similarly, self-rated everyday memory function and quality of life scores significantly improved following the intervention. All standardised scores and subjective ratings were maintained at 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Group-based cognitive rehabilitation programs can positively impact the quality of life and everyday memory function among people with dementia.