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.