title: Effects of group interventions on cognition and depression in nursing home residents.
abstract: The effects of cognitive-behavioral group therapy, focused visual imagery group therapy, and education-discussion groups on cognition, depression, hopelessness, and dissatisfaction with life were studied among depressed nursing home residents. Seventy-six depressed subjects with mild to moderate cognitive decline participated in nurse-led 24-week protocols. Data were collected 4 weeks before the interventions, 8 and 20 weeks after treatment initiation, and 4 weeks after treatment termination. There were no significant changes in depression, hopelessness, or life satisfaction scores for any of the three conditions. Participants in the cognitive-behavioral and focused visual imagery groups showed a significant improvement beginning 8 weeks after treatment initiation on cognitive scores. These findings are encouraging indications that cognitive-behavioral and focused visual imagery group therapies may reduce cognitive impairment in depressed nursing home residents with mild to moderate cognitive decline.
authors.affiliation: Center on Aging and Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville.
authors.forename: I L
authors.initials: IL
authors.lastname: Abraham
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Neundorfer
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Currie
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001296:Audiovisual Aids / Q000592:standards; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000592:standards; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D007092:Imagination; D009013:Morale; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009735:Nursing Homes; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000592:standards; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D012064:Relaxation Therapy / Q000592:standards