title: [Project to ameliorate cognitive function deterioration in day care dementia patients].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Deterioration of cognitive functions, including disorientation related to people, time and place, loss of memory, and deterioration in interpersonal skills, is very common in dementia patients. Expense of care rises as conditions worsen.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The authors designed this project to ameliorate the deterioration of cognitive functions and enhance cognition in daily life.
  
  
  METHODS
  The project was carried out between Jan 1, 2007 and June 30, 2007. The three strategies used included: (1) educating staff and establishing care guidelines; (2) introducing environmental keys such as a reality-oriented board, clock information, photo labels, and image signs; (3) redesigning and implementing daily activities.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Following the intervention, average cognitive functions improved from 6.58 ± 3.19 to 5.11 ± 3.20 (total: 10). The mistaken recognition rate for items including the toilet, personal bed, clothes closet, meal seating position and time decreased from 38% to 13%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This project significantly improved cognitive function and recognition in dementia patients. The experience described within may serve as a reference for dementia institutions and healthcare workers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Health Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, ROC. Line@tzuchi.com.tw
authors.forename: Jin-Lan
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Yu-Ling
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Tzeng
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003631:Day Care, Medical; D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male