Effect of Art Therapy and Cognitive Stimulation in Older Adults in Preclinical Phases of Dementia

Abstract

Objective: it was proposed to analyze the effect of a non-pharmacological intervention program of cognitive stimulation (Cs) and art therapy (at) in older adults in preclinical phases of dementia. Material and method: A mixed factorial repeated measures quasi-experimental design was used. The final sample consisted of 13 participants, divided into two homogeneous groups. The intervention was applied to each group in parallel. Group 1 (G1) received art therapy (at) and group 2 (G2) cognitive stimulation (eC). once this stage was completed, an intermediate neuropsychological evaluation was carried out. The treatment was later exchanged: now G1 received eC and G2, at. Finally, both groups were evaluated. Results: it was observed a significant improvement in working memory, and semantic and phonological fluency. the changes were more noticeable in the group that started with Cs and ended with at. Conclusion: this study shows the importance of working with non-pharmacological strategies in the treatment of patients in preclinical phases of dementia.