Socially Designed Approaches Reduce Impairments Linked to Dementia

Do socially designed approaches in day service centers for older adults reduce impairments linked to dementia? Descriptive results concerning the activities of daily livings (ADL) and quality of life (QOL) of the participants of the center were reported by the directors based on the certified care workers’ observation. The reports also included the offered socially designed approaches, such as cognitive exercises, physical exercises, recreational activities, life review, altruistic social activities, and karaoke, that may have improved ADL and QOL of the participants. The authors objectively evaluated the changes in ADL and QOL of the participants with dementia based on the criteria for “all-cause dementia” recommended from the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer’s Association workgroups on diagnostic guidelines for Alzheimer’s disease. We summarize the cases of twenty-one participants who reduced impairments linked to dementia. Socially designed approaches were potentially effective to reduce impaired personality, behavior, and comportment within the cognitive or behavioral impairment domains of dementia, which are also regarded as behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Successful communication between the caregivers and the participants with dementia and communication within the pseudosociety of the center including normal older citizens may be important to reduce BPSD.