Innovation in Aging - Vol. 9 - Session 7525 - Reminiscence/Life Review - Can Life Storybook-Based Group Reminiscence Therapy Benefit Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment?

Sep 28, 2026

Preventing dementia in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is critical, yet many interventions neglect psychosocial well-being. This cluster-randomized pilot trial evaluated whether life storybook (LSB)-based group reminiscence therapy improves cognitive function, self-esteem, depression, and social interaction among community-dwelling older adults in South Korea. Thirty-six participants were randomized to a 6-week LSB group RT or control self-directed training; 31 were analyzed. Results showed greater self-esteem and cognitive gains, with no significant depression or social-interaction changes. Qualitative data indicated engagement, empathy, and mutual support, suggesting social benefits beyond quantitative outcomes, informing future long-term and scalable implementation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Reminiscence/Life Review Poster Session

Background and Rationale

Study Design and Methods

Outcomes and Key Findings

Qualitative Insights and Implications

Limitations and Future Research

Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 1009 SESSION 7525 (POSTER) REMINISCENCE/LIFE REVIEW Abstract citation ID: igaf122.3402 CAN LIFE STORYBOOK-BASED GROUP REMINISCENCE THERAPY BENEFIT OLDER ADULTS WITH MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT? Minhee Yang1, Eunhee Cho1, Kyung Hee Lee1, Bada Kang2, Chang Gi Park3, and Jun-Ah Song4, 1. Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea, 2. Yonsei University College of Nursing, Seoul, Republic of Korea, 3. University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 4. Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea Preventing dementia in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is critical; however, existing interventions often overlook psychosocial well-being. Life storybook (LSB) -based group reminiscence therapy (RT) provides a structured and engaging approach to support both cognitive and psychosocial health. This cluster-randomized trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of LSB-based group RT on cognitive function, self-esteem, depression, and social interaction among community-dwelling older adults with MCI in South Korea. Thirty-six participants were randomly assigned to either a 6-week LSB-based group RT or a control group with self-directed dementia prevention training materials. Data from 31 participants, after accounting for dropouts, were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model. The intervention group showed significantly greater self-esteem and cognitive function improvements than the control group. However, no significant changes were observed in depression or social interaction. Qualitative findings suggested that the LSB-based group RT fostered engagement, empathy, and mutual support, potentially enhancing social interaction within the group beyond the scope of quantitative measures. While the small sample size of this pilot study may limit generalizability, these findings highlight the potential of the LSB-based group RT as an effective community-based intervention for promoting cognitive and psychosocial well-being in older adults with MCI. Future research should explore its long-term effects and broader implementation to inform innovative dementia prevention strategies.

FAQs

What problem does the study address for older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI)?

It targets dementia prevention in older adults with MCI while emphasizing psychosocial well-being, which many existing interventions overlook.

How was the intervention delivered in this trial?

Participants received either a 6-week LSB-based group reminiscence therapy or control self-directed dementia prevention training materials.

Which outcomes improved, and which did not?

The intervention led to significantly greater self-esteem and cognitive function improvements, while depression and social interaction showed no significant changes quantitatively.

Sep 28, 2026

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