Reminiscence through Appalachian Folklore, Games, and Music: A Pilot Project

ABSTRACT

Reminiscence, as an activity and intervention, is an established approach that has been shown to benefit persons living with cognitive impairment. Working with professionals and persons with mild to moderate cognitive impairment, the investigator designed, conducted, and evaluated outcomes for a reminiscence activity program focusing on Appalachian culture. Appalachian folklore, music, and games were integrated into a six-week activity program. Satisfaction surveys were implemented to determine whether this pilot program should be continued and expanded. Given the outcomes, a model can be shared with organizations interested in implementing this unique approach.

KEYWORDS:

• Dementia
• cognitive impairment
• reminiscence therapy
• cultural approach
• long-term care
• Appalachia

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the remarkable work and gifts of Loriann Sonntag, MA, MSW, who was truly passionate about and committed to improving the lives of older adults with cognitive impairment and their families. The authors also thank the Beatrice Ruth Burgess Center for West Virginia Families and Communities, Dr. Karen V. Harper-Dorton, and Dr. Marla Berg-Weger for their support of this project.

Declaration of conflicting interests

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

IRB Protocol/human subjects approval

This project was approved by the Institutional Review Board at West Virginia University.

Protocol #1806165638

Reminiscence through Appalachian folklore, games, and music: A brief report on a pilot project

Additional information

Funding

The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: The Beatrice Ruth Burgess Center for West Virginia Families and Communities in the School of Social Work at West Virginia University Beatrice Ruth Burgess Center for West Virginia Families and Communities or the School of social Work at West Virginia University [NA].