Education for Older Adults with Early-Stage Dementia: Health Promotion for the Mind, Body, and Spirit

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 13-week adult education class for older adults with early-stage dementia titled Health Promotion for the Mind, Body, and Spirit. The mixed method research design (N = 14) used a quasiexperimental one-group pretest/posttest and the qualitative methods of focus group and phone interview with caregivers. Pre and posttest measures included the Mini-Mental State Exam, Geriatric Depression Scale–Short Form, and the General Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale. There were significant changes in general perceived self-efficacy scores and a reported increase in “growth through confidence” from the participants and caregivers. Age range of the participants was 67 to 89 years of age (M = 78.8, SD = 5.9) The course was theoretically driven by the Corbin and Strauss Trajectory Model for Chronic Illness Management (Corbin & Strauss, 1991 Corbin , J. M. & Strauss , A. ( 1991 ). A nursing model for chronic illness management . Scholarly inquiry for nursing practice , 5 ( 3 ), 155 – 174 .[PubMed] , [Google Scholar]). The study highlights the inclusion of an adult education course for people with early stage dementia as part of the Osher Life Long Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Southern Maine.