Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Nonpharmacological interventions in the elderly may lead to the reduction of cognitive and depressive symptoms. The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in cognitive functions and mood in older adults participating in therapy, conducted in the community day-care center (CD-CC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study group (SG) included 46 elderly adults (21 M, 25 W), the control group (CG) included 45 adults (12 M, 33 W), who participated in the activities of the University of the Third Age. The following measuring tools were used: Mini-Mental State Examination, Clock-Drawing Test, Verbal Fluency Test, Digit Span Test, Stroop Color and Word Test, Beck's Depression Inventory, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The intervention consisted of CD-CC 6-month nonpharmacological therapy. RESULTS: In the SG, compared to the CG, the scores on all the cognitive tests were significantly lower, Beck's Depression Inventory was significantly higher. After intervention, the SG and the CG did not show substantial differences in their scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination, Clock-Drawing Test, and Beck's Depression Inventory. In the SG, a significant improvement was reported on the Verbal Fluency Test, Beck's Depression Inventory and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores. CONCLUSION: The CD-CC complex therapy can be helpful for cognitive and emotional elderly functioning.