Montessori-Based Activities Among Persons with Late-Stage Dementia

Evaluation of Mental and Behavioral Health Outcomes

Wilks, Scott E
Boyd, P August
Bates, Samantha M
Cain, Daphne S
Geiger, Jennifer R

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
Seaside Behavioral Center, Metairie, LA, USA
The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
The University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, USA
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA

Scott E Wilks, Louisiana State University, 311 HPL Fieldhouse, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA. Email: [email protected]

Dementia 18(4):p 1373-1392, May 2019. | DOI: 10.1177/1471301217703242

Objectives

Literature regarding Montessori-based activities with older adults with dementia is fairly common with early stages of dementia. Conversely, research on said activities with individuals experiencing late-stage dementia is limited because of logistical difficulties in sampling and data collection. Given the need to understand risks and benefits of treatments for individuals with late-stage dementia, specifically regarding their mental and behavioral health, this study sought to evaluate the effects of a Montessori-based activity program implemented in a long-term care facility.

Method

Utilizing an interrupted time series design, trained staff completed observation-based measures for 43 residents with late-stage dementia at three intervals over six months. Empirical measures assessed mental health (anxiety, psychological well-being, quality of life) and behavioral health (problem behaviors, social engagement, capacity for activities of daily living).

Results

Group differences were observed via repeated measures ANOVA and paired-samples t-tests. The aggregate, longitudinal results—from baseline to final data interval—for the psychological and behavioral health measures were as follows: problem behaviors diminished though not significantly; social engagement decreased significantly; capacities for activities of daily living decreased significantly; quality of life increased slightly but not significantly; anxiety decreased slightly but not significantly; and psychological well-being significantly decreased.

Conclusion

Improvements observed for quality of life and problem behaviors may yield promise for Montessori-based activities and related health care practices. The rapid physiological and cognitive deterioration from late-stage dementia should be considered when interpreting these results.