PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of laughter therapy and cognitive reinforcement program on self-efficacy, depression and cognitive functions of the elderly with mild cognitive impairments (MCI).
METHODS
The study design was a non-equivalent control group pre and posttest design. Thirty-six subjects over the age of 65 with a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment were assigned either to a treatment or a comparison group. Data were collected from February 7 to March 27, 2012 in the dementia supporting center. An eight week treatment program that included laughter therapy coupled with a cognitive reinforcing program including hand exercise, laughter dance routine, laughter technic and cognitive training for attention, memory, orientation and execution skill.
RESULTS
MoCA-K (t=-6.86, p<.001) and Stroop test CW correct (t=-2.54, p=.008), self-efficacy (t=-3.62, p=.001) in the treatment group were significantly higher than those of the comparison group. Reported depression (t=2.29, p=.014), Stroop test CW error (U=53.50, p<.001) in the treatment group was significantly less than the comparison group.
CONCLUSION
In this study, the treatment was effective in improving self-efficacy, cognitive function and reducing depression in the elderly with MCI.

Citations

• Literature Review on Non-Pharmacological Intervention for Mild Cognitive Impairment in Korea
  Ok Hee Kim
  Journal of Korean Academy of psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing.2024; 33(4): 456.     CrossRef
• The development and evaluation of a self-efficacy enhancement program for older adults with mild cognitive impairment
  Jungeun Lee, Eunhee Cho, Heejung Kim, Kyung Hee Lee, Eosu Kim, Byoung Seok Ye
  Applied Nursing Research.2023; 73: 151726.     CrossRef
• Development and Evaluation of a Community based Multifaceted Cognitive Training Program for the Elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment
  Yeonhee Park, Heeyoung Oh
  Journal of Korean Academy of Community Health Nursing.2019; 30(2): 119.     CrossRef
• Effects of Integrated Dementia Managing Programme for the Elderly with Mild Dementia in Nursing Home
  Meung Sook Ahn, Hyun Sook Jo
  Journal of Korean Academy of Community Health Nursing.2019; 30(4): 550.     CrossRef
• Effects of Exercise and Cognitive Intervention Program on Cognitive Function, Sedentary Behavior and Health-Related Quality of Life in Elderly Women with Mild Cognitive Impairment
  Min-Ki Jeong, Hyun-Hun Jung, Sang-Kab Park
  Exercise Science.2019; 28(2): 198.     CrossRef
• The Effect of a Dementia Preventive Intervention based on Motivational Interviewing among the Elderly over 75 Years of Age in Nursing Homes
  Hyun Mi Jo, Suk-Sun Kim
  Journal of Korean Academy of Community Health Nursing.2017; 28(3): 260.     CrossRef
• The Effects of Exercise-Cognitive Combined Dual-Task Program on Cognitive Function and Depression in Elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment
  Kyoungah Kim, Oksoo Kim
  Korean Journal of Adult Nursing.2015; 27(6): 707.     CrossRef