EVALUATING COGNITIVE THERAPY FOR DEPRESSION IN ELDERLY DEMENTIA PATIENTS: A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY IN CHENNAI SENIOR CARE FACILITIES

Abstract

Background: Senile dementia combined with depression is a growing concern among elderly populations, especially those residing in institutional care. Cognitive decline and depressive symptoms often coexist, significantly impairing quality of life. There is an urgent need for non-pharmacological interventions to address these challenges in geriatric settings. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of selected cognitive strategies in reducing senile dementia with depression, and to explore the lived experiences of elderly residents in geriatric homes in Chennai district, India. Methods: A mixed-method pilot study was conducted in two geriatric homes. Although initially designed as a quasi-experimental study with randomized assignment to study and control groups, the sampling approach was modified to purposive sampling due to feasibility constraints. The intervention group received structured cognitive strategies, while the control group received routine care. Quantitative data were collected through pre- and post-intervention assessments of dementia and depression, whereas qualitative data were obtained using in-depth interviews to explore residents’ experiences with the cognitive interventions. Results: The findings revealed significant improvement in dementia and depression scores among the intervention group compared to the control group. Additionally, demographic factors such as age, religion, marital status, educational background, presence of health problems, and family visitation patterns were significantly associated with the effectiveness of cognitive strategies. Qualitative analysis identified five major themes: improved cognitive performance, enhanced mood, positive attitude shifts, better sleep quality, and an overall optimistic perception of life. Participants emphasized the supportive and engaging nature of the interventions, which contributed to improved psychological well-being. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that selected cognitive strategies are effective in reducing levels of senile dementia with depression among institutionalized elderly. These findings highlight the importance of integrating cognitive interventions into routine geriatric care practices. Such approaches can promote mental health, resilience, and overall quality of life among older adults in residential settings.