Date of Defense

4-22-2004

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Linda A. LeBlanc

Second Advisor

Leilani Feliciano

Third Advisor

Tina Sidener

Abstract

Enjoyable activities are often considered an important part of maintaining the quality of a person's life. However, many adults with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias may have lost the ability to choose a preferred activity when asked about what they would like to do. The same neurological damage that prevents elders with dementia from living independently also inhibits their ability to initiate leisure activities (Mace, 1987). Studies have attempted to increase activity engagement in nursing homes by simply offering an activity choice to a resident at various different time intervals (Engelman, Altus, & Mathews, 1999). However, no studies have directly compared methods for identifying and offering activities to elders with dementia.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Campus Only

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