Oct 2012
**Editor's note: Exercise/leisure activities can help us with depression too, even depression associated with lymphedema. It is nto only a vital part of our physical well being, but mental/emotional as well.The point being whatever your interest might be, take part in it as often as you can**
Source
Department of Psychological Studies, Hong Kong Institute of Education, Kwai Chung Hospital, Hong Kong. takcheng@ied.edu.hk
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:
To examine whether leisure activities can alleviate depressive symptoms among nursing home residents with very mild to mild dementia.
METHODS:
A cluster-randomized open-label controlled design. Thirty-six residents with at least moderate depressive symptoms were randomized by home into three conditions-mahjong (a.k.a. mah-jongg), tai chi, and handicrafts (placebo). Activities were conducted three times weekly for 12 weeks. Outcome measure was Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) administered at baseline, posttreatment, and at 6 months.
RESULTS:
Repeated-measures analysis of variance showed a group by time interaction on the GDS. Unlike control and tai chi participants whose scores remained relatively unchanged, the mahjong group reported a drop of 3.25 points (95% confidence interval: 1.00-5.50) on the GDS at posttreatment but gained back 2.83 points (95% confidence interval: 1.95-5.47) at 6 months. Activity discontinuation might be the reason for depression to return to baseline.
CONCLUSIONS:
Mahjong can lower depressive symptoms in those with mild dementia, but activity maintenance may be essential for long-term effects.
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