The psychological impacts of nostalgia for people with dementia
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN54996662 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN54996662 |
| Protocol serial number | N/A |
| Sponsor | University of the West of England (UK) |
| Funder | University of the West of England |
- Submission date
- 17/07/2014
- Registration date
- 31/07/2014
- Last edited
- 30/12/2022
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Mental and Behavioural Disorders
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
Reminiscence and life review therapy is a way of remembering, talking about and sharing the important events and memories of one's life. The treatment is thought to help provide comfort and meaning to a person's experiences. Music, photographs, videos, and items that have special meanings can all be used to trigger memories and the sharing of stories. The therapy is often used with people with dementia. However, it is not really known what it is about remembering the past that is of benefit. It's possible that it is a particular type of memory that is helpful. This study looks at whether remembering different types of memories (nostalgic versus non-nostalgic memories) generates different psychological feelings. Research with people who don't have dementia has shown that different types of memory can produce different psychological effects. The aim of this study is to see whether the same effects hold true for people who have recently been diagnosed with dementia.
Who can participate?
People who have been diagnosed with dementia (Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies or mixed dementia) and mild to moderate memory problems
What does the study involve?
This research involves two separate experimental studies. In Study 1, each person who takes part is randomly allocated into one of two groups (nostalgia or control). Each participant from the nostalgia group is asked to remember a nostalgic event from their past. They are then asked to describe how they feel at that moment. Afterwards, they complete a series of questionnaires on how they feel at that moment. Participants in the control group are also asked to remember an ordinary event from their past. Like the nostalgia group, they are then asked to describe how they feel at that moment and complete the same series of questionnaires. In Study 2, each participant who takes part is randomly allocated into one of two groups (nostalgia or control). Each participant in the nostalgia group is asked to listen to a song which they have previously identified to hold a special meaning for them. They are then asked to describe how they feel at that moment and complete the same series of questionnaires as in Study 1. In the control group, each participant listens to a song which they have not identified as having special meaning to them. They are then asked to describe how they feel and complete the series of questionnaires. Before the participants begin each experimental study, the researchers go through a brief questionnaire with them to get a better idea of how well their memory is working. At the end of each the study, they are asked about their experiences of taking part in the study. At that point they are also given more detailed information about the project and their role in the study. Each study lasts about 20 minutes.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
The researchers do not believe that there has been any research with people with dementia which involves asking participants to recall memories in this way. However, there has been a great deal of research into reminiscence and life story work, which are both often used as therapy in dementia care. Although there are reports of adverse reactions, such as people being distressed during the therapy, these are rare. In general, both reminiscence and life review are reported to have either beneficial or neutral effects.
Where is the study run from?
The University of the West of England, Bristol (UK)
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
October 2014 to April 2016
Who is funding the study?
The University of the West of England, Bristol (UK)
Who is the main contact?
Mr Sanda Ismail
sanda.ismail@uwe.ac.uk
Contact information
Scientific
University of the West of England
Glenside Campus
Bristol
BS16 1DD
United Kingdom
| Phone | +44 (0)117 328 8907 |
|---|---|
| sanda.ismail@uwe.ac.uk |
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Study design | Parallel randomised controlled multi-centre experimental study |
| Secondary study design | Randomised controlled trial |
| Study type | Participant information sheet |
| Scientific title | The psychological impacts of nostalgia for people with dementia: a parallel randomised controlled experimental study |
| Study acronym | PsychNosDem |
| Study objectives | Aim of research: To explore the psychological impact of nostalgic memories compared to non-nostalgic memories on people affected by dementia. |
| Ethics approval(s) | NRES Committee East of England – Norfolk, 27/01/2015, ref: 14/EE/1237, IRAS Project ID: 161394 |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Dementia |
| Intervention | Study 1: Narrative nostalgia versus Control Study 2: Music-evoked nostalgia versus Control Current interventions as of 29/01/2015: Nostalgia groups: 1. Narrative nostalgia - Participants will be instructed to bring to mind a nostalgic memory. Specifically, they will be instructed to do the following: “According to the New Oxford Dictionary, ‘nostalgia’ is defined as a ‘sentimental longing for the past.’ Please think of a nostalgic event in your life. Specifically, try to think of a past event that makes you feel most nostalgic. Bring this nostalgic experience to mind. Immerse yourself in the nostalgic experience. How does it make you feel? Please spend a couple of minutes thinking about how it makes you feel. Please describe this nostalgic event (i.e., describe the experience).” 2. Music-evoked nostalgia - Participants in the music-evoked nostalgia group will listen to one of the three nostalgic songs that they had previously identified. They will be asked to spend a couple of minutes immersing themselves in the nostalgic experience. They will then be asked to describe how they feel and their experience after listening to the song. Control groups: 1. Narrative control - In the narrative control group, they will be instructed to bring to mind an ordinary event in the past: “Please bring to mind an ordinary event in your life. Specifically, try to think of a past event that is ordinary. Bring this ordinary experience to mind. Immerse yourself in the ordinary experience. How does it make you feel? Please spend a couple of minutes thinking about how it makes you feel. Please describe this ordinary event (i.e., describe the experience)”. 2. Music control - In the music-control group, participants will receive the song of a yoked partner in the music-evoked nostalgia condition. They will be asked to spend a couple of minutes immersing themselves in the nostalgic experience. They will then be asked to describe how they feel and their experience after listening to the song. Previous interventions: Intervention groups: 1. Narrative nostalgia - Participants will be provided with a definition of nostalgia and instructed to bring to mind an event that makes them feel nostalgic. Specifically, "According to the Oxford Dictionary, nostalgia is defined as a 'sentimental longing for the past.' Please think of a nostalgic event in your life. Specifically, try to think of a past event that makes you feel most nostalgic. Bring this nostalgic experience to mind. Immerse yourself in the nostalgic experience. How does it make you feel? Please spend a couple of minutes thinking about how it makes you feel. Please write down four keywords relevant to this nostalgic event (i.e., words that describe the experience)". 2. Music-evoked nostalgia - Participants will listen to one of three nostalgic songs that they have previously identified. They will be asked to immerse themselves in the nostalgic experience. They will then be asked to write down four keywords relevant to this nostalgic event (i.e., words that describe the experience). Control groups: 1. Narrative control - Participants will be instructed as follows: "Please bring to mind an ordinary event in your life. Specifically, try to think of a past event that is ordinary. Bring this ordinary experience to mind. Immerse yourself in the ordinary experience. How does it make you feel? Please spend a couple of minutes thinking about how it makes you feel. Please write down four keywords relevant to this ordinary event (i.e., words that describe the experience)". 2. Music control - Participants in this group will be given the favourite nostalgic song of a yoked partner in the music-evoked nostalgia group to listen to via an audio device. They will then be asked to write down four keywords relevant to this event (i.e., words that describe the experience). |
| Intervention type | Other |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
Current primary outcome measures as of 21/06/2017: |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
N/A |
| Completion date | 30/04/2016 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Patient |
|---|---|
| Age group | Adult |
| Lower age limit | 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 84 |
| Total final enrolment | 111 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. A diagnosis made by a consultant psychiatrist of either probable Alzheimer's disease according to the NINCDS-ADRDA criteria (National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke-Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association) or probable Vascular Dementia according to the NINDS-AIREN criteria (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke- Association Internationale pour la Recherche et l'Enseignement en Neurosciences) or dementia with Lewy bodies or mixed dementia 2. Participants must have a mild to moderate level of cognitive impairment before they commence the research e.g. an MMSE score of at least 18 3. All participants will have been told of their diagnosis as evidenced in their medical notes by a practitioner/ nurse/doctor 4. Participants should be identified as having capacity to give consent by a clinician with access to the patient's recent cognitive assessment in the memory clinic |
| Key exclusion criteria | Current exclusion criteria as of 29/01/2015: 1. Participants diagnosed with Fronto-Temporal Dementia 2. People who initially have capacity at the time of assessment but who have lost capacity to consent before the study session 3. People who have current health problems such as high levels of distress or other factors (e.g., a recent bereavement) that preclude involvement in the study 4. People with a known history of traumatic abuse or other incidence which can cause them pain while remembering such events Previous exclusion criteria: 1. Participants diagnosed with Fronto-Temporal Dementia 2. Participants who have lost capacity to consent before the research session 3. Participants with significant pre-morbid mental health problems e.g. major psychotic breakdown or depression |
| Date of first enrolment | 01/03/2015 |
| Date of final enrolment | 30/04/2016 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- United Kingdom
- England
Study participating centres
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | Yes |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Stored in repository |
| IPD sharing plan | The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study will be stored in the University of the West of England research repository. All data collected are anonymised. Access to the data will need to be granted by the University of the West of England according to its data protection regulations. Participants have given their consent for the data to be stored and accessed in this manner. |
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Results article | results | 01/03/2018 | 27/08/2019 | Yes | No |
| Basic results | 21/06/2017 | 26/06/2017 | No | No | |
| HRA research summary | 28/06/2023 | No | No | ||
| Other publications | 10/06/2021 | 30/12/2022 | Yes | No | |
| Participant information sheet | Participant information sheet | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
Additional files
- ISRCTN54996662_BasicResults_21June17.docx
- Uploaded 26/06/2017
Editorial Notes
30/12/2022: Publication reference added.
27/08/2019: Publication reference and total final enrolment added.
26/06/2017: The basic results of this trial have been uploaded as an additional file.
29/01/2015: The following changes were made to the trial record:
1. The scientific title was changed from 'The psychological impacts of nostalgia for people with dementia: a randomised double-blind controlled experimental study' to 'The psychological impacts of nostalgia for people with dementia: a parallel randomised controlled experimental study'.
2. The study design was changed from 'Randomised double-blind controlled multi-centre experimental study' to 'Parallel randomised controlled multi-centre experimental study'.
3. The target number of participants was changed from 86 to 84.
