The influence of dhakonan games to impede dementia in elders

Background: Dementia can interfere the elderly in their daily activities. One of therapy that suitable for people with dementia is memory therapy using a traditional game, known as dhakonan. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explain the influence of traditional dhakonan games on the level of dementia severity in the elderly. Method: The research uses quasy-experimental design. The total sample was 20 respondents who met the inclusion criteria, namely the elderly with symptoms of dementia. The sampling technique used simple random sampling. The independent variable was a traditional dhakonan game, the dependent variable was cognitive function, depression level, and dementia level. Data were collected using a Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) design questionnaire, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) questionnaire, and Functional Assessment Staging Tool (FAST). Data analysis was carried out using the Wilcoxon Sign Rank Test and Mann Whitney Test with a significance level of α <0.05. Result: Wilcoxon Sign Rank Test obtained p value <0.05 for cognitive function, depression level, and dementia level in the treatment group (cognitive function, p = 0.005; depression level, p = 0.005; dementia level, p = 0.014). There was the influence of traditional dhakonan games on the level of dementia in the elderly. Conclusion: Traditional dhakonan games can significantly improve cognitive function, reduce depression, and prevent the progression of dementia.