Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41514114›Full record

SynthesisAging clinical and experimental research2026

The efficacy of reminiscence therapy on the cognition of older patients with cognitive impairment or dementia: a meta-analysis based on regulatory factors.

Shan Wang, Kunpeng Li, Xiaoyu Peng, Yehua Xue, Libing Liang, Qunsong Shen, Yeping Chen, Caiqin Wu

Abstract readNetwork Meta-AnalysisSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Aging clinical and experimental research, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Shan Wang *School of Nursing, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1200, Cailun Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China.
Kunpeng Li *School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China.
Xiaoyu Peng *Nursing Department, Shanghai Second Rehabilitation Hospital, Shanghai, 200940, China.
Yehua XueSchool of Nursing, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1200, Cailun Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China.
Libing LiangSchool of Nursing, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1200, Cailun Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China.
Qunsong ShenSchool of Nursing, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1200, Cailun Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China.
Yeping Chen *Scientific research department, Shanghai Second Rehabilitation Hospital, No. 25, Lane 860, Changjiang Road, Baoshan District, Shanghai, 200940, China. 2105093658@qq.com.
Caiqin Wu *School of Nursing, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1200, Cailun Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China. yuwuchina@aliyun.com.

Funding

Shanghai Baoshan Science and Technology Commission 2024-E-66
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundWith global aging, dementia prevalence is rising, imposing significant burdens. Reminiscence therapy (RT) shows promise for improving cognition in older adults with cognitive impairment or dementia, but evidence remains inconsistent, potentially moderated by factors like age, intervention frequency, and setting.

aimsThis systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to evaluate RT's efficacy on cognitive function in older patients with cognitive impairment or dementia and identify moderating factors through subgroup analyses.

methodsA comprehensive search was conducted across 11 English and Chinese databases from inception until May 1, 2025, to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating RT versus standard care in older adults with cognitive impairment or dementia, utilizing the cognitive outcome. Two independent reviewers screened the studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias and evidence quality. Using RevMan 5.4 for meta-analysis and subgroup analysis.

resultsTwenty-four RCTs involving 1,963 patients were included. RT significantly improved cognitive function, with benefits sustained at follow-up. RT also improved memory, reduced depression, and enhanced quality of life, but not executive function. Subgroup analyses revealed significantly greater cognitive improvement in patients aged 60-70 years, with intervention frequencies of 12-16 sessions, and in nursing home settings.

conclusionRT is an effective intervention for improving cognition, memory, depression, and quality of life in older adults with cognitive impairment or dementia. Patient age, intervention frequency, and setting are potential moderators of its cognitive efficacy, providing actionable insights for optimizing clinical RT protocols.

Indexed as

CognitionCognitive DysfunctionDementiaAgedAged, 80 and overHumansMiddle AgedQuality of LifeRandomized Controlled Trials as TopicTreatment OutcomeCognitive impairmentDementiaMeta-analysisNon-pharmacological interventionReminiscence therapy

Identifiers

PMID41514114
PMCPMC12819563

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.