The Effects of a Tailored Activity Program for Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose: To review the effectiveness of a tailored activity program (TAP) on neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), occupational performance, and quality of life among people with dementia and their caregiver burden. Methods: A literature review was completed using the following inclusion criteria: published prior to May 2021 and written in either English or Korean. The following databases were searched Embase, ProQuest, PubMed, and RISS using keywords "tailored activity program" and "dementia." Seven studies were identified and analyzed. Results: The effect size of the increase in quality of life was 0.79, the decrease in caregiver burden was 0.68, the decrease in NPS was 0.62, and the increase in occupational performance was 0.51. There were no publication biases. Conclusions: Participation in TAP resulted in decreased NPS, improved occupational performance and quality of life, and decreased caregiver burden. This study presents evidence supporting the active application of TAP for community-dwelling people with dementia.