Introduction: Dementia is one of the more common causes for disabilities, institutionalization and death. It begins with a mild cognitive decline which is a clinical transition between cognitive aging and early dementia. Out of all precautions, the most researched one is of leisure activities. Leisure activities are an alternative method, that inhibit the development of dementia. Working therapists can use leisure activities as part of the treatment. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to study the use of leisure activities as a dedicated activity for the preservation of cognitive functions of people with cognitive decline. We are interested in whether the persons interest in taking part in a working therapeutic treatment is taken into account. Methods: In this thesis, we used a systematic overview of literature using the PRISMA model. The used search time frame was from 2009 to 2019. The search for suitable studies was carried out with the keywords: mild cognitive impairment, dementia, leisure activity, prevention, in databases PubMed, DiKul, Science Direct, Google Učenjak. There were 9 scientific articles included in the final analysis. Results: Interactive programs promoting the inclusion of older people with mild cognitive impairment in leisure activities have proven effective in improving workplace spatial memory. Dancing and musical activities proved to be excellent for preserving and improving the following cognitive functions: orientation, attention, executive function, episodic memory. With the help of reading activity, people with mild cognitive impairment had less problems with remembering. Interest was only taken into account in three of the studies. Discussion and conclusion: Therapeutic treatments involving leisure activities work well to preserve and improve cognition. Inclusion in physical and cognitive activity works to the greatest extent. Social activities do not significantly contribute to maintaining or improving cognitive function in the long run. They also work well on feeling, preventing depression, anxiety. Leisure is still under-used in healthcare as a treatment strategy for people with mild cognitive impairment.
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