Self-Reported Beneficial Effects of Chinese Calligraphy Handwriting Training for Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment: An Exploratory Study

Chih-Chun Hsiao, Chun-Chieh Lin, Chun-Gu Cheng, Yin-Han Chang, Hui-Chen Lin, Hsing-Chen Wu and Chun-An Cheng ()
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Chih-Chun Hsiao: Department of Nursing, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital, Taoyuan 32549, Taiwan
Chun-Chieh Lin: Department of Neurology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
Chun-Gu Cheng: Department of Emergency Medicine, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taoyuan 32549, Taiwan
Yin-Han Chang: Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10621, Taiwan
Hui-Chen Lin: School of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
Hsing-Chen Wu: Graduate Institute of Vocational and Technological Education, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan
Chun-An Cheng: Department of Neurology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 2, 1-10

Abstract: Background: Dementia is a common disease in aging populations. The treatment has mainly focused on memory decline prevention and behavior control. Nonpharmacological treatments, such as cognition training, physical exercise, and music therapy have been effective in slowing memory decline. Chinese calligraphy handwriting (CCH) through breath regulation and fine hand control involves high concentration levels, emotion regulation, and self-awareness. CCH is a mind and body activity that is culturally relevant to older Chinese adults. This study evaluated the beneficial effects of CCH on mild cognitive impairment. Methods: In 2018, we conducted 8 weeks of CCH training at the Tri-Service General Hospital. The participants were asked to copy a regular script. At the end of the course, they gave oral presentations and showed their work. Self-report questionnaires on emotion, memory, upper limb coordination, attention, and language were collected before and after training. Results: The five questionnaires showed significantly positive feelings after CCH training. The conditions of emotional stability, concentration, hand movement, memory, and speech improved. Conclusions: CCH training stimulated the brain and improved cognition, psychological symptoms, and hand stability. It is inexpensive and worthwhile for elderly Chinese individuals with mild cognitive impairment to take time daily to practice calligraphy.

Keywords: Chinese calligraphy handwriting; mild cognitive impairment; benefit (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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