Studi Kasus Penerapan Terapi Modalitas Brain Gym dalam Meningkatkan Fungsi Kognitif pada Lansia dengan Demensia di Panti Hargodadali Surabaya

Latar Belakang: Demensia merupakan salah satu masalah kesehatan yang sering dialami lansia dan ditandai dengan penurunan fungsi kognitif seperti memori, perhatian, dan orientasi. Panti Werdha Hargodadali Surabaya memiliki jumlah lansia dengan gangguan kognitif cukup tinggi sehingga diperlukan intervensi non-farmakologis untuk memperlambat penurunan fungsi kognitif. Brain Gym adalah salah satu latihan sederhana yang terbukti dapat meningkatkan koordinasi otak kanan dan kiri serta memperbaiki fungsi memori. Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan desain studi kasus dengan tiga responden lansia perempuan yang mengalami demensia ringan hingga sedang. Penelitian dilakukan pada 16 September–1 Oktober 2025. Instrumen pengukuran menggunakan Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Intervensi berupa senam otak diberikan setiap hari selama 16 hari berturut-turut dengan durasi 15 menit. Hasil: Sebelum intervensi, skor MMSE responden berkisar 18–21 yang menunjukkan gangguan kognitif. Setelah intervensi, skor MMSE meningkat menjadi 22–25. Selain peningkatan skor, responden juga melaporkan perubahan positif berupa meningkatnya konsentrasi, berkurangnya kelupaan, serta perasaan lebih segar. Kesimpulan: Senam otak yang dilakukan secara rutin terbukti efektif meningkatkan fungsi kognitif lansia dengan demensia ringan hingga sedang. Latihan ini sederhana, aman, serta dapat diterapkan di lingkungan panti werdha maupun secara mandiri.
Kata Kunci: Brain Gym, fungsi kognitif, demensia, lansia, studi kasus.

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Background: Dementia is a common health problem among the elderly, marked by a decline in cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and orientation. The Hargodadali Nursing Home in Surabaya accommodates many older adults with cognitive impairment, thus requiring non-pharmacological interventions to slow down cognitive decline. Brain Gym is a simple exercise proven to enhance coordination between the right and left hemispheres of the brain and improve memory function. Method: This study employed a case study design with three elderly female respondents diagnosed with mild to moderate dementia. The study was conducted from September 16 to October 1, 2025. Cognitive function was measured using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Brain Gym intervention was carried out daily for 16 consecutive days, with each session lasting about 15 minutes. Results: Before the intervention, MMSE scores ranged from 18 to 21, indicating cognitive impairment. After the intervention, the scores improved to 22–25. Respondents also reported positive changes, including increased concentration, reduced forgetfulness, and feeling more refreshed after exercise. Conclusion: Regular Brain Gym therapy is effective in improving cognitive function in elderly with mild to moderate dementia. This intervention is simple, safe, and applicable in nursing homes or as individual practice.
Keywords: Brain Gym, cognitive function, dementia, elderly, case study.