81

Reminiscence is defined like a process, volitional or non-volitional, of recollecting memories of one's self in the past, from autobiographical memory, and which can be achieved individually or in a group way. Nevertheless, the term of reminiscence widely used in non-medicated care in Alzheimer's disease needs to be further defined in its various processes and functions. After explaining the evolution of the concept of reminiscence over the last three decades, we present the different theoretical models described in the literature and we propose, from clinical studies, possible practical applications among healthy older subjects and people with neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease. However, the main limitations of existing studies consist in the lack of consideration of different types of reminiscence in the form of intervention referred to as “reminiscence workshop” and of the specificities of the targeted populations and their needs, which are essential for establishing a methodologically accurate positive effect of these interventions.