EFFECTS OF REHABILITATION PROGRAM FOCUSED ON IMPROVING REAL-LIFE DAILY ACTIVITIES OF PATIENTS WITH MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENTS OR DEMENTIA AND THEIR CAREGIVERS.

Abstract

To evaluate the effectiveness of a dyadic outpatient rehabilitation program focused on improving the real-life daily activities of patients with mild cognitive impairments or dementia and their caregivers. Retrospective study. Eight patients with mild cognitive impairments or dementia and their caregivers. The rehabilitation program comprised eight 1-hour sessions by occupational therapists with patients and his/her caregivers. Patients were assessed for motor function, cognitive function, and quality of life, and their caregivers were assessed for depression and caregiver burden. Participants were assessed at pre-program and post-program, and 3-month follow-up. The scores of caregiver-assessed Quality of life in Alzheimer's disease scale in patients significantly improved at post-program (median [interquartile range], 30.0 [7.0]) compared with pre-program (27.0 [2.8], effect size = 0.77, p = 0.029). In caregivers, the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview scores decreased significantly at post-program (16.5 [13.0]) compared with pre-program (22.0 [17.5], effect size = 0.72, p = 0.042). There were no significant differences in other assessments. The rehabilitation program focused on real daily activities and demonstrated to improve patients' quality of life and caregivers' depression and caring burden through patient-caregiver interaction. Future enhanced follow-up systems are warranted.