Abstract
Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) gradually lose their cognitive competence, particularly memory, and the ability to perform daily life tasks. Neuropsychological rehabilitation is used to improve cognitive functions by facilitating memory performance through the use of external aids and internal strategies. The effect of neuropsychological rehabilitation through memory training - motor movements, verbal association, and categorization - and activities of daily living (ADL) training was tested in a sample of 5 elderly out-patients (mean age: 77.4 +/- 2.88 years), with mild AD (Mini-Mental State Examination score: 22.20 +/- 2.17) and their caregivers. All patients had been taking rivastigmine (6-12 mg/day) for at least 3 months before being assigned to the rehabilitation sessions, and they continued to take the medication during the whole program. Just before and after the 14-week neuropsychological rehabilitation program all patients were assessed by interviewers that did not participate in the cognitive training, using the Mini-Mental State Examination, Montgomery-Alsberg Depression Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Interview to Determine Deterioration in Functioning in Dementia, Functional Test, Memory Questionnaire of Daily Living for patient and caregiver, Quality of Life Questionnaire for patient and caregiver, and a neuropsychological battery. The results showed a statistically significant improvement in ADL measured by Functional Test (P = 0.04), and only a small improvement in memory and psychiatric symptoms. Our results support the view that weekly stimulation of memory and training of ADL is believed to be of great value in AD treatment, not only delaying the progress of the disease, but also improving some cognitive functions and ADL, even though AD is a progressively degenerative disease.
Highlights
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive dementia in which memory deficit is one of the earliest and most pronounced symptoms [1]
The objective of the present study is to report on the tests and scales used to evaluate and reevaluate cognitive status, the efficiency of implicit and explicit memory techniques and activities of daily living (ADL) training of patients with AD in Neuropsychological rehabilitation (NR) programs
These results are consistent with the NR program, which emphasize memory and ADL training
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive dementia in which memory deficit is one of the earliest and most pronounced symptoms [1]. Other cognitive functions such as language and general intellectual performance become impaired. This decline in cognitive function has additional effects. Cognitive status is highly correlated with caregiver burden and functional impairment. Both of these factors influence daily living activities, the ability of the patients to live alone and, their quality of life. Patients become insecure about performing simple daily living tasks such as using the telephone, paying bills, going out and returning home alone, and dressing themselves properly
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