| Abstract | OBJECTIVE: The authors evaluated the efficacy of a new cognitive rehabilitation program on memory and functional performance of mildly impaired Alzheimer disease (AD) patients receiving a cholinesterase inhibitor. METHODS: Twenty-five participants in the Cognitive Rehabilitation (CR) condition participated in two 45-minute sessions twice per week for 24 total sessions. CR training included face-name association tasks, object recall training, functional tasks (e.g., making change, paying bills), orientation to time and place, visuo-motor speed of processing, and the use of a memory notebook. Nineteen participants in the Mental Stimulation (MS) condition had equivalent therapist contact and number of sessions, which consisted of interactive computer games involving memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. RESULTS: Compared with the MS condition, participants in CR demonstrated improved performance on tasks that were similar to those used in training. Gains in recall of face-name associations, orientation, cognitive processing speed, and specific functional tasks were present post-intervention and at a 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: A systematic program of cognitive rehabilitation can result in maintained improvement in performance on specific cognitive and functional tasks in mildly impaired AD patients. |
| Authors | David A Loewenstein, Amarilis Acevedo, Sara J Czaja, Ranjan Duara
(Affiliation: Wien Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Disorders, Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA. dloewenstein at worldnet.att.net)
|
| Journal | The American journal of geriatric psychiatry : official journal of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry
(Am J Geriatr Psychiatry)
2004 Jul-Aug
Vol. 12
Issue 4
Pg. 395-402
ISSN: 1064-7481 United States |
| PMID | 15249277
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
|
| Chemical References |
- Cholinesterase Inhibitors
|
| Topics |
- Activities of Daily Living
- Aged
- Alzheimer Disease
(complications, diagnosis, drug therapy)
- Cholinesterase Inhibitors
(therapeutic use)
- Cognition Disorders
(diagnosis, etiology, therapy)
- Cognitive Therapy
(methods)
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Male
- Mental Recall
- Neuropsychological Tests
- Problem Solving
- Psychomotor Performance
- Questionnaires
- Severity of Illness Index
- Task Performance and Analysis
|
