A mentally stimulating activities program for the treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 27-37
Author(s):  
Angie L. Sardina, PhD ◽  
Suzanne Fitzsimmons, MSN, ARNP, GNP ◽  
Catherine M. Hoyt, BA ◽  
Linda L. Buettner, PhD
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Control Group

This study evaluated whether a mentally stimulating activities (MSA) program reduced neuropsychiatric symptoms and improved cognitive status and quality of life, as compared to a support group for persons in the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This randomized controlled trial included 81 adults (aged 55+), who were randomly assigned to the MSA group (treatment) or a social support group (control). A repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) identified that MSA participants significantly reduced apathy (p 0.001) and depressive symptoms (p 0.001), as well as improved cognitive status (p 0.001) and quality of life (p 0.001) as compared to the control group. A structured classroom-style MSA program may be a viable and therapeutic intervention to alleviate neuropsychiatric symptoms, and improve cognitive status and quality of life in early-stage AD.

scholarly journals An Experimental Pilot Study of Global Postural Reeducation Concerning the Cognitive Approach of Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 153331751986782 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasemin Todri ◽  
Orges Lena ◽  
José Luis Martínez Gil
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cognitive Approach ◽  
Positive Effects

Background: Several recent studies have examined the positive effects of physical exercise and equilibrium on individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. Objectives: In this sense, this study based on an experimental design, tested whether global postural reeducation (GPR) can affect equilibrium and cognition, life quality, and psychological symptoms of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: One hundred thirty-five participants with mild and moderate AD diagnosis were assigned to 2 groups: experimental group (EG, n = 90) and control group (CG, n = 45). The GPR therapy was implemented in the EG for 6 months, while both groups underwent neuropsychological assessments prior and after the 6-month period. Results: According to the repeated measures of analysis of variance, significant differences between groups were found at the 6-month follow-up period, in benefit of the EG such as Mini-Mental State Examination ( P = .000), Geriatric Depression Scale ( P = .000), Neuropsychiatric Inventory ( P = .000), quality of life in AD/patient ( P = .000), quality of life in AD/caregivers ( P = .000), Barthel index ( P = .000), and Tinetti Scale ( P = .000), while the CG showed a low performance in the neuropsychological tests. Conclusions: We suggest that GPR is a therapeutic option, which can improve the psychological, physical, and cognitive aspects of patients with AD.

scholarly journals Effects of cognitive stimulation on neuropsychiatric symptoms in elderly with Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 178-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raiana Lídice Mór Fukushima ◽  
Elisangela Gisele do Carmo ◽  
Renata do Valle Pedroso ◽  
Pollyanna Natalia Micali ◽  
Paula Secomandi Donadelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Inclusion Criteria

ABSTRACT Introduction: Neuropsychiatric symptoms are frequent in Alzheimer's disease and negatively affect patient quality of life. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of cognitive stimulation on neuropsychiatric symptoms in elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease. Methods: The included articles were reviewed between December 2015 and June 2016, and the inclusion criteria were: (1) studies involving older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease; (2) studies published in English, Spanish or Portuguese; (3) studies that determined the effect of cognitive stimulation on neuropsychiatric symptoms in elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease; (4) controlled trials. Results: Out of the total 722, 9 articles matched the inclusion criteria. Depression, apathy and anxiety were the most frequent symptoms. Conclusion: Studies reported significant results post-treatment, suggesting cognitive stimulation can be effective for these neuropsychiatric symptoms, thus improving the quality of life of Alzheimer's disease patients and their caregivers.

Determinants of quality of life in Alzheimer's disease: perspective of patients, informal caregivers, and professional caregivers

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (11) ◽  
pp. 1805-1815 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Gómez-Gallego ◽  
Jesus Gómez-Amor ◽  
Juan Gómez-García
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Chronic Medical Condition ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Healthcare Staff

AbstractBackground: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic medical condition with symptoms that compromise patients’ quality of life (QoL). The identification of the factor predicting QoL in AD is essential to develop more effective interventions. Recent research suggests that these factors could be different for the distinct informants. This study explores the QoL predictors considering three different sources of information: patients, caregivers, and healthcare staff.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a sample of 102 patients, their primary caregivers, and 15 members of the healthcare staff evaluated patients’ QoL (QoL-AD Scale). Patients’ and caregivers’ demographic and clinical data (cognitive function, neuropsychiatric symptoms, depression, and caregivers’ burden) were considered as QoL predictors.Results: In multivariate-adjusted linear regression analyses, we observed that patients’ ratings were mainly affected by their mood whereas caregivers’ ratings were also negatively influenced by patients’ irritability and burden. According to staff ratings, both psychotic symptoms and neuroleptics were associated with lower QoL.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that depression is the main variable related to patients’ QoL and that more careful management of neuropsychiatric disorders is necessary. Both proxies’ ratings are not equivalent to patients’ reports in terms of predictors but they are complementary. Thus, a thorough QoL assessment should consider separately the perspective of the different informants.

scholarly journals Cognitive rehabilitation for early stage Alzheimer’s disease: a pilot study with an Irish population

2017 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. E. Kelly ◽  
B. A. Lawlor ◽  
R. F. Coen ◽  
I. H. Robertson ◽  
S. Brennan
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Cognitive Rehabilitation ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Single Subject ◽  
Everyday Functioning ◽  
Post Test

ObjectivesResearch shows that cognitive rehabilitation (CR) has the potential to improve goal performance and enhance well-being for people with early stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This single subject, multiple baseline design (MBD) research investigated the clinical efficacy of an 8-week individualised CR intervention for individuals with early stage AD.MethodsThree participants with early stage AD were recruited to take part in the study. The intervention consisted of eight sessions of 60–90 minutes of CR. Outcomes included goal performance and satisfaction, quality of life, cognitive and everyday functioning, mood, and memory self-efficacy for participants with AD; and carer burden, general mental health, quality of life, and mood of carers.ResultsVisual analysis of MBD data demonstrated a functional relationship between CR and improvements in participants’ goal performance. Subjective ratings of goal performance and satisfaction increased from baseline to post-test for three participants and were maintained at follow-up for two. Baseline to post-test quality of life scores improved for three participants, whereas cognitive function and memory self-efficacy scores improved for two.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that CR can improve goal performance, and is a socially acceptable intervention that can be implemented by practitioners with assistance from carers between sessions. This study represents one of the promising first step towards filling a practice gap in this area. Further research and randomised-controlled trials are required.

scholarly journals Efficacy of an evidence-based cognitive stimulation therapy programme for people with dementia

2003 ◽  
Vol 183 (3) ◽  
pp. 248-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aimee Spector ◽  
Lene Thorgrimsen ◽  
Bob Woods ◽  
Lindsay Royan ◽  
Steve Davies ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Older People ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy ◽  
People With Dementia

BackgroundA recent Cochrane review of reality orientation therapy identified the need for large, well-designed, multi-centre trials.AimsTo test the hypothesis that cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) for older people with dementia would benefit cognition and quality of life.MethodA single-blind, multi-centre, randomised controlled trial recruited 201 older people with dementia. The main outcome measures were change in cognitive function and quality of life. An intention-to-treat analysis used analysis of covariance to control for potential variability in baseline measures.ResultsOne hundred and fifteen people were randomised within centres to the intervention group and 86 to the control group. At follow-up the intervention group had significantly improved relative to the control group on the Mini-Mental State Examination (P=0.044), the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale – Cognition (ADAS–Cog) (P=0.014) and Quality of Life – Alzheimer's Disease scales (P=0.028). Using criteria of 4 points or more improvement on the ADAS–Cog the number needed to treat was 6 for the intervention group.ConclusionThe results compare favourably with trials of drugs for dementia. CST groups may have worthwhile benefits for many people with dementia.

Quality of Life in relation to neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's disease: 5-year prospective ALSOVA cohort study

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristiina Hongisto ◽  
Ilona Hallikainen ◽  
Tuomas Selander ◽  
Soili Törmälehto ◽  
Saku Väätäinen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms

scholarly journals Religiosity and quality of life of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and of caregivers: Relationship with clinical aspects

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-74
Author(s):  
Gloria Maria A.S. Tedrus ◽  
Lineu Correa Fonseca ◽  
Julio Cesar Bredas Ciancaglio ◽  
Gabriela Scartezini Mônico ◽  
Carolina Zamperi
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Aspects ◽  
Intrinsic Religiosity

ABSTRACT There are few studies on the religiosity of people with Alzheimer’s disease (PwAD) and caregivers, relation with quality of life (QoL) and clinical aspects. Objective: To assess the religiosity and QoL of 39 PwAD and their caregivers; to compare perceived QoL and religiosity of the PwAD with those of their caregivers; to associate QoL and religiosity with the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms, and depression with cognitive performance of PwAD. Results: Organizational religiosity was greater in caregivers. The AD patients had poorer perceived QoL than their caregivers. Caregiver religiosity correlated with that of the AD patients. Higher intrinsic religiosity was associated with lower occurrence of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Better caregiver QoL correlated with cognitive performance. Lower occurrence of depression correlated with better QoL of the caregivers and AD patients. Conclusion: The religiosity of caregivers was correlated with that of the AD patients. Better QoL and lower religiosity were observed in caregivers when compared with the AD patients. Caregiver religiosity and QoL were associated with neuropsychiatric and cognitive aspects and depression.

scholarly journals Quality of life and Alzheimer's disease: Influence of participation at a rehabilitation center

2009 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 241-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernanda Machado ◽  
Paula V. Nunes ◽  
Luciane F. Viola ◽  
Franklin S. Santos ◽  
Orestes V. Forlenza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Functional Rehabilitation ◽  
Open Question

Abstract Quality of life is seldom explored in evaluations of therapeutic interventions in Alzheimer's disease. Objective: To verify whether participation in a cognitive and functional rehabilitation program improves quality of life (QOL) among Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Methods: 19 AD patients participated in this study, 12 of whom attended 24 multi-professional intervention sessions - the experimental group - whereas the remaining 7 comprised the control group. The following tools were used to assess changes: a) Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE); b) Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS); c) Quality of Life in AD evaluation scale (QOL-AD); d) Open question on QOL. Results: Participation had no positive impact on quantitative clinical variables (MMSE, GDS, QOL-AD). The answers to the open question, examined using the Collective Subject Discourse (CSD) method, suggested that QOL improved after the intervention. Conclusion: Combining pharmacological treatment with psychosocial intervention may prove to be an effective strategy to enhance the QOL of AD patients.

scholarly journals Alterations of the Neuroinflammatory Markers IL-6 and TRAIL in Alzheimer's Disease

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 424-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ya-Ying Wu ◽  
Jung-Lung Hsu ◽  
Han-Cheng Wang ◽  
Shyh-Jong Wu ◽  
Chen-Jee Hong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Inflammatory Biomarkers ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Disease Group ◽  
Apoe Genotypes ◽  
Fluid Levels

Objective: We aimed to identify biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in order to improve diagnostic accuracy at mild stage. Methods: AD patients aged >50 years were included in the disease group. We evaluated the relationship between potential blood and cerebrospinal fluid inflammatory biomarkers, cognitive status, temporal lobe atrophy and disease severity. Inflammatory biomarkers including interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-18, fractalkine and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) levels were measured. APOE genotypes were determined. Results: We enrolled 41 subjects in the disease group and 40 subjects in the normal control group. The majority (88.9%) of subjects in the disease group had mild AD. Elevated levels of plasma IL-6 and decreased levels of plasma TRAIL in the disease group were noted. Plasma levels of IL-6 and TRAIL were significantly correlated with their cerebrospinal fluid levels. Conclusion: Plasma IL-6 and TRAIL were identified as potential biomarkers of AD at an early stage.

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