[Cognitive rehabilitation in Alzheimer's disease patients: multidisciplinary team report].
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to show preliminary results of the 'combined treatment' (acetylcholinesterase inhibitor + cognitive training) on a group of mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, followed-up for 7 months.


METHODS
Six mild AD patients, diagnosed according to ICD-10 and NINCDS-ADRDA criteria, were included on a open trial with Rivastigmine, 6-12 mg/day, for 2 months, followed by a weekly cognitive rehabilitation group, for 5 months. Caregivers were submitted to a weekly group of counseling and support for 5 months.


RESULTS
Stabilization or mild improvement of patients' cognitive and activities of daily living deficits were found, besides reduction of patients and caregivers' depressive and anxiety levels.


CONCLUSIONS
The 'combined treatment' can help on the stabilization or result on a mild improvement of AD patients' cognitive and functional deficits. Support and counseling interventions can reduce the levels of caregivers' psychiatric symptoms.
Bottino
Cássio M C
CM
Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil. cbottino@usp.br
Carvalho
Isabel A M
IA
Alvarez
Ana Maria M A
AM
Avila
Renata
R
Zukauskas
Patrícia R
PR
Bustamante
Sonia E Z
SE
Andrade
Flávia C
FC
Hototian
Sérgio R
SR
Saffi
Fabiana
F
Camargo
Cândida H P
CH
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D002219:Carbamates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010348:Patient Care Team; D048448:Phenylcarbamates; D000068836:Rivastigmine
D002219:Carbamates; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D048448:Phenylcarbamates; D000068836:Rivastigmine