Evaluation of non-pharmacological intervention on antisocial behavior in patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease in a day care center.
Psychosocial treatment was studied on improving socially non integrated behavior and in containing cognitive-behavioral degeneration in patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease. The hypothesis was that patients who do not maintain social relationships decline in their psycho-social and psycho-cognitive behavior more rapidly and that intervention helps to attain the above mentioned objectives (18 patients in day care center). All subjects had to perform the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory and the Cornell Depression Scale at the beginning of the study and were tested again after 1.5 years. The results of the group of Alzheimer patients showed a significant difference in the CMAI Scale (P<0.01) and sub-scales and in the Cornell Scale (0.014). In conclusion, the usefulness of the center is fundamental in encouraging the maintenance of significant relationships and helping patients adapt to their disease.
Vespa
Anna
A
Department of Gerontological Research-INRCA-National Institute of Research and Care for Elderly, via Birarelli n 8, 60100 Ancona, Italy. a.vespa@inrca.it
Gori
Guido
G
Spazzafumo
Liana
L