Cognitive rehabilitation of mildly impaired Alzheimer disease patients on cholinesterase inhibitors.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
A systematic program of cognitive rehabilitation can result in maintained improvement in performance on specific cognitive and functional tasks in mildly impaired AD patients.
Loewenstein
David A
DA
Wien Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Disorders, Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA. dloewenstein@worldnet.att.net
Acevedo
Amarilis
A
Czaja
Sara J
SJ
Duara
Ranjan
R
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011340:Problem Solving; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors