Cognitive Training for Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Linda L. Buettner, Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to critically review and synthesize the literature on the effects of nonpharmacological cognitive training on dementia symptoms in early-stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementia. Electronic databases MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL, PsycInfo, and the Cochrane Library were searched using the keywords cognition, reality orientation, Alzheimer’s disease, psychosocial factors, cognitive therapy, brain plasticity, enriched environments, and memory training. The findings support that cognitive training improves cognition, activities of daily living, and decision making. Interventions are more effective if they are structured and focus on specific known losses related to the AD pathological process and a person’s residual ability, or are combined with cognitive- enhancing medications. Nursing implications are also discussed.

Additional Information

Publication
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 35, 3, pp. 23-29.
Language: English
Date: 2009
Keywords
Nonpharmacological, dementia, Alzheimer’s, Cochrane Library, reality orientation, cognitive therapy, brain plasticity, enriched environments, memory training, cognition

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