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

Abstract

Quality of life is seldom explored in evaluations of therapeutic interventions in Alzheimer’s disease.ObjectiveTo verify whether participation in a cognitive and functional rehabilitation program improves quality of life (QOL) among Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients.Methods19 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.ResultsParticipation 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.ConclusionCombining pharmacological treatment with psychosocial intervention may prove to be an effective strategy to enhance the QOL of AD patients.

Interdisciplinary Therapy for patients with dementia

“…The reduction in functional dependence demonstrated that the interdisciplinary therapy reduced the burden of supervision needed to carry out ADLs. Akin to a previous multiprofessional cognitive and functional rehabilitation program involving 24 sessions given over six months, 24 the results of the present study showed stabilization and slight improvements in cognitive performance and ADLs. In a previous study, after 12 months of psychosocial intervention, three patients diagnosed with ADD demonstrated cognitive enhancement, functional stabilization and improvement of behavioral problems, but the benefits were not sustained throughout the second year of intervention.…”

Benefits of Multimodal Exercise Intervention for Postural Control and Frontal Cognitive Functions in Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease: A Controlled Trial

“…A recent study suggests that, in older adults, physical activity can reduce the risk of dementia related to aging and that it enhances cognitive activity and protects brain processes against neural decline . Several Brazilian studies have demonstrated the benefits of nonpharmacological intervention programs involving cognitive stimulation in individuals with MCI or dementia . In a 12‐week multidisciplinary psychoeducational program consisting of memory stimulation, dance activities, physical therapy, and exercise, significant cognitive stabilization was observed in individuals with mild dementia …”

“…38 Several Brazilian studies have demonstrated the benefits of nonpharmacological intervention programs involving cognitive stimulation in individuals with MCI or dementia. 39,40 In a 12-week multidisciplinary psychoeducational program consisting of memory stimulation, dance activities, physical therapy, and exercise, significant cognitive stabilization was observed in individuals with mild dementia. 37 Motor interventions consisting mainly of aerobic exercise have also been shown to provide cognitive benefits in individuals with AD.…”

ICF-Based Analysis of Communication Disorders in Dementia of Alzheimer's Type

“…Functionality assessment is crucial for the management of DAT. Machado [ 21 ] investigated the influence of participation at a rehabilitation centre on the quality of life and Alzheimer's disease. They concluded that combining pharmacological treatment with psychosocial intervention might prove to be an effective strategy to enhance the quality of life of persons with DAT.…”