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TitleBeneficial Effects of an Integrated Psychostimulation Program in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2016
AuthorsIbarria, M, Alegret, M, Valero, S, Morera, A, Guitart, M, Cañabate, P, Moreno, M, Lara, S, Diego, S, Hernández, J, Tantinyá, N, Vera, M, Hernandez, I, Becker, JT, Ruiz, A, Boada, M, Tárraga, L
JournalJ Alzheimers Dis
Volume50
Issue2
Pagination559-66
Date Published2016
ISSN1875-8908
KeywordsActivities of Daily Living, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Alzheimer Disease, Cholinesterase Inhibitors, Cognition, Combined Modality Therapy, Disease Progression, Female, Humans, Male, Neuropsychological Tests, Psychotherapy, Severity of Illness Index, Treatment Outcome
Abstract

BACKGROUND: The existing pharmacological treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) can only slow the progression of symptoms or delay admission to long-term care facilities. The beneficial effects of non-drug treatments are poorly studied.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the effects of an Integrated Psychostimulation Program (IPP) in patients with mild-moderate AD treated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors; and to identify factors related to greater benefit of the IPP.

METHODS: 206 patients (mean age = 75.9 years; MMSE = 19.6) were evaluated before starting the IPP and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months later. Measures included: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Cognitive Subscale of Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-Cog), Rapid Disability Rating Scale (RDRS-2), and Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q).

RESULTS: Patients remained cognitively stable (MMSE/ADAS-Cog) for more than 6 months and significantly worsened at 9-month and 12-month follow-ups, without clinically significant functional changes (RDRS-2) or psychiatric symptoms(NPI-Q). The mean annual change on MMSE and ADAS-Cog were 2.06 and 3.56 points, respectively, lower than the annual decline demonstrated previously in similar patients (2.4 and 4.5, respectively). 42.7% of patients maintained or improved global cognitive scores between baseline and 12-month follow-up. The patients who maintained cognitive functions were older than those who did not (77.5 versus 74.7 years).

CONCLUSIONS: The IPP may be an effective treatment to maintain cognition, functionality, and psychiatric symptoms in AD patients pharmacologically treated, and older age seems to increase beneficial effects of IPP.

DOI10.3233/JAD-150455
Alternate JournalJ. Alzheimers Dis.
PubMed ID26757182
PubMed Central IDPMC4745126
Grant ListP50 AG005133 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
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Source URL: https://www.j-alz.com/content/beneficial-effects-integrated-psychostimulation-program-patients-alzheimers-disease