The Effects of a Multimodal Intervention on Outcomes of Persons With Early-Stage Dementia

Theories supporting the existence of a use-dependent neuroplasticity in the older brain were used to guide this pilot study. A repeated-measures randomized design was used to test the effectiveness of a multimodal (Taiji exercises, cognitive-behavioral therapies, support group) intervention on cogni...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias 2008-08, Vol.23 (4), p.382-394
Main Authors: Burgener, Sandy C., Yang Yang, Gilbert, Ruth, Marsh-Yant, Sara
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptation, Psychological
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Cognition
Cognitive Therapy - methods
Cognitive Therapy - statistics & numerical data
Combined Modality Therapy
Dementia - nursing
Dementia - psychology
Dementia - therapy
Depression - nursing
Depression - psychology
Depression - therapy
Female
Humans
Male
Pilot Projects
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
Psychological Tests - statistics & numerical data
Psychotherapy - methods
Psychotherapy - statistics & numerical data
Self Concept
Severity of Illness Index
Time Factors
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:Theories supporting the existence of a use-dependent neuroplasticity in the older brain were used to guide this pilot study. A repeated-measures randomized design was used to test the effectiveness of a multimodal (Taiji exercises, cognitive-behavioral therapies, support group) intervention on cognitive functioning, physical functioning, and behavioral outcomes in persons with dementia. The treatment group (n = 24 persons with dementia) participated in a 40-week intervention, with outcomes assessed at 20 and 40 weeks to assess optimal treatment length. Control group subjects (n = 19 persons with dementia) received attention-control educational programs. At 20 weeks, differences between groups were found for mental ability and self-esteem, with gains in balance being evident. Also, stability in depression and physical health were evident at 20 and 40 weeks for treatment group subjects. Continued improvement in outcomes was not observed at 40 weeks. However, findings support further testing of the intervention along with potential for achieving positive outcomes in early-stage dementia.
ISSN:1533-3175
1938-2731
DOI:10.1177/1533317508317527