Interactive computer-based cognitive training in patients with Alzheimer's disease

J Psychiatr Res. 1996 Nov-Dec;30(6):493-501. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3956(96)00036-2.

Abstract

The present paper presents data from ten patients suffering from mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD), all of whom were trained to use an interactive computer-based program. Using photographs of the patient and his or her personal surroundings, an everyday task of relevance to the patient was simulated on a PC-touch screen, which the patient was trained to operate. After three weeks of training (three to four sessions a week), the patients needed less help in performing the programs, they became faster, and eight out of ten made fewer mistakes. The results were most pronounced in patients with a poor performance at the beginning, and there was no difference between early-onset (EO) and late-onset (LO) AD patients. Although the training was generally well received, there was no evidence of a general cognitive improvement, and it remains an open question whether the results achieved with PC training can be transferred to real-life situations.

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living / psychology
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alzheimer Disease / psychology
  • Alzheimer Disease / rehabilitation*
  • Awareness
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology
  • Cognition Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Computer Literacy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microcomputers
  • Middle Aged
  • Orientation
  • Software*