Premium
P4‐275: Strategic Memory Alzheimer’s Rehabilitation Training (Smart): Cognitive Protection and Intervention for Amnestic‐Type Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
Author(s) -
DenBoer John
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1016/j.jalz.2016.07.017
Subject(s) - dementia , mood , cognition , cognitive rehabilitation therapy , intervention (counseling) , psychology , montreal cognitive assessment , gerontology , cognitive training , memory impairment , physical medicine and rehabilitation , cognitive decline , cognitive impairment , medicine , audiology , physical therapy , psychiatry , disease
72% increase in dementia. Methods: Research has supported the use of cognitive intervention exercises to reduce early-stage dementia. Valenzuela and Sachdev (2009), in a literature review of 22 studies (involving approximately almost 30,000 individuals), found an overall risk reduction of 46% in individuals that were found to engage in a high level of regular cognitive activity. Perhaps more importantly, they found a dose-dependent relationship between cognitive exercise and reduction of dementia, which had not been found previously. Results:The SMART Memory Program (DenBoer, 2008) is a cognitive intervention designed to promote the reduction of early-stage dementia. Results of this program have shown significant promise (e.g., DenBoer, 2013), and the present researchers are currently engaging in multiple research studies. The program is effective via the use of new and novel cognitive exercises. Conclusions:The present study focuses on the cognitive and functional trajectory demonstrated by research subjects. Specifically, volunteer participants (all amnestic MCI/VCI individuals, n 1⁄4 278) demonstrated significant improvement as a result of the program, but only while doing it and immediately after completion. This is line with current research trends. Implications of this “use it or lose it” phenomenon are discussed.