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Computer‐based Cognitive Training in Alzheimer's Disease Patients
Author(s) -
HOFMANN M.,
HOCK C.,
MÜLLERSPAHN F.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1996.tb34427.x
Subject(s) - psychology , cognition , competence (human resources) , cognitive training , everyday life , disease , cognitive impairment , medicine , psychiatry , social psychology , political science , law
Memory training programs for cognitively impaired patients have often been criticized for their lack of relevance to everyday activities. We therefore report our experience with four patients suffering from probable Alzheimer's disease, who were trained with a new computer based program recently developed by our research group. An everyday task of personal relevance to the patient is simulated and trained on a PC‐touch‐screen using personal photographs of the patient's surroundings and biography. According to the degree of cognitive impairment, training has three major aspects 1) social competence in patients with beginning deficiencies, 2) orientation in patients with moderate disease, and 3) emotional aspects in patients with advanced deficiencies. The patient's training performance improved substantially. While psychopathometric tests showed no significant effects with regard to general cognitive performance, levels of motivation were high and there was a positive acceptance of the training and signs of emotional activation.