Results of the research of the effectiveness of specific therapy for people with dementia in Alzheimer's disease with late onset
Abstract
Objective: The content of the article is the results of a research survey. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of intensive combination therapy using occupational therapy and psychotherapy elements on the cognitive performance and emotional state of people suffering from dementia in late-onset Alzheimer's disease.
The research group was selected from facilities providing social services in the Ústí Region. Material and methods: The research was conducted in N = 48 (100 %) probands, with the representation of N = 35 (72.9 %) women in the age range of 66.1-71.0 years and N = 13 (27.1 %) men in the age range of 67.1-70.2 years with a diagnosis of dementia in late-onset Alzheimer's disease (according to ICD-10; F00.1).
In addition to the mentioned relevant features, we recorded emotional disorders in the probands according to the analysis of medical documentation. The last decisive relevant feature was also active participation in the activities of the facility.
The probands of the research group were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. In both groups, regular therapy was provided by the facility.
The experimental group had an increased number of intensive therapies for 2 months (8 weeks) 5 times a week for about 50 minutes. The intervention took place with individual or group therapy.
Auxiliary scientific forces took part in the intervention, performing regular practice at the time. Input and output testing was provided using standardized tests.
In the area of cognitive performance was used MMSE (short test of cognitive functions) and in the area of emotional state was applied BDI-II (Beck's selfassessment scale of depression for adults). Results: The obtained results (at the level of significance a = 0.05) show that the observed experimental group achieved slightly better results in the observed period in comparison with the control group, in the field of cognitive performance.
In the case of affectivity, the results after two months of follow-up in both groups were almost unchanged. In this case, we failed to demonstrate the effect of short-term intensive rehabilitation.