Effects of a psychological group intervention on neuropsychiatric symptoms and communication in Alzheimer’s dementia
Year of Publication 2012
Abstract
Background: Outcomes of a multicomponent psychological intervention designed for the treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms, communicative and emotional deficits in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s dementia were evaluated in a controlled trial. Core components of the program were milieu therapy interventions and music therapy.; Patients and Methods: A total of 49 patients were involved into a pre-post design. The treatment group (n=26) received the program for 6 months, while controls (n=23) participated in standard occupational therapy. Statistical analyses included t-tests, calculation of effect sizes, and two-way analyses of variance.; Results: After 6 months, the treatment group showed clear, partly significant improvement of anxiety, agitation, aggression, and apathy as well as social communication, emotional competence and activity levels relative to controls.; Conclusion: The program has the potential to increase psychological well-being and to improve communication in patients with Alzheimer’s dementia.;