Dementia & Neuropsychologia ()

Effects of cognitive stimulation on neuropsychiatric symptoms in elderly with Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review

  • Raiana Lídice Mór Fukushima,
  • Elisangela Gisele do Carmo,
  • Renata do Valle Pedroso,
  • Pollyanna Natalia Micali,
  • Paula Secomandi Donadelli,
  • Gilson Fuzaro Junior,
  • Reisa Cristiane de Paula Venancio,
  • Juliana Viola,
  • José Luiz Riani Costa

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1980-5764-2016DN1003003
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 3
pp. 178 – 184

Abstract

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ABSTRACT Introduction: Neuropsychiatric symptoms are frequent in Alzheimer's disease and negatively affect patient quality of life. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of cognitive stimulation on neuropsychiatric symptoms in elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease. Methods: The included articles were reviewed between December 2015 and June 2016, and the inclusion criteria were: (1) studies involving older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease; (2) studies published in English, Spanish or Portuguese; (3) studies that determined the effect of cognitive stimulation on neuropsychiatric symptoms in elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease; (4) controlled trials. Results: Out of the total 722, 9 articles matched the inclusion criteria. Depression, apathy and anxiety were the most frequent symptoms. Conclusion: Studies reported significant results post-treatment, suggesting cognitive stimulation can be effective for these neuropsychiatric symptoms, thus improving the quality of life of Alzheimer's disease patients and their caregivers.

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