[Computer-assisted individualized memory training in Alzheimer patients]

Nervenarzt. 1995 Sep;66(9):703-7.
[Article in German]

Abstract

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 two 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 was simulated and trained on a PC touch screen using personal photographs of the patient's surroundings and biography. The patient's training performance (time, mistakes, number of advices) 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, signs of emotional activation and of a transfer of the trained skills into real situations.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living / psychology*
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alzheimer Disease / psychology
  • Alzheimer Disease / rehabilitation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Recall*
  • Microcomputers*
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Retention, Psychology
  • Social Environment
  • Software*