Cognitive rehabilitation in Alzheimer's disease patients: multidisciplinary team report

This study aims to show preliminary results of the 'combined treatment' (acetylcholinesterase inhibitor + cognitive training) on a group of mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, followed-up for 7 months. Six mild AD patients, diagnosed according to ICD-10 and NINCDS-ADRDA criteria, were included on a open trial with Rivastigmine, 6-12 mg/day, for 2 months, followed by a weekly cognitive rehabilitation group, for 5 months. Caregivers were submitted to a weekly group of counseling and support for 5 months. Stabilization or mild improvement of patients' cognitive and activities of daily living deficits were found, besides reduction of patients and caregivers' depressive and anxiety levels. The 'combined treatment' can help on the stabilization or result on a mild improvement of AD patients' cognitive and functional deficits. Support and counseling interventions can reduce the levels of caregivers' psychiatric symptoms.