Affiliations: Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4540, USA | Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4540, USA | Institute for Brain Aging, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4540, USA
Note: [] Correspondence to: J.P. Kesslak at above address
Note: [] This article originally appeared in a modified form in Alzheimer's Research (1997), 3, 151–157.
Abstract: Alzheimer's disease is clinically characterized by a variety of progressive cognitive deficits, most notably an impaired ability to acquire new information, such as name recall. Eleven demented patients and 11 controls participated in a 4 week memory program that included training in name–face recall. Individuals were taught strategies for name–face rehearsal, and administered task specific and standardized tests to assess the intervention efficacy. During the memory training patients improved recall of names and faces (p < 0.05), while controls remained stable. Patients also improved on the weekly standardized measures, including the Kendrick Digit Copy and Geriatric Depression Scale (p < 0.05). Thus, the memory training can be beneficial for improving name recall and some aspects of behavior. This can provide a framework for development of programs to enhance cognitive function in patients with dementia and may tap biological mechanisms that promote neural plasticity to compensate for the degenerative condition.
