Memory problems in dementia: adaptation and coping strategies and psychosocial treatments

Expert Rev Neurother. 2011 Dec;11(12):1769-81; quiz 1782. doi: 10.1586/ern.11.167.

Abstract

Memory problems are generally quite prominent in dementia and they have a significant impact on everyday functioning. Medication developed for Alzheimer's disease, for example, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, can slow down the increase of cognitive impairment for a while. In addition to pharmacotherapy, psychosocial treatment methods are also used, some of which have a positive effect on cognition, for example, cognitive rehabilitation, cognitive stimulation therapy and movement therapy. However, more research is needed. This article first describes the consequences of memory problems on the everyday life of people with dementia and summarizes research findings on how people with dementia experience and cope with their illness. We then discuss the most frequently applied psychosocial treatments for cognitive problems in dementia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Alzheimer Disease / drug therapy
  • Alzheimer Disease / epidemiology
  • Alzheimer Disease / psychology*
  • Cognition / drug effects
  • Cognition Disorders / drug therapy
  • Cognition Disorders / epidemiology
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology*
  • Cognition Disorders / therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Comorbidity
  • Dementia / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Memory Disorders / drug therapy
  • Memory Disorders / epidemiology
  • Memory Disorders / psychology*
  • Memory Disorders / therapy