Projects / Programmes
Effects Of Environment On The Treatment Of Medium Stage Alzheimer Disese
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 3.09.00 |
Medical sciences |
Psychiatry |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B220 |
Biomedical sciences |
Genetics, cytogenetics |
Alzheimer, therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, cognitive training, executive functions, memory
Researchers (12)
Organisations (1)
| no. |
Code |
Research organisation |
City |
Registration number |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
1620 |
University Psyhiatric Hospital |
Ljubljana - Polje |
1191004000 |
3,459 |
Abstract
Background: Dementia occurs in 5% of the population over 65 years, and it is five times more common in octogenarians than in septuagenarians. According to estimates, by the year 2030 at least 20 percent of the population will be suffering from this illness. The dementia syndrome is characterized by a general decrease of cognitive functioning, personality changes, and by motivation and mood alterations. A patient is gradually becoming incapable of performing basic activities of daily living. The most common dementia with 50-60% is cortical Alzheimer's dementia (AD). Introduction of the problem: Aging of the population is an expansive phenomenon that is accompanied by and increased incidence of dementia. The results of pharmacological intervention vary because of the complexity of the problem and due to a non-integral treatment approach. Biological treatment is effective in the short term and it slows down and/or delays the progression of the illness. Rehabilitative cognitive training is beneficial. The influence of the environment is ambiguous; home environment has its advantages but also its deficiencies. The interaction of these factors is interlaced also with the presence or absence of depressiveness, either in the present moment or in the past. Research goals: To evaluate individual components of treatment of moderate AD in subjects living in different environments who are treated with different approaches. All subjects will receive pharmacological treatment. Originality of results: The impact of the interaction of the mentioned factors has not been found in the literature. Method: The study will include three groups of elderly patients with moderate AD according to MMSE (<21) and the diagnostic criteria, that will be receiving treatment. One group will include subjects living at home, the second group will consist of the elderly living in retirement homes, and the third will comprise the elderly living in retirement homes who are included in a rehabilitation program. One half of the elderly will be between 65 and 75 years of age, and the other half will be older than 75 years. On half of the proportionally dispersed subjects will be suffering from concomitant depression and AD. Exclusion criteria for the elderly with moderate AD are: unfinished primary school, two or more neurological problems, cardiovascular disease with complications, endocrine disorders, other psychiatric disorders or illnesses, use of psychotropic medication, extrapyramidal signs. The patients will be assessed twice with neuropsychological instruments: at study baseline and one year after the initial examination. The first assessment will also include a CT scan. The results obtained at two different time points in the ageing process will be compared both within each group and between groups. Expected results: The results will help us establish a more integral approach to AD and improve the systemic aspects of treatment, treatment itself and consequentially the quality of life of the elderly.
Significance for science
It is known that, although relative, cognitive decline and slowing of mental processes are present in all elderly people. Environment exerts a marked impact on cognitive processes, both with its preventive as well as compromising influence. Regarding cognitive effectiveness itself mood plays an important role, mostly through the interplay with the cognitive domain of attention. Consequently there is an important interrelationship between cognitive and emotional - mood processes. The evaluation of environmental influences represent the ground for the management, preventive measures and education regarding dementia in the elderly.
Significance for the country
In Slovenia there is some specificity regarding the inclusion of the elderly in institutional environment. Especially in rural areas the elderly stay in their home environment under the care of their family members even when institutional care is highly needed. The later provides cognition rehabilitation programmes, witch without emotional support coming from the elderly home environment are not effective.
The study provides the evaluation of the situations in individual residential environments, leading to possible development of the programmes with the emotional support included. Before the results of our study the interplay of cognitive and emotional factors in the elderly was not stressed enough nor was it included in any management process or preventive programme regarding dementia in the elderly.
Most important scientific results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2008,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
