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

Objective: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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.