ABSTRACT
There is a growing attention worldwide to young-onset dementia (YOD) and this group's special challenges and needs. The literature on psychosocial interventions for this population is scarce, and little is known about the specific challenges and benefits of working therapeutically with this group of patients. The aim of this study was to explore if a manual-based structured cognitive behavioral/cognitive rehabilitation program would be beneficial for these patients. One case, a 63-year-old woman with YOD, is presented to illustrate how this intervention can be applied to individual patients to manage depressive symptoms in YOD.
Subject(s)
Age of Onset , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/methods , Dementia/rehabilitation , Dementia/diagnosis , Dementia/psychology , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Earlier detection of dementia requires increased knowledge of how to help people in the early stages of dementia. However, few studies have focused on how psychotherapy should be adapted to improve the outcome of therapy for people with Alzheimer's disease. The aims of the present study were to identify and to explore possible obstacles encountered during the use of manual-based psychotherapy for people with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The study found that individual adaptations to the treatment manual were necessary, particularly the modification of memory aids in order to adapt them to patients' functional level and previous experience with modern technology. In addition, caregivers were essential for both treatment and homework completion, while reduced awareness constituted an obstacle for adherence to the manual.
