ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to identify which factors may predict the best response to a comprehensive stimulation program in patients with dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as well as in their caregivers. METHODS: A six-month longitudinal study has been performed on 145 patients (55 with MCI and 90 with dementia), participating to a cognitive motor rehabilitation program, and their 131 caregivers, attending informational/psychoeducational interventions. Mini mental state examination, Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognition, and Clinician's Interview-Based Impression of Change-plus were used as primary outcome measures. RESULTS: Sixty-eight (46.9%) of the 145 subjects were classified as clinical responders. At baseline, responders had a significant less insight impairment, larger functional ability as well as less delusions, euphoria, and aberrant motor behaviors than the non-responder. After 6 months along with an improvement in cognition, responders showed decrease in behavioral disturbances and severity of the disturbances. During the 6 months of analysis, stability has been observed in caregiver's burden distress. After 6 months, the caregivers of MCI responders have their burden reduced. CONCLUSIONS: The high level of insight, the preserved functional abilities as well as the lack of severe delusions, euphoria, and aberrant motor behaviors are significant predictors of responsiveness to stimulation program.
