Effects of cognitive stimulation on neuropsychiatric symptoms in elderly with Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review

ABSTRACT Introduction: Neuropsychiatric symptoms are frequent in Alzheimer's disease and negatively affect patient quality of life. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of cognitive stimulation on neuropsychiatric symptoms in elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease. Methods: The included articles were reviewed between December 2015 and June 2016, and the inclusion criteria were: (1) studies involving older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease; (2) studies published in English, Spanish or Portuguese; (3) studies that determined the effect of cognitive stimulation on neuropsychiatric symptoms in elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease; (4) controlled trials. Results: Out of the total 722, 9 articles matched the inclusion criteria. Depression, apathy and anxiety were the most frequent symptoms. Conclusion: Studies reported significant results post-treatment, suggesting cognitive stimulation can be effective for these neuropsychiatric symptoms, thus improving the quality of life of Alzheimer's disease patients and their caregivers.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Fukushima,Raiana Lídice Mór, Carmo,Elisangela Gisele do, Pedroso,Renata do Valle, Micali,Pollyanna Natalia, Donadelli,Paula Secomandi, Fuzaro Junior,Gilson, Venancio,Reisa Cristiane de Paula, Viola,Juliana, Costa,José Luiz Riani
Format:	Digital revista
Language:	English
Published:	Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, Departamento de Neurologia Cognitiva e Envelhecimento 2016
Online Access:	http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1980-57642016000300178
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