Effects of repetitive work on maintaining function in Alzheimer's disease patients

Theressa Burns, J. Riley McCarten, Geri Adler, Mary Bauer, Michael A. Kuskowski

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

The effects of repetitive work on Alzheimer's disease (AD) patient functioning were examined when nine veterans were moved from a work program to a traditional adult day care program. Subjects were reassessed four months after the move with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Cognitive Performance Test (CPT), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Individual slopes were calculated for seven subjects who had longitudinal scores, and expected scores were predicted based on the rate of decline. Observed scores at reassessment were significantly lower than expected scores. The MMSE was on average 4.9 points lower, and the CPT. 64 points lower than expected. The GDS did not change. The spouses of all nine patients reported declines in daily living activities. Compared to traditional day care activities, work activities involve sequencing skills and practice may translate to self-care activities at home.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)39-44
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias
Volume19
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2004

Keywords

  • Adult day care
  • Allen cognitive level
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Cognitive Performance Test
  • Function

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effects of repetitive work on maintaining function in Alzheimer's disease patients'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this