EBP Compendium: Summary of Systematic Review
Not stated
Alzheimer's and Non-Alzheimer's Dementia: A Critical Review of Pharmacological and Nonpharmacological Strategies
Saddichha, S., & Pandey, V.
(2008).
American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias, 23(2), 150-161.
Indicators of Review Quality:
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The review addresses a clearly focused question
| No |
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Criteria for inclusion of studies are provided
| No |
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Search strategy is described in sufficient detail for replication
| Yes |
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Included studies are assessed for study quality
| Yes |
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Quality assessments are reproducible
| Yes |
Description: This is a review of the scientific literature pertaining to nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatments for dementia. A number of nonpharmacologic treatments were addressed, including the use of cognitive strategies, reality orientation and cognitive stimulation treatments .
Question(s) Addressed:
Question not specifically stated.
Population: Alzheimer's and non-Alzheimer's dementia
Intervention/Assessment: Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
Number of Studies Included: Not stated
Years Included: 1980 - 2006
Findings:
Conclusions:
- Treatment
- Cognition
- Compensatory Treatments
- Cognitive strategies have been used successfully to reduce cognitive load on patients in the early stages of dementia.
- While evidence is only suggestive, cognitive "therapies are useful adjuncts to pharmacotherapy" (p. 158).
- Restorative Treatments
- General Findings
- Cognitive strategies have been used successfully to reduce cognitive load on patients in the early stages of dementia.
- While evidence is only suggestive, cognitive "therapies are useful adjuncts to pharmacotherapy" (p. 158).
- Reminiscence Therapy - Little evidence is available pertaining to reminiscence therapy, and the studies reviewed indicate inconclusive results.
- Reality Orientation - Reality orientation is an effective intervention for improving orientation to the temporal and spatial environment; however, it has not been demonstrated to improve well-being, communication, functional performance, or memory recall.
- Validation Therapy - Limited evidence suggests that validation therapy may be beneficial for individuals with dementia.
- Simulated Presence - Little conclusive evidence is available for life review therapies with some evidence suggestive for simulated presence therapy.
Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, Cognition, Memory
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Added to Compendium: December 2011