EBP Compendium: Summary of Systematic Review
Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences; American Speech-Language-Hearing Association; Department of Veterans Affairs
Evidence-Based Practice Recommendations: Caregiver-Administered Active Cognitive Stimulation for Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease
Zientz, J., Rackley, A., et al.
(2007).
Journal of Medical Speech-Language Pathology, 15(3), xxvii-xxxiv
Indicators of Review Quality:
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The review addresses a clearly focused question
| Yes |
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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 quantitative studies pertaining to indirect interventions for individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). This review is part of a series of reports from the Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Science specific to the assessment and management of individuals with dementia.
Question(s) Addressed:
- What is the purpose and content of caregiver-administered active cognitive stimulation?
- Who are the participants who received this intervention?
- What are the outcomes of the intervention?
- What are the key methodological concerns?
- What are the clinically applicable trends across these studies?
Population: Individuals with the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
Intervention/Assessment: Indirect caregiver intervention. Active cognitive stimulation programs consisting of activities for memory and conversation skills.
Number of Studies Included: 3
Years Included: 1960 - 2002
Findings:
Conclusions:
- Treatment
- Cognitive-Communication
- Restorative Treatments
- Cognitive Stimulation - The authors of the review found active cognitive stimulation therapies to be beneficial in maintaining cognitive and behavioral function.
- Service Delivery
- Provider
- Caregiver-Administered Treatment
- Results from 3 studies support the training of caregivers to provide cognitive stimulation therapy for individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. However, methodological weakness of studies was noted.
- The authors of the review found active cognitive stimulation therapies to be beneficial in maintaining cognitive and behavioral function.
- Further research is warranted to determine the long term benefits of caregiver-administered treatment.
Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, Cognitive Stimulation
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Added to Compendium: January 2012